Painting Over Mold? The Truth About ‘Quick Fixes’

Mold is unsightly, and I understand that nobody wants to stare at a dark, blotchy patch on their bathroom ceiling or basement wall. Sure, a quick coat of paint seems like an easy way to make the problem disappear. But here’s the thing about “quick fixes”: they’re rarely fixes at all. Especially when it comes to mold.

Painting over mold is one of those home myths that just won’t die. It looks better for a little while, sure. But underneath that shiny new layer of paint, the problem is still there and it’s growing, spreading, and getting ready to bubble its way back to the surface.

Let’s talk about why this happens, what it means for your home, and the right way to deal with it (so you’re not repainting again next month).

Why Paint and Mold Don’t Mix

Mold is a living organism, not a stain. It feeds on organic material like drywall paper, wood, dust, and anything else it can digest. It also thrives in damp, humid environments. When you paint over mold, you’re basically trapping that living organism under a layer of latex and giving it a warm, dark place to multiply.

Even paints labeled as “mold-resistant” don’t kill existing mold; they simply make it harder for new spores to take hold. Think of them as preventive, not curative. Once mold has already started to grow, those spores will continue doing what they do best - eating, spreading, and eventually breaking through the surface again.

That’s why the dark spots you “covered up” always seem to come back, no matter how many coats you roll on. You didn’t solve the problem. You just hid it temporarily.

The Real Risk Isn’t Just Cosmetic

Mold isn’t just an eyesore. Prolonged exposure to mold spores can aggravate allergies, trigger asthma, and cause respiratory irritation, especially in kids, older adults, and anyone with a compromised immune system. Even if your home’s air feels fine, hidden mold can create ongoing air quality problems that only get worse over time. And if it spreads into insulation, behind drywall, or under flooring, you’re looking at a much bigger repair bill later.

So no, it’s not “just a little spot.” It’s a sign of a deeper moisture issue that needs your attention.

How to Fix It the Right Way

Before you paint, you have to address two things: the mold itself and the source of the moisture that caused it. Here’s the right order of operations:

1. Find the moisture source. Is there a roof leak, poor ventilation, a plumbing issue, or a condensation problem? Fix that first. Otherwise, the mold will just come back.

2. Kill the mold. For small areas (less than 10 square feet), you can usually handle it yourself. Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles, and use a cleaner designed to kill mold, not just bleach. Bleach can discolor mold, making it look gone when it isn’t.

3. Remove damaged material. If the mold has eaten into drywall, insulation, or wood, those materials need to go. Scraping and cleaning won’t cut it if the spores have taken root inside porous surfaces.

4. Dry the area completely. Fans and dehumidifiers are your friends. Moisture left behind is an open invitation for mold to start over.

5. Seal and repaint. Once the area is clean, dry, and sound, use a high-quality primer made for problem areas before painting. Products designed for bathrooms or basements help prevent future issues.

Prevent, Don’t Patch

Once you’ve done the hard work, prevention is your best defense. That means improving ventilation, keeping humidity below 50%, and addressing leaks immediately. It also means thinking long-term. Proper insulation, vapor barriers, and routine roof and gutter maintenance all play a role in keeping moisture (and mold) out.

Final Thoughts

Painting over mold might make things look better for a while, but it’s the home-improvement equivalent of spraying air freshener in a garbage can. The only real solution is to stop the problem at the source.

So, before you pick up that roller, step back, figure out what’s causing the moisture, and deal with the mold properly. It’ll save you time, money, and maybe even your lungs.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Spruce Up Your Front Porch on a Budget

There’s something about fall that makes us want to hit the reset button on our homes. Maybe it’s the cooler air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, or just the pull of pumpkin spice everything. Whatever the reason, the season is tailor-made for giving your front porch or entryway a little extra love. And here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to make your home look inviting. With about $100 and an afternoon, you can create curb appeal that makes your house the coziest stop on the street.

Start with the Front Door

Your front door is the first thing people notice and it sets the tone for your home. A fresh coat of paint in a bold, welcoming color can make all the difference. Think deep red, navy, or one of the 2026 colors of the year to embrace fall’s golden hues. A quart of exterior paint runs about $30, and it’s a project you can tackle in a single afternoon.

Not in the mood for painting? Swap in a new doormat. Look for one with a witty seasonal saying or a classic coir mat with a simple design. At $20 or less, it’s an easy upgrade that makes guests feel welcome before they even knock.

