How to treat walls from mold before gluing wallpaper: popular antifungal agents

Wall mold is a prevalent issue that many homeowners deal with, particularly in humid areas. It’s essential to properly treat the walls before adding new wallpaper in order to stop mold from growing and causing more damage. Failing to complete this step may result in unsightly stains, a musty odor, and possibly health problems.

Thankfully, mold can be effectively eradicated with a number of antifungal agents before you start your wallpaper project. These products not only eliminate the mold that is already there but also form a barrier that keeps it from growing back. You can guarantee that your new wallpaper will have a stunning and long-lasting finish by taking the time to properly treat your walls.

This post will discuss some of the most widely used antifungal treatments and their practical applications. These suggestions will assist you in priming your walls for wallpaper application, regardless of the severity of your mold problem.

Antifungal Agent Description
Bleach Solution A common household item that effectively kills mold. Mix one cup of bleach with a gallon of water, apply to the affected area, and let it sit before scrubbing.
Vinegar A natural and non-toxic option. Spray undiluted vinegar on the mold, wait an hour, and then wipe clean. It"s effective at preventing mold from returning.
Hydrogen Peroxide An antifungal and antibacterial solution. Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on the mold, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub the area.
Baking Soda A mild but effective solution. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, apply to the moldy area, scrub, and rinse.
Borax A natural mineral with antifungal properties. Mix one cup of Borax with a gallon of water, scrub the area with the solution, and leave it to dry.

Signs of mold

The following signs point to the presence of fungi:

  • formation of black, green or gray dots located nearby;
  • the smell of dampness and mustiness;
  • change in color of the joints between tiles, crumbling and peeling of the finish.

Regarding human health, the primary symptoms include: impaired focus, a sense of exhaustion, frequent headaches, and abrupt fatigue.

Reasons for occurrence

Applying fungicidal compounds to the walls is sufficient to eradicate mold, but there’s no assurance that it won’t reappear. The only way to solve the issue completely is to get rid of the causes:

  1. Weak or absent ventilation. In most cases, fungi develop where air stagnates, for example, in corners. If ventilation is organized in such a way that all surfaces are blown, then moisture will leave the system in a timely manner, and in such an environment mold under the wallpaper will not be able to develop.
  2. Lack of waterproofing of the foundation. If during the construction of the house the foundation is not treated with a special water-repellent agent, then it will be constantly damp. Accordingly, moisture will begin to penetrate into the premises, creating an environment for the formation of fungi.
  3. Poor condition of water mains and sewerage. Regular leaks of these systems contribute to the appearance of increased humidity.
  4. Lack or insufficient level of thermal insulation. Because of this, a shift in the dew point may occur and condensation will begin to settle on the internal surfaces.
  5. A poorly insulated attic is also a cause of dampness in the premises.
  6. Improperly equipped greenhouses. When creating tropical conditions for flowers, it is important to remember about insulation and ventilation, otherwise the fungus will quickly occupy the walls in adjacent rooms.

Antifungal agents must be used to treat any mold that may be present on walls before wallpapering. Mold can harm your health in addition to ruining the look of your walls. You can guarantee a clean, mold-free surface that will keep your new wallpaper looking great and lasting longer by applying well-known antifungal treatments. The best products and techniques to get rid of mold and keep it from coming back will be shown to you in this guide.

Primers for mineral surfaces

Since it is easier to prevent any problem, antifungal treatment of walls is a required procedure that is done during the finishing preparatory stage. Among domestic users, a number of compositions have become more and more popular.

Milkill

It is an emulsion made of latex. A biocide that effectively eliminates the majority of mold and fungi is the active ingredient. It is applied as a guard against problems before brick, concrete, and other surfaces of a similar nature are finished.

  • Required number of layers – 2-3.
  • Penetration depth – up to 5 mm.
  • Drying time – 1 day.
  • Color – white.
  • There is an unpleasant odor that disappears after drying.
  • Consumption per 1 layer – 250 g per square meter.

The material can only be worked with between 5 and 30 degrees. Because the material is prone to delamination, it needs to be well mixed before beginning any work.

Acryl Grundierung

This antifungal agent is an acrylic primer that penetrates deeply. It improves adhesion to the applied finishing material in addition to its antiseptic properties. Suitable for priming, painting, and other stone surface treatments.

  • Consumption – 1 liter per 15 square meters.
  • Drying time – 1 day.
  • Working temperature range – 5-35 degrees.
  1. All types of water-based paints and varnishes can be applied to a layer of antifungal agent for walls.
  2. The primer significantly reduces the consumption of finishing materials, reducing the level of surface absorption.
  3. It is prohibited to drain liquids of this type into the sewer system.

