Best Mold and Mildew Resistant Exterior Paint

Not only does mildew or mold ruin your wall, those huge green blotch could cause you severe health problems, it gives off allergens, could trigger asthma attacks and it can also cause you lung problems.

So you see, they are bad news and need to be taken care of fast.

Using the best mildew resistant exterior paint is one of the best ways to get rid of mildew or mold off your wall, and they give you 5 years of guaranteed protection against any future spread.

But before you use mildew-resistant spray on your wall, you want to determine the causes of the mildew. 

If it’s from a water leak, poor ventilation or water ingress. You want to solve this issue first before you apply the paint, else your efforts won’t be up to much use.

So if you are looking for the best mold resistant exterior paint, here’s our top pick

10 Best Mildew and Mold Resistant Exterior Paint

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1. Rust-Oleum 02761 Perma-White Mold & Mildew Proof Interior Paint, SemiGloss Finish

Last update on 2022-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This paint has a scrubable and washable finish, it is very easy to apply because it is a self-priming paint.

This paint is water-based, and not only is it a great paint for protecting your home from mildew, it is also fade-resistant, which means your surface will look shiny for long

It is perfect for bathroom, toilet and basement. It is available in colors like off-white and pastel colors. It has a semi gloss finish and can be used for both indoor and outdoor areas.

Its a mildew proof paint that has low odor and comes with a lifetime warranty. If you apply this paint to areas like your bathroom, you just have to wait for 24hours before you can use the bathroom.

2. Rust-Oleum 2774 Zinsser Interior Eggshell Paint

Last update on 2021-06-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is another great mildew resistant exterior paint, it is a self-primer which allows it to be applied without air bubbles.

It features a nanotechnology that has fungicidal protective properties that helps to stop and prevent the spread of mildew.

It is a great paint option, it is also scrubable and washable and it has dirt and grease resistance. It is a water-based paint which means that it dries up very quickly it comes with a 5year warranty

3. KILZ Interior/Exterior Self-Priming Masonry, Stucco & Brick Paint

This paint can be used for both indoor and outdoor painting, it sticks easily to even rough surfaces, and it gives you a bubble-free application.

Kilz paint has a pH level of 12, which makes it great for different types of surface like concrete, powdery surfaces and even cement.

One gallon of Kilz paint is estimated to cover up to 300 square feet depending on the type of surface. Its a waterproof paint that uses nanotechnology to create an intense shield against water.

Like mentioned before, you want to always treat water leakage of water ingress before applying this paint, because water infiltration is going to reduce the durability of this paint.

You can use either a paint roller or an airless sprayer, after application, you have to let the paint dry for at least 4 hours, and it takes about two weeks for the paint to totally cure.

After that, you want to give the paint a good scrub down with soap and water. 

You want to make sure to always remove any mildew buildup on the wall before you apply your paint, kilz masonry paint is self-priming so you don’t need to sand your wall surface.

This paint comes premixed and in different colors like grey, bright white, warm tan and slate gray.

This paint is specially made to resemble common outdoor and indoor masonry such as brick surfaces and stucco.

4. Rust-Oleum’s 5001 Watertite Mold &Mildew-Proof Paint 

It is 2x stronger than most paint brands and it combines waterproof resin with Portland cement to give you a sturdy waterproof surface. It is an oil-based paint with a powerful coating that block up to 34 PSI of water.

This paint cannot be used on floors, but it can be used for any kind of wall surfaces and even wet walls. It comes in a bright white color that applies smoothly to any surface.

You don’t need to apply a primer to the wall before applying the paint because its flat white color will not show through light topcoat.

Rust Oleum 50001 mildew paint might be a little bit pricey but it comes with a waterproof lifetime guarantee and can be used for every surface from masonry to drywall, so i think its worth every penny.

5. Diamond Brite Paint 21700 1-Gallon Semi-Gloss Latex Paint Dove Grey

It can be applied to different wall surfaces like masonry, drywall, and cement, a gallon of the Diamond Brite paint can cover up to 300 square feet.

This paint is available in premixed colors and different coating. It has low odor and is also dirt and grease resistant.

You can use a paint roller, brush or sprayer to apply this paint, it can be applied easily that you don’t need a professional for this paint, it comes with painting instructions and shipping packaging.

6.    Fiberlock Aftershock

Each gallon of this paint can cover up to 400 square feet depending on the texture of the wall you are applying it to.

This paint can be applied to different surfaces like wood, concrete and drywall. It is a self-priming paint that has a bright white color and is great for high traffic areas.  

The 10-year warranty ensures that you get a decade of mildew-free coverage or a refund.

It is a semi-gloss finish paint that is best for indoor walls and ceilings. The only downside to this paint is that it emits high level of ammonia which can be dangerous to you, your kids or pets.

