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Discussion Forum

Drywall Mold Stains

msw | Posted in General Discussion on June 21, 2008 11:55am

I have a lot of dark black mold stains on both my drywall as well as on the chaulking in my bathroom.

How can I remove it so that it never comes back?  I have tried to repaint it but the mold stains keep peeking out as well as through the new chaulking. 

Is there any primer for paintng that can prevent the mold from showing through.

 

 

 

 

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  1. User avater
    shelternerd | Jun 22, 2008 12:12am | #1

    Use oil based Kilz or Bins for a primer when you re-paint and change out the switch on the bath fan to a Cooper 6109 occupancy sensor ($35 at Lowes) so every time someone enters the bathroom the fan runs for 20 to 45 minutes. And make sure the fan is functional. It may be worth while to upgrade the fan to one of those energy star Panasonic models.

    m

    ------------------

    "You cannot work hard enough to make up for a sloppy estimate."

    1. Henley | Jun 22, 2008 04:07am | #3

      I have to have one of those!
      WWIII with the wife over Panasonic with humidity sensor vs
      pretty no-name.
      So needless to say I have a very attractive fan sitting right
      here with no sensor.
      But I couldn't pull it up on Lowes web sight.

      1. User avater
        shelternerd | Jun 22, 2008 04:56am | #5

        Found it! only 21.93 at my local store. I keep a pile of them in my shop. It works best to mount it in an out of the way place like next to the GFCI over the vanity as it is possible to toggle it to the off position and disable the function. I've even thought about installing them in the toe space under the vanity to keep folks from messing with it. From Lowes website:Cooper Wiring Devices
        Decorator Single Pole Motion Switch with Adjustable Photocell and Adjustable Time DelayItem #: 39638 Model: K6109W-L
        $21.93------------------

        "You cannot work hard enough to make up for a sloppy estimate."

        1. User avater
          BillHartmann | Jun 22, 2008 04:24pm | #6

          " I've even thought about installing them in the toe space under the vanity to keep folks from messing with it."Probably won't work very well.It won't see enough IR to trigger..
          .
          A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

  2. jimk | Jun 22, 2008 12:26am | #2

    As far as the wall goes,spray the mold with some bleach first to kill the mold rather than just covering it. Find the source of the moisture that it's feeding off of and correct that or else it's a never ending thing.It needs moisture and a food supply(paper backing on the drywall,binders in the paint,wood). There are also paints that claim not to support the growth of mold.

    The caulking of the tub needs to be removed completely.Wipe out the gap between the wall and the tub as best you can and then spray with bleach.Let it sit for a while then wipe up, and scrub the area with alcohol to remove any caulking residue from the tub.If one was to simply caulk over the old caulk,the mold will grow through pretty quickly.

    Make sure you have adequate ventilation in the bathroom.Open a window after or during showering,let the fan run for a bit after you're done showering,and repair any leaks or drips.I've heard from tile guys that it's good practice to wipe down the stall after a shower with a towel or a squeegie,but hardly anyone does that.Basically the less moisture you have the better off you'll be.

     

     

  3. User avater
    Matt | Jun 22, 2008 04:17am | #4

    been there, done that.

     Get better ventilation or find and correct the water source.

    Tear out the drywall.  Replace.  Once it gets fully wet, it's toast.

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