How to get rid of mould and stains on a ceiling
While mould can be prevented by ensuring proper ventilation, if your bathroom ceiling suffers from recurring outbreaks of mould, or if there are mould stains on the ceiling then here's a way to kill off mould spores and have a beautiful and white ceiling.
As soon as you spot any signs of mould - no matter how small - it's time to take action. Mould quickly establishes a colony of living organisms that quickly spread and take over. The sooner you act - the less work you have to do to stop the mould.
Step 1
Depending on the size of the infected area use a soft scrubbing brush or an old toothbrush to clean the surface with a mixture of 80% white spirit vinegar and 20% clean water. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
GOOD TO KNOW: You can add 20 drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that kills off fungus and mould. Leave either solution on the surface for about 30 minutes and then wipe with a slightly damp cloth.
Note: If the painted finish on a plastered or painted ceiling has started to flake, use a paint scraper to remove any remaining flakes.
You can also use a paint scraper to apply a thin layer of Polycell Mendall 90 to cover any bare spots and blend with the surrounding surface. If you have a popcorn finish (shown left), disguise the repair by dabbing the surface with a sea sponge to blend. A smooth finish can be achieved by lightly sanding the patch once dry with 180-grit sandpaper or a fine sanding sponge.
Step 2
On a ceiling previously coated with oil-based / enamel paint, lightly sand the entire ceiling before applying Plascon Universal Undercoat. Let this dry overnight and then apply Plascon Kitchens & Bathrooms paint. Two coats are more than enough to hide imperfections or stains and be sure to allow drying time between each coat.
No undercoat is required if the existing finish is acrylic paint.
Painting Tips
- ◊ Ensure adequate ventilation when painting in a small, confined space such as a bathroom. Open windows and doors.
- ◊ On a smooth ceiling, apply paint with a foam roller for a brush-stroke-free finish.
- ◊ Use masking tape to mask off any areas not being painted.
- ◊ Wash brushes in warm, soapy water immediately after use and hang up to dry.
