Paint over mould and it comes back through. The lasting fix starts with the cause, not the colour.
Painting straight over a damp patch or black mould is one of the most common decorating mistakes, and it never works for long — the problem simply grows back through the fresh paint. A little detective work first saves you doing the job twice.
Work out the cause
- Condensation — black speckly mould in corners, around windows and in poorly ventilated rooms like bathrooms.
- Penetrating damp — a patch that follows rain, often near a wall, roof or window issue outside.
- Rising damp — a tide-mark low down on ground-floor walls.
Condensation mould is usually a ventilation and heating issue you can improve; persistent penetrating or rising damp often needs the underlying building problem addressed before any paint goes near it.
Treat, then paint
Once the source is dealt with and the wall is dry, treat existing mould with a suitable mould remover rather than just wiping or painting over it. Let it dry fully. For rooms that stay humid, a moisture-resistant or specialist finish helps — but it manages the symptom, it does not replace fixing the cause.
We stock mould treatments and the right finishes for kitchens and bathrooms, and we are always happy to talk through what you are seeing so you treat it once, properly.
