4 Reasons You Should Never Paint Over Mould

Have you ever noticed mould on a ceiling or wall and thought, "I’ll just paint over it—problem solved"?

If so, take a moment to reconsider. From our experience, painting over mould is one of the worst things you can do.

And here’s why we never recommend it:

1. It Doesn’t Fix the Problem – It Hides It

Painting over mould might make it disappear temporarily, but the problem is still very much alive beneath the surface. Mould must be properly treated—not just concealed—to prevent the release of harmful mycotoxins that can cause irritation or illness in your household.

2. It Makes the Mould Harder to Find Later

We often visit homes where there are clear signs of mould—such as a musty smell or unexplained health symptoms—but no visible mould. In many of these cases, the mould was simply painted over. What could have been a small, easily treated patch often turns into a much bigger issue that can require cutting into walls or ceilings to locate the source.

3. Paint Doesn’t Stop Mould Growth

Despite what some might think, most paints are porous and offer no barrier to mould growth. The mould will simply continue to grow underneath—and eventually, it will reappear on the surface.

4. It Can Drive Mould Deeper Into Your Home

When mould is sealed under a layer of paint, you encourage the mould to grow deeper into building materials. This can lead to mould spreading into wall cavities and other hidden areas, making the problem even harder—and more expensive—to fix.

The Bottom line?
Always treat mould the right way before considering any cosmetic fixes. Proper remediation not only protects your home but also the health of everyone in it.

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