7. Zinsser Perma-White Mold & Mildew-Proof Interior Paint

This is the best mildew preventative paint for moisture-prone areas like the bathroom, this paint won’t flake or peel when you clean it with soap and water like most paint in the market.

It comes in different colors like off-white, semi-gloss, tan and pastel colors.

 It has low odor and this paint does not require a second coat. It is very affordable and self-priming.

It has fast drying abilities that makes it the perfect paint for high traffic areas, it takes only 24hours to dry very well and allow you make use of the room. It is also very affordable.

This paint has a dirt and grease resistance, and it can be easily cleaned with soap and water.

You do not need to sand your wall before applying this paint because it is self-priming and applies smoothly to any wall surface.

8. KILZ Interior/Exterior Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint, White, 1-gallon

This paint has an alkali-resistant coating that gives you a beautiful and long-lasting finish.

This paint can be used for a variety of wall surfaces like cement, drywall and concrete. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor and it is also waterproof.

This mold resistant paint comes with a feature that makes the paint to form a barrier which stops water infiltration, it also help to seal any porous surfaces.

However, using this paint on water damaged areas or water prone areas will reduce its durability.

A gallon of KiLZ interior and exterior paint can cover at least 100 square feet depending on the level of porosity of the surface.

It dries up rapidly as it only takes one hour to dry and four hours to apply a second coat.

This paint requires a minimum of two coating to get a beautiful result. This paint is very easy to apply and you can use either a paint roller, brush or sprayer to apply it.

9. Glidden Interior Paint + Primer: 

This paint as the name implies is a self-priming paint, it comes in semi-gloss, eggshell and flat finish.

This paint is washable which means you can easily remove any dirt or grease that comes in contact with it.

This paint is available in 300 different colors, and each of them gives your surfaces a wonderful finish.

The fact that this paint is a self-priming paint allows it to be applied very smoothly on surfaces without air bubbles

This paint has a unique hide and stain block, you can hid mistakes in just a single coat, and can be used for every wall in your home.

It is among the best mildew resistant exterior paint in the market, it is also a low-VOC solution which gives less stress, so you enjoy your daily routine.

10. RUST-OLEUM 276049 Mold and Mildew-Proof Interior Paint        

This is a rapid drying paint that takes only 30 minutes to become dry to the touch. It comes in a bright white color which ensures that it does not show through topcoat.

This paint can be used to cover existing mold and it comes with a fungicidal protective coating.

Before applying this paint to any wall surface, you want to make its not having any water leakage and you have to eliminate every source of moisture, so that this product can last and function properly

This is a water based primer that contains EPA-approved fungicide agent that helps to eliminate existing mildew and prevent future spread.

A gallon of Rust Oleum mildew proof interior paint covers at least 200 square feet depending on the type of surface.

If you are still dealing with mildew issues after trying different methods, this is the paint for you, you can never go wrong using this fungicidal protective paint.

Guide for Buying the Best Mold and Mildew Resistant Exterior Paint

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Finish

Mildew resistant paint is available in different type of finishes, they all have different characteristics and are used for different wall surfaces. This are the different types of finishes and their ideal surfaces.

Read: Painted wood floor pros and cons

Eggshell

They have low reflective shine, it is very durable and gives more protection than other finishes, it has 10-25 percent gloss composition.

It is very easy to clean and this finish can be used for rustic-styled walls and wooden furniture.

Semi-gloss

This finish is also very durable and great for areas with high traffic, it is very easy to clean and can be used for both indoor and outdoor areas.

It has 35-70 percent gloss, and it great for surfaces with high and low moisture levels.

It can be used in areas like the bathroom, kitchen and toilet because it gives more light reflectivity than most other finish but this makes it impossible for this finish to hide mistakes and imperfections

Matte

This finish is great for areas like the dining room, bedrooms or living rooms. It has 0-10 percent gloss finish and this makes it very difficult to clean and it does offer any reflectivity of light.

It is not very durable so is best suited for areas with low traffic, this finish is not recommended for homes with young children and pets.

This finish cannot be used for places like the toilet or bathroom because of its low water resistance.

It can be used for drywall and areas like the ceiling, it is great for hiding mistakes and cracks because of it no light reflectivity.

High gloss

This finish is very easy to clean but has zero mistake-hiding abilities. It is great for outdoor uses and high traffic areas, it has 70-100 percent gloss. But this finish is very difficult to apply and may require a professional.

Satin

Satin finish also works great in high traffic areas and can be usef outdoors but like most finish it doesn’t hide imperfections.

It is very durable and easy to clean, it has 25-35 percent gloss. This satin finish has a slight luster and functions similarly to eggshell or matte finishes

Base

There are three type of bases; namely oil, water, and latex.

Water-based

This paints has a low sheen finish, it releases a low level of VOC into the air, making them very environmentally friendly. Water-based paints last longer and they have a flexible feature which prevents them from cracking .

