Black Mildew
Seven common questions about exterior painting
Why is my light color trim or siding turning black? Mildew?
This question is a follow up to the previous one we had talked about.
Many people notice black dots or sometimes the entire surface turning black within a year or two after their house was painted. Mildew is common in the north east with plenty of rain and humidity that provide an optimum condition for mildew growth.
However, the problem is exacerbated with not cleaning the mildew with proper mildew cleaner before painting the house. More importantly, use of the wrong primers can cause mildew growth. As a matter of fact, certain organic ingredients in the oil primers and paints act as food for mildew.
How Oil Primer Leads to Mildew Growth
Many painters use oil primers as the primer of choice for all their exterior full priming or spot priming. In fact, many painters also make customers believe they are providing a better job of painting their house. Usually, it’s a painter dealing with peeling paint or sealing surfaces. Furthermore, they use oil primer in hope of fixing a problem but they unknowlingly introduce another.
Because of the specific organic compounds in oil, mildew begins growing and multiplying under the painted surface and makes the house and trim look dirty! In some cases, I’ve seen houses that turned black a couple years after they were done.
Evidently, with the advances in paint industry in the past twenty years, we have alternative paint products to use to deal with the mildew issue. There are better cleaning surface and mildew products. Use 100% acrylic primers and mildew additives for exterior painting. In addition, Mildew sealers/blockers available that can be used to prevent or deal with mildew on painted house and trim.
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Owner & General Manager
Meet Mr. Paint Track himself, Ray! Having been in the industry for three decades, Ray has built Paint Track on a foundation of honesty, knowledge, and respect. He exemplifies leadership, with a commitment to both his craft and our team. Ray is known for his great sense of humor, and if you’re familiar with him, you’ve undoubtedly heard numerous jokes! His vibrant energy uplifts our team. Thanks to his leadership, Paint Track has earned a reputation as a trusted name in the community for the past 20 years.
Ray’s expertise and dedication to quality are evident in every project Paint Track undertakes. He’s not only a master of his craft but also a mentor who generously shares his wealth of knowledge with every team member, helping each of us grow and improve. Ray’s hands-on approach ensures that every detail is attended to, and he consistently goes above and beyond to exceed client expectations.
Ray’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a master’s degree in Telecommunications, which have contributed to his exceptional organizational skills and analytical approach to managing projects. His education and strategic thinking have been instrumental in building an efficient and effective business operation that continues to deliver outstanding results.
In addition to his work with Paint Track, Ray is deeply involved in the community. He actively participates in multiple Chamber of Commerce groups and serves as a board member on the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) Education and Finance Committees. His dedication to advancing the industry and supporting local businesses exemplifies his commitment to both Paint Track and the community.
Under Ray’s leadership, Paint Track has become known not just for superior workmanship but for a client-centered approach that prioritizes communication, transparency, and trust. We’re incredibly grateful to have him leading the way, and we’re proud to carry forward his legacy of excellence in every job we do.
Skills Leadership, customer relations, estimating, and problem solving
Hobbies: Exercise, beekeeping, and hiking
Favorite Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Indigo 6531