If you’ve spotted mold on your walls or ceiling, your first instinct might be to paint over it to make it disappear. While this may seem like a quick fix, painting over mold is not a solution—it’s a mistake that can cost you more in the long run.
At Crown Mold Specialists, we’ve seen many cases where mold was hidden under fresh paint, only to return worse than before. In this post, we’ll explain why covering mold with paint doesn’t work and what you should do instead.
Why people paint over mold
Many homeowners or landlords attempt to cover mold with paint for a quick cosmetic improvement. It’s common in NYC rental units or homes preparing for sale. Some may believe that paint will “seal in” the mold or stop it from spreading. Unfortunately, that’s far from true.
Why painting over mold doesn’t work
1. Mold will continue to grow underneath
Mold feeds on moisture and organic materials, like drywall or wood. Paint doesn’t remove the source of the problem—it simply traps it, allowing it to grow behind the surface.
2. Paint may peel or bubble
As mold continues to grow, it can cause paint to bubble, crack, or peel, ruining the appearance you tried to improve.
3. Health risks remain
Even if mold is hidden, it can still release spores into the air, causing allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and other health problems—especially in children and sensitive individuals.
4. It delays proper treatment
Painting over mold gives a false sense of resolution, which can delay proper remediation and allow the damage to worsen.
What to do instead
Identify the source
Is the mold caused by a leak, poor ventilation, or high humidity? Solving the underlying moisture problem is the first step to permanent mold removal.
Hire a mold specialist
Professional mold remediation ensures the affected materials are properly treated or removed—not just covered. We use industry-grade tools and EPA-approved products to eliminate mold safely.
Use mold-resistant paint after remediation
Once the mold has been professionally removed and the area is completely dry, applying mold-resistant or antimicrobial paint can help prevent future growth.
Final thoughts
Painting over mold may hide the problem temporarily, but it doesn’t fix the cause—and it could make things worse. If you notice mold in your NYC home or apartment, skip the paint and contact the professionals.
At Crown Mold Specialists, we provide expert mold inspections and safe, lasting remediation across the five boroughs.