Are you tired of that huge blotch of mold on your wall? It could be affecting your health. These microorganisms can be a huge disrupter of your peace and wellbeing, and even cause damage to your home.
As the name suggests, mold and mildew resistant paints are made with antimicrobial substances. These prevent mold and mildew from growing and spreading. It’s an efficient way of addressing this common problem.
But how do you decide which is the best mold killing primer to buy, and what are your options?
Mold and Mildew Resistant Paint Finish Options
Mold and mildew resistant paints are available in different types of finishes. While they all look attractive in their own way, they also have varying characteristics best suited for different surfaces. This determines where they would be most effective.
Let’s take a look at the options available and their ideal surfaces:
Matte (Flat)
With 0–10 percent gloss, a matte (or flat) finish offers no reflectivity of light. This makes it unsuitable for places that receive little natural light. It’s more suited, instead, for hiding imperfections such as cracks and patches.
Being the least durable of all finishes, it’s also difficult to clean (1). Therefore, matte coats are suitable for dry areas of the house with low traffic. As such, it works well on areas such as ceilings, since no one touches the ceiling.
It can be used for bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms as well. However, we’d recommend it for homes without young children or pets. It’s also not the best paint for the toilet or bathroom because of its low water resistance.
Eggshell
Like matte, eggshell has a low reflective sheen with a 10–25 percent gloss composition. Use it for rustic-style walls or adding a vintage touch to wooden furniture.
It’s also slightly more durable and provides more protection than matte. It’s easier to clean as well.
Satin
Often categorized alongside eggshell because of its slight luster, satin offers more durability and features about 25–35 percent gloss.
Since it’s more durable and easier to clean, it sort of fits into the role of middle ground. It offers just a slight gloss. But at the same time, it provides the same uses as eggshell or matte finishes.
Satin paint works well in high traffic rooms and can even be used outdoors. However, it doesn’t hide imperfections as well as matte or eggshell.
Low or Semi-Gloss
This is a popular coat suitable for rooms with both high and low moisture levels. With 35–70 percent gloss, it offers drastically more light reflectivity than satin. However, because of its high reflectivity, it cannot hide imperfections on the wall.
It’s very durable, making it ideal for rooms with lots of activity and traffic. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. As it’s very easy to clean, satin paint can be used in the bathroom, toilet and kitchen.
High Gloss
With 70–100 percent gloss, high gloss is the most durable and reflective coat out there.
It’s the easiest to clean and can be applied just about anywhere, including high-traffic areas. High gloss paint is perfect for door trims, woodwork, molding, cabinets, kitchens, bathrooms and even outdoors.
With zero imperfection-hiding qualities, however, it would be difficult to apply by oneself. So, we’d recommend using a professional.
Selecting the Best Mold and Mildew Resistant Paints
We have come up with a list of features to check for when choosing mold and mildew resistant paints. That way, you can make a decision that suits your needs.
Guaranteed Duration
How long will it last? This is the first question that should come to mind when making a choice. To be cost-effective, it’s best to get a product that is guaranteed to last for a while.
The endurance of the paint itself and the effectiveness of its resistance to mold and mildew differ greatly. More often than not, the paint outlasts its ability to protect your walls from mold and mildew.
This means you might still have a decent wall of paint, but it will no longer be resistant to mold. Pay special attention to this particular detail so you know when you might have to repaint.
Coverage Area
Knowing how many square feet a particular product can cover per gallon helps a great deal — the more the better.
This figure determines how much of an area you can paint with what you have. So, for example, paint with a coverage area of 400 square feet per gallon would be preferable to one that covers 250 square feet per gallon. This can vary depending on how porous the surface is.
Ultimately, though, knowing the coverage area helps you know how much paint to purchase.
Base
This refers to the type of solvent used in the paint. It is the liquid component of the paint that evaporates when the paint dries.
Oil-Based
This type of paint uses an organic solvent made up of petrochemicals and plants. When it evaporates into the air, it becomes a volatile organic compound (VOC). This vapor can be harmful to your health (2).
Therefore, when applying, it’s recommended to ensure that there is good ventilation. Oil-based paints have a high sheen level, but lose this over time. Although they possess less flexibility, they are quite resistant to wear and tear.
Water-Based
Also known as acrylic paint, water-based paints are made up of mostly water. They release considerably fewer VOCs into the air. They’re also considered better for the environment and general health.
While water-based paint has a lower sheen finish, it lasts longer over time. They also possess flexibility that prevents them from cracking (3).
We recommend water-based paints because of their eco-friendliness.
Waterproof
A mold and mildew resistant paint should be either water-resistant or waterproof. This refers to how much moisture exposure it can sustain.
This property protects against excessive moisture and prevents damage that can lead to costly repairs. If moisture gets into the surface, then mildew or mold can build up, causing ugly stains and creating potential health issues as well.
Waterproof paint is ideal for bathrooms or parts of the house with high moisture levels because it prevents moisture from seeping into the walls.
Self Priming
When a surface isn’t water-resistant and will be exposed to the elements, priming is compulsory before painting. Priming helps provide better adhesion to a surface. It enhances durability and provides extra protection for the painted material.
Take Note
The Best Mold and Mildew Resistant Paints of 2020
We’ve researched the best products on the market and read in-depth product reviews from clients who’ve used them. We’ve chosen the most efficient. Here are the five best mold and mildew resistant paints.