They are also known as acrylic paint and they are made up of mostly water.

Oil-based

Oil-based paint have high sheen, but they are prone to cracking due to low flexibility. They are made from organic solvent which consists of petrochemical properties and plant.

Oil-based paint emits high level of VOC which could be harmful to one’s health.

So it is always advised to ensure there is good ventilation in the room where you are applying an oil-based paint.

Latex

Latex based paint is great for moisture prone areas like the bathroom because it helps to create a barrier that prevents water damage. This type of paint is great for preventing mildew or mold buildup and spread.

Coverage

You want to get a paint that offers a good coverage because most mildew resistant exterior paint do not offer great coverage as standard surface paint. You want to know how many square feet can be covered per gallon.

this will help to determine how many gallons you need for your project and the level of coverage of the paint, a paint that covers 400 square feet per gallon has better coverage than one which covers 200 square feet per gallon.

Another factor to keep in mind is that the porosity of your surface also determines the coverage level of the paint

Guarantee

Any factor to consider is the guaranteed duration of the paint, how long will it last. There are many mildew resistant exterior paint in the market but not all of them are durable.

This is a major factor you want to consider before buying any paint, because the effectiveness of the paint and its ability to prevent mildew spread differs.

You want to get a product that is guaranteed to last at least five years, because when the paint stops protecting the wall from mildew you may have to repaint, which is extra cost. So you want to get a paint that lasts as long as possible.

Priming

A paint that is self-priming tends to apply more smoothly to a surface than a paint that is not.

If your paint is not self-priming you will be required to sand the surface and apply a separate primer before applying the paint.

So not only is a self-priming paint a 2-1 product but it also saves you additional cost of getting a separate primer.

A self-priming paint is more durable and gives extra protection to painted materials.

They perform the role of both the paint and primer and this helps to reduce costs and lot of application time.

Drying Time

Different brand of paint comes with different drying time, you want to go for a paint with rapid drying so as to save you lots of waiting time to make use of the area especially if its a bathroom. Latex and water-based paints tend to dry faster than oil-based paint.

It takes anywhere between 30 minutes to 4 hours for a painted surface to become dry to the touch and at least one week before it is fully cured.

You want to check the drying time specified for the type of paint you bought and adhere to it, this will prevent you from ruining your work when you try to apply an additional coat before the first coat is properly dried.

Also note that the porosity and moisture level of the surface also determines how long it takes to dry completely.

Anti-microbial and water-resistance properties

Many paints are advertised as waterproof paints but not all of them are true to the word.

If you are battling with mold, moisture is the number one culprit and you need a paint that is waterproof, the paint should be able to create a moisture-resistant barrier.

It should not hold water back as trapped water will only worsen the spread of mildew, instead, it should protect the wall from moisture like condensation from a hot shower is prevented from penetrating drywall boards.

Price

Price is also another factor to consider, mildew resistant exterior paint can be quite expensive, so you want to compare prices between different products and go for the one that is most affordable and suits your surfaces.

Tips

• Always make sure to use anti-mildew paint with caution, because most of them emit vapors that are toxic to people and pets.
• Always put on safety clothing like a mask, gloves and safety glasses before applying paint that contains mildewcides.
• Prepare and paint exterior surfaces, preferably on a hot day, to prevent mildew from spreading to other areas.
• Pruning trees and shrubs every year will improve outdoor and even indoor ventilation. If you live in humid regions, using a dehumidifier is a great way of preventing mildew and mold from growing on your walls.
• You may need to hire a professional because sometimes completely removing mold from porous surfaces like wood can be difficult, if not impossible for a regular DIYer.

FAQ

Can I paint over the existing mold?

It is recommended to use a nylon brush and a diluted mixture of bleach and water to eliminate any surface fungi before applying the paint

How long does mildew resistant paint take to dry?

To Touch: 1 hour 
To Recoat: 4 hours 
To Full Cure: 30 days

How do I know if my paint is a gloss, semi-gloss or flat paint?

The label will identify the finish

Do you clean up the wall before you apply the paint? if not, what do you use to clean up the wall first

The wall surface can be cleaned with bleach and water before applying. Then let it dry for several days before painting. If you have mildew on your wall, I think you would want to kill it before applying the paint.

Conclusion

So here’s our best mildew resistant exterior paint, it is completely up to you to choose the product that best suits your surface and budget. You can’t afford to lose your valuable property to mere mildews.

If you still have that mildew and mold within your home and want to prevent them, you need a good mold and mildew resistant paint.

Picking one of the products here will help eliminate and prevents mildew on a wide variety of surfaces.

Like I said, having fungus around us is dangerous to our wellbeing. The ball is in your court now.

Rest assured that these are the best mildew resistant exterior paints available on the market today, and you won’t regret investing and trying any of them.