Hey everyone! My wife and I just moved into a new house and discovered that the previous owner painted over the bathroom shower tile with cheap white paint. Now it's peeling because of the humidity from the shower. We suspect they might have been trying to hide mold. I'm looking for advice on two main things: how to check if there's mold hiding under the paint, and what the best method is to remove the leftover paint. Here's a link to some images of the situation: [View Images](https://imgur.com/a/z57m6Ve). Thanks for any help!
3 Answers
To get rid of that paint, I’d suggest scraping it off first. After that, use a primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3, then paint it. Make sure to let everything cure properly as per the instructions—it's super important! If you skip that, the paint won’t hold up.
You know, it's true that almost every bathroom has some mold; it just might be hidden away. If you really want to check for mold, look for any dark spots under the paint. A quick wash with a bleach cleaner can help if you're worried about it. More likely, the seller painted to cover up failing grout or something similar. Keep an eye out for soft spots or loose tiles too; that might signal bigger issues.
If I'm in your shoes, I'd try using a steamer with a cloth pad to help heat up and wipe the paint away. You could even use an old T-shirt or towel for this; just toss it out when you're done. It should make the job a bit easier!