Add Seasonal Planters

Nothing says “fall” like a burst of color from mums or the leafy texture of ornamental kale. Skip the expensive pre-made arrangements and head to your local garden center for mums, cabbage, and pumpkins to cluster by your steps. Place them in terra-cotta pots, galvanized buckets, or even a wooden crate for a rustic vibe.

Here’s a trick: elevate some of the plants on overturned pots or stacked bricks so the arrangement has different heights. It gives your porch a professional look without the price tag.

Layer in Lighting

As the days get shorter, lighting becomes essential, not just for safety, but for atmosphere. Solar-powered lanterns are affordable, energy-efficient, and easy to find for about $10 each. Arrange a couple along your steps or hang them near the door.

Another option is a short strand of LED string lights. Wrapped around a railing or tucked into a planter, they add just the right amount of glow for those chilly fall evenings. For $20, you’ll have enough to make your porch shine without looking like you’re skipping ahead to the holidays.

Cozy Finishing Touches

This is where you can really make the space feel personal. A seasonal wreath is a classic, and you don’t have to spend $50 on a store-bought one. Craft stores sell plain grapevine wreaths for under $10 and you can dress it up with faux leaves, ribbon, or even pinecones collected from your own yard.

If you have a chair or bench on your porch, drape a plaid throw over the back. You can pick up an inexpensive one at a discount store for $15 or less. It instantly says “cozy” and ties the whole look together.

Final Ideas

For less than the cost of a family dinner out, you can completely transform your front entrance for the season. The key is to invest in a few small upgrades that make a big impact: a fresh front door, a splash of color from plants, warm lighting, and a couple of personal touches.

Fall is about comfort, warmth, and community, and your home’s curb appeal should reflect that. So grab a paintbrush, a couple of mums, and a lantern or two. With $100 and a little creativity, you’ll have a front porch that welcomes neighbors, delights trick-or-treaters, and makes you smile every time you walk through the door.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Ceiling Cracks: When to Worry and When to Relax

Noticing a crack in your ceiling can be unsettling. Is it a simple cosmetic issue or a sign that something more serious is going on above your head?

The truth is, not all ceiling cracks are created equal. Some are harmless, the result of your home settling or seasonal changes. Others may point to structural problems, water damage, or something worse. Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

The Harmless Kind

Let’s start with the good news: most ceiling cracks are minor and purely cosmetic. These are often hairline cracks that appear in older homes or around joints where drywall meets. They’re usually caused by:

• Normal settling as your house ages

• Temperature and humidity fluctuations

• Drying or shrinking plaster or drywall compound

These cracks are usually thin, less than 1/16 of an inch wide, and don’t change much over time. You might see them in corners, near windows or doors, or in ceilings that haven’t been repainted in a while. They’re rarely a cause for concern.

If the crack hasn’t grown in size, isn’t discolored, and your ceiling is otherwise solid, it’s likely just a visual issue. A quick patch and paint job can take care of it.

The Concerning Kind

Now, the cracks that deserve a closer look. Here are some warning signs that what you’re seeing might be more than cosmetic:

• Cracks wider than 1/8 inch

• Cracks that run across the entire ceiling or extend down a wall

• Multiple cracks appearing suddenly

• Cracks accompanied by sagging, bowing, or soft spots

• Discoloration or staining around the crack

Any of these could indicate a structural issue, such as shifting foundations, water damage, or even a failing ceiling joist. If the ceiling feels soft to the touch or is visibly sagging, it’s time to call in a professional.

One common culprit is water. A roof leak, plumbing issue, or overflowing bathtub on an upper floor can all lead to water pooling in the ceiling. This can cause the material to weaken, crack, and eventually collapse if ignored.

Even more subtle signs, like a ceiling crack that grows over time or changes shape, can point to movement in your home’s framing. That’s not something a coat of paint can fix.

If you’re unsure whether a crack is harmless or serious, don’t guess. Take a photo and monitor it over a few weeks. Has it changed? Is there new discoloration or softness?

When in doubt, have a licensed contractor or home inspector take a look. An early opinion is usually cheaper, and safer, than waiting until a repair becomes urgent.

Ceiling cracks are common. Many are nothing to worry about. But some aren’t. The key is knowing what to look for and acting quickly when the signs point to something more. Your ceiling might be trying to tell you something. Make sure you’re listening.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Have a question? Email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.