Painting suggestions

[coachgrd]

Hello all.

I need to paint the railing around my front porch this spring. Portions of it have a small amout of algae that grows on it, not a lot but enough to know that I can't just paint over it. I would think some soapy bleach would kill it off but there's nothing to prevent it from coming back. Any thoughts on how to attack this?

Many thanks...
coachgrd

 

[scott_vt]

Mornin Coachgrd,
Your right on track with some bleach mixed in your water to kill the mold. I had the same problem on my back deck because it doesnt get that much sun but after I pressure washed it along with some clorox it got rid of the mold. I used Woodsman Oil based solid stain, in my case barn red and I havent had any mold issues since then. The better outside stains have mildew inhibitors and they will help to some degree ! But if that area gets lots of shade and tends to be wet quite often your still going to have some problems down the road.

 

[slowrev]

Not sure if they still sell the mildew resist additive or not. They used to sell additive that would make the paint more mildew resistant.
It is somewhat toxic though I think.
Ben

 

[EddieWalker]

Bleach is still the chepest and most effecting chemical for killing and sanitizing. The best bang for you buck is to buy swimming pool bleach, or Shok. It's of a much, much higher concentration then laundry bleach. Be careful with it because it will turn instantly turn any cloth material white. Mix it with water in a sprayer and soak the problem areas. I like to do this at least three times and really soak it good.

Good luck,
Eddie