Saturday, February 18, 2006

Dealing with water stains and mildew.

One of the most common household problems is water stains and mildew on walls and/or ceilings. It happens to most everyone. The common causes are a leaky roof, a burst, pipe, melting snow, or excessive bathroom moisture etc.
You might be tempted to cover a water stain by applying a fresh coat of paint. But, chances are, it won't work. Most water stains will bleed right through ordinary paints. Besides this problem creates an ideal environment for the growth of mold & mildew, you don't want that.

Identify and fix the source of the moisture or leak and make sure the surface is sound.

Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt and the deposits . Use a bleach-and-water solution to remove mildew and rinse the surface thoroughly.

Dry the surface thoroughly. Use a hair dryer to dry small areas. Larger areas may require the use of a dehumidifier, heater or fan.

Prime the surface with a shellac base primer-sealer. For small or hard to reach stains, use aerosol spray. Use an old tooth brush in corners.

In high humidity areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, repaint with a product that prevents future mildew growth on the paint film. Ask for this type at the paint counter.

Cheers

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