I'm dealing with a really mildewed bathroom ceiling due to basically no ventilation. When we bought the house from a family member, the damage was already there. The paint is chipping and peeling in spots. Here's the plan I came up with to fix it, but I'd love any advice to make it better:
1. Spray it with mold remover and scrub it down, then let it dry.
2. Scrape off all the chipped paint.
3. Sand the area and wipe it clean.
4. Use a mold and mildew primer.
5. Repaint with the trim paint we used elsewhere in the house, which is some sort of basic Sherwin Williams from Lowe's.
Any tips or recommendations for materials would be super helpful. Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Are you planning to install some ventilation afterwards? That’s crucial since mold will keep coming back without it. Your plan sounds solid overall, but just a heads up—what sheen is your trim paint? Usually, trim paint has a shinier finish, which isn't ideal for ceilings.
You might want to try 100% bleach on the mildewed areas first. Let it sit for 24 hours before moving on to step 2. Just a warning though, make sure to get proper ventilation set up afterwards! The mold will just come back even if you use 'mold-proof' paint.
But seriously, don’t use bleach on mold, especially on porous surfaces. It can make things worse!
Have you thought about using mold-resistant paint? Honestly, I find chemical cleaners don't do much for mold. Steam cleaning tends to be a more effective method. You can grab a decent portable steam cleaner on Amazon for about $50. They're great for cleaning bathrooms, including grout and tile!
I might actually have a steam cleaner! I totally forgot about using it for this. Thanks for the suggestion!
We aren’t showering there right now because the previous owners let the shower rot, so it’s just a guest bathroom for now. I’d just like a clean ceiling for guests. I believe the paint is satin, but I can switch it if needed.