FUNGAL CONTAMINATION:
Black, grey or brown spots or areas on the surface of paint or sealant.

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
• Forms most often on areas that tend to be damp, or receive little or no direct sunlight (e.g., bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms).

• Use of a solvent-based paint, or lower quality water-based paint.

• Failure to prime bare wood surface before applying the paint.

• Painting over a substrate or coating on which fungal contamination has not been removed.

SOLUTION:
• Test for fungus by applying a few drops of household bleach to the area; if it is bleached away, the discolourant is probably fungus. Remove all fungus from the surface by scrubbing with a diluted household bleach solution (one part bleach, three parts water) or a fungicidal wash, while wearing rubber gloves and eye protection. Rinse thoroughly. To protect against fungal contamination, use a top quality water-based paint, and clean when necessary with bleach/detergent solution. Consider installing an exhaust fan (which is connected to a light switch) in high moisture areas. Some products, with fungicidal claims are available, which you may consider.

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