1. Kilz Interior/Exterior Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint
This Kilz paint can be used both indoors and outdoors. It features a wonderful formula, allowing it to waterproof and seal any porous surfaces in your home.
This mold and mildew resistant paint uses nanotechnology, allowing the paint to form a barrier, which stops water infiltration. It’s perfect to prep wet places in the home. However, it shouldn’t be used on surfaces with active water leaks.
Its alkali resistant coating provides you with a long-lasting, decorative and durable finish. This paint can be used on basement walls, masonry walls, concrete blocks and brick.
- Great for indoors and outdoors.
- Creates a waterproof barrier.
- Easily applied with a brush, roller or sprayer.
- Low odor.
- Cannot be used on floors.
- Have to use primer.
Additional Specs
| Primer Required? | Yes |
| Coverage | 75 to 125 square feet per gallon |
| Size | 1 gallon |
| Finish | Flat |
| Base | Water-based |
2. Rust-Oleum Perma-White Mold and Mildew Proof Interior Paint
This is a high-performance mold resistant paint with a low odor coating. It’s great for high moisture areas, such as garages, bathrooms and basements.
The resistance to mold and mildew in the paint comes with a five-year guarantee. So you can rest easy knowing your surfaces are safe for a while. Plus, the water-based paint has a washable, moisture-resistant finish and a coverage area of 400 square feet per gallon.
It’s available in a white semi-gloss color. The paint is tintable to off-white, pastel and medium colors.
It’s also a self-priming paint and sticks on the surface without the need for primer. The self-priming feature isn’t as effective as other mold-resistant paints, but it’s a bonus.
- Mold resistance lasts five years.
- Self-priming.
- Large coverage area.
- Moisture-repellent.
- Mild ammonia smell.
Additional Specs
| Primer Required? | No |
| Coverage | 400 square feet per gallon |
| Size | 1 gallon |
| Finish | Semi-gloss |
| Base | Water-based |
3. Fiberlock - Aftershock - EPA Registered Fungicidal Coating
This paint is an EPA-registered fungicidal coating sure to kill mold and mildew and prevent future growth in your home.
Fiberlock Aftershock is a semi-gloss finish paint better used indoors for walls and ceilings. It’s also a low VOC and low odor paint. However, some people and pets might react to it due to the high level of ammonia it emits.
It comes in a white color and is a self-priming paint, but also doubles as a finisher.
- Low odor.
- Self-priming.
- Large coverage area on smooth surfaces.
- Strong ammonia smell.
- Can cause issues for those with chemical sensitivity.
Additional Specs
| Primer Required? | No |
| Coverage | 150 to 400 square feet per gallon |
| Size | 1 gallon |
| Finish | Semi-gloss |
| Base | Water-based |
4. Kilz Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint
KILZ Masonry, Stucco and Brick flat paint offers nothing less than high quality. The acrylic latex paint provides excellent hiding abilities, making it superb for both interior and exterior surfaces. It’s also an excellent mold and mildew-resistant paint.
It’s self-priming, provides an excellent grip and has great water repellency. The formula works properly on prepared/smooth or rough/textured masonry, stucco and brick surfaces.
This paint is available in premixed colors other than white, such as gray and tan.
- Self-priming.
- Available in many colors.
- Large coverage area.
- Users complain about colors not arriving as selected.
Additional Specs
| Primer Required? | No |
| Coverage | 250 to 400 square feet per gallon |
| Size | 1 gallon |
| Finish | Flat |
| Base | Water-based |
5. Rust-Oleum Watertite 5001
Slightly different from other Rust-Oleum products, this paint is oil-based and has a lower odor competing with standard latex paints.
It contains antimicrobial agents. These guarantee no growth or spread of mold and mildew for the next five years.
Watertite paint is also guaranteed to act as a barrier against up to 34 psi of water pressure. This means it has twice the strength of conventional waterproof paints. It can be used inside or outside, on wet or dry walls.
- Twice the strength of other waterproof paint.
- Self-priming
- Duration of five years.
- Oil-based.
Additional Specs
| Primer Required? | No |
| Coverage | 75 to 125 square feet per gallon |
| Size | 1 gallon |
| Finish | Flat |
| Base | Oil-based |
Detailed Comparison Chart
| Product | Best | Need Primer | Coverage | Size | Finish | Base |
| Kilz Interior/Exterior Paint | Wet Areas | Yes | 75 – 125 sq ft / gal | 1 gal | Flat | Water |
| Rust-Oleum Perma-White Paint | Self Primer | No | 400 sq ft / gal | 1 gal | Semi-gloss | Water |
| Fiberlock-Aftershock Fungicidal Coating | Interiors | No | 150 – 400 sq ft / gal | 1 gal | Semi-gloss | Water |
| Kilz Masonry, Stucco & Brick Paint | All Surfaces | No | 250 – 400 sq ft / gal | 1 gal | Flat | Water |
| Rust-Oleum Watertite 5001 | Exterior | No | 75 – 125 sq ft / gal | 1 gal | Flat | Oil |
Mold and Mildew Go Away
Whichever of our recommended best mold and mildew resistant paints you decide to choose should depend entirely on how it meets your needs and preferences.
Make sure to check out the coverage, durability, priming options, water-resistance and base before making your selection. Mold and mildew resistant paints are relatively easy to use. As long as you follow the right steps, there will be no mold outbreak in your home anytime soon.