Shimmelstopp Dufa

There is nothing like this primer out there. These wall treatment products are added to paints, varnishes, and plaster mixtures. The material offers the surface long-term defense against mold, algae, and fungus.

  • One package is enough for 10 liters of water-dispersion paint and 25 kg of plaster.
  • Operating temperature range – 5-30 degrees.
  • Drying time depends on the finishing material.

You must thoroughly mix the solution after adding the product. Only thoroughly cleaned and dry surfaces may be treated with it.

Mixonit GR43

This mixture is also utilized as an additive, but only in dry construction materials. great for processing mineral surfaces that absorb liquids well.

  • Penetration depth – 10 cm.
  • No smell.
  • High vapor permeability.
  • Number of layers – 1-2.
  1. After drying, a coating is formed that can withstand repeated freezing.
  2. It is prohibited to use on non-absorbent surfaces.
  3. Reduces paint and varnish consumption, but painting is carried out only after the finishing material has completely dried.

Antifungal agents for wood

Since wood is the material most prone to mold growth, antifungal agents are needed when treating it. Ignoring this kind of preparation could cause the wood to deteriorate.

Dufa-Holzlasur

This substance, a glaze, is applied to both new and old wooden products to protect them. Water cannot pass through the coating, which is required for the growth of fungus.

  • Base – alkyd resin.
  • Drying time – 4 hours for each layer.
  • Smell – sharp and unpleasant.
  1. Material consumption is difficult to calculate in advance, everything depends on the properties of the surface and the desired result.
  2. Used only for outdoor work.
  3. There are several options for tinting shades.

Baramon C30

After applying this mixture, a wooden surface is allowed to dry. The product crystallizes and turns irreversible after a while. This guarantees that mold won’t grow beneath the wallpaper and that wooden surfaces will be shielded from moisture for the duration of their useful lives.

  • Consumption – 0.2 l per square meter for interior surfaces and 0.3 l for exterior ones.
  • Drying time – 48 hours.
  • No smell.
  1. The impregnation is supplied as a concentrate, so it must be diluted with water in proportions of 1:6.
  2. During drying, the surfaces must be protected from moisture.
  3. Cannot be used to treat wood that is not impregnated, for example, oak.
  4. The substance does not change the flammability class of wood.
  5. Such fungicidal compounds should not come into contact with food.

Pinotex Base

It is an antiseptic with an alkyd base. used to complete wooden products such as fences, interior walls, facades, and other items before painting or wallpapering.

  • Consumption – from 4 to 8 l per square meter depending on the material.
  • Drying time – 1 day.
  • Working temperature range – 5–25 degrees.
  1. Before use, it is important to find out the moisture content of the wood, it should not exceed 20%.
  2. Does not require dilution.
  3. Improves surface adhesion to paints and adhesives.

Folk remedies

Although commercial materials are secure and efficient, there are a number of traditional recipes for antifungal agents as well:

  • Pour 250 ml of water into a container, add 1 teaspoon of soda, mix thoroughly and treat the surfaces with a spray or sponge.
  • Dilute laundry bleach with water in proportions of 1:10 and apply the composition several times.
  • You can use undiluted hydrogen peroxide to treat walls and ceilings, but it is important not to allow it to get on furniture.
  • Regular acetic acid solution. The concentrate will need to be diluted with water. After using the product, the surfaces must be washed and the room ventilated.
  • Dilute ammonia with water 1:2 and treat the coating. After a few hours, the surfaces must be thoroughly washed with warm water. Due to the strong odor, this product can only be used in well-ventilated areas.
  • 1 kg of borax diluted in 4 liters of warm water. This composition can not be washed off.

It is imperative to treat walls for mold before wallpapering in order to guarantee a long-lasting and healthy finish. In addition to causing damage to your walls and wallpaper, mold can lower the quality of the air in your house. You can save your living area from mold growth by taking the time to thoroughly clean and treat your walls with potent antifungal agents.

There are many different antifungal products on the market, from commercial sprays and treatments to DIY solutions like vinegar and baking soda. Irrespective of the size and persistence of the infestation, it is crucial to select the appropriate product for your particular circumstance. To guarantee the best results, always carefully follow the product instructions.

Make sure the walls are completely dry before applying wallpaper after treating them. This is an essential step to stop any residual moisture from promoting the growth of mold. With the proper planning, you can proceed with your wallpaper project with assurance, knowing that you’ve taken all the required precautions to keep mold out of your house.

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Veronica Gerasimova

Interior designer, author of books on the design of residential premises. I will help you make your home not only functional, but also beautiful.

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