My bathroom ceiling in Burnaby has black mould spots showing through the paint. What's the right way to deal with this before repainting?

Mould on bathroom ceilings is one of the most common issues painters encounter across Metro Vancouver, thanks to our high humidity levels and frequent rain. Before any paint goes on, the mould must be properly killed and removed, not just painted over. Start by ventilating the room and wearing a respirator rated for mould spores. Apply a dedicated mould-killing solution or a mixture of one part bleach to three parts water directly to the affected areas, let it sit for at least fifteen minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse. Allow the ceiling to dry completely, which may take twenty-four to forty-eight hours in our damp climate. Once dry, inspect the surface for any staining that remains and apply a stain-blocking primer specifically rated for mould resistance. Products formulated with mould inhibitors are essential in Vancouver bathrooms where moisture is constant. If the mould has penetrated the drywall deeply or the surface feels soft and crumbly, that section of drywall should be cut out and replaced before priming and painting. After painting, address the root cause by ensuring your bathroom exhaust fan is properly sized and vented to the exterior, not just into the attic. Running the fan for at least twenty minutes after every shower will dramatically reduce mould recurrence. Consider having a painter recommend a mould-resistant bathroom paint for the finish coat.

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