🦠 How to Tell if Your Walls Have Mold or Mildew – And What to Do Before Painting

Sunshine Pro Paints | Jacksonville, FL

🏡 Why This Matters in Florida

In Jacksonville’s humid climate, mold and mildew are more than just an eyesore — they’re a serious issue that can compromise the quality of your paint job and your indoor air quality. Painting over mold won’t fix the problem. In fact, it can make it worse.
Here’s how to identify mold or mildew on your walls — and what to do about it before painting.

🚨 How to Spot Mold or Mildew on Walls

Not sure if it’s just dirt or something more serious?
Here are key signs:

✅ Discoloration – Green, black, or brown blotches (especially near windows, bathrooms, kitchens).
✅ Musty Smell – If the room smells damp or earthy, check the corners.
✅ Peeling or Bubbling Paint – Moisture under the paint can be a red flag.
✅ Recurring Spots – You clean it, and it keeps coming back. That’s not just dirt.

🧪 Mold vs. Mildew: What’s the Difference?

MildewMoldGray or whiteBlack or greenPowdery textureSlimy or fuzzyEasier to cleanRequires more aggressive removalGrows on surfacePenetrates deeper into materials

🧽 What NOT to Do Before Painting

❌ Don’t just wipe it and paint over it.
❌ Don’t skip primer designed for mold resistance.
❌ Don’t ignore the source of moisture (like a leaky pipe or poor ventilation).

✅ What to Do Instead

1. Find the Source of Moisture
   Leaky windows? Poor ventilation in the bathroom? Fix that first.

2. Treat the Affected Area
   Use mold-killing products or hire a pro for serious cases.

3. Use Mold-Resistant Primer & Paint
   We use high-quality coatings designed for Florida’s climate.

4. Call a Professional Painter (That’s Us!)
   We prep the surface right and ensure the mold stays gone.

💬 Real Talk from the Pros

“We’ve repainted homes where previous owners just painted over mildew — and it came right back through the paint in months. That’s why we never skip proper surface prep.”
– Luis Bermúdez, Sunshine Pro Paint

🔨 Sunshine Pro Paints Has You Covered

We don’t just paint – we protect your home.
With years of experience painting homes in hot, humid climates, we know how to spot and stop mold before it ruins your walls and your wallet.

📞 Get a Free Estimate

Need your walls inspected before painting?
Call or text us today at (904) 935-9955 and let’s make sure your home is healthy and beautiful.