Paint Problems - Mildew

dguy • November 7, 2019
Wooden cedar roof shingles.

On the Outer Banks, mildew is simply a fact of life. Heavily wooded areas block the sunlight and the frequently damp air creates a perfect environment for mildew.

Mildew is actually fungal growth (usually black or gray). Walls with northern exposure and the underside of eaves are particularly prone to mildew.

Other causes of mildew include the use of low quality paint, failure to prime bare wood before painting, painting over a substrate on which mildew has not been removed, and applying paint in a very thin coat.

At Beach Painting, we use the highest quality paints available (all of which are mildew resistant). We spot prime bare wood before painting. We always chemically treat and wash substrates before applying paint and we apply the paint to achieve the highest possible dry film thickness.

If you encounter mildew, you can test by applying a few drops of household bleach to the area and then rinsing. If the discoloration disappears, it is probably mildew. It can be removed by taking a scrub brush and a diluted bleach solution (three parts water, one part bleach) to the area. Always wear rubber gloves and eye protection when doing this. Rinse the area thoroughly and apply primer to any bare wood before touching up with a high quality exterior paint.

The best overall solution is to incorporate the power washing of your home's exterior into your annual Fall and Spring maintenance. Call us today for a free estimate!


Person looking up, reaching towards a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds, framed by a white wall.

Color Trends 2026

By beachpainting • February 12, 2026
Each year, most paint manufacturers release a “Color of the Year” along with a palette of complementary shades. Pantone — the global authority on color — is best known for the Pantone Matching System (PMS), which provides a standardized language for identifying, matching, and communicating color across design, fashion, printing, and manufacturing. Their annual selection is often a strong predictor of broader color trends and frequently aligns with the palettes chosen by major paint manufacturers.
Workers in lift painting the exterior of a white house with a blue sky background.

Winter Maintenance

By beachpainting • January 6, 2026
Winter is here on the Outer Banks, and if your home is part of a rental program, you’re likely working through a long checklist to prepare for the upcoming season.
Overhead view of a hurricane swirling over a deep blue ocean, white clouds form a spiral.

Hurricane Season Tips For Your Outer Banks Home

By beachpainting • August 25, 2025
Hurricane season on the Outer Banks occurs between June and November, with the peak of the season occurring from Mid-August to Mid-October. If you own property on the Outer Banks, you’re already acutely aware of this. With Hurricane Erin currently wreaking havoc along the East Coast, now is a good opportunity to provide some quick tips for your home during hurricane season.
Light green three-story house with white trim, balconies, and turret under a blue sky.

The Real Value of Quality Work

By beachpainting • July 9, 2025
When it comes to home improvement, few things make an instant visual impact like a fresh coat of paint. Whether it's reviving weather-worn siding or refreshing an outdated interior, painting can breathe new life into your space. But as you start collecting quotes, you may wonder: why does a good painting contractor cost more than others?
Gray house with white trim, red door, and a circular driveway.

Boosting Curb Appeal

By beachpainting • June 24, 2025
The Transformative Power of Washing and Painting Your Home
Two-story house with weathered blue shingles, several windows. Ladder leans against the side.

Why Waiting Will Cost You More $$$

By beachpainting • June 10, 2025
If you’ve been putting off painting your house, you’re not alone—but it may cost you more than you think. Summer is the best time of year to paint your Outer Banks home. If you've noticed signs of paint failure (e.g. fading, peeling, blistering, chalking), give us a call today.
Hand with dusty fingers next to light-colored, horizontal wall siding.

How to Fix Paint Chalking

By beachpainting • May 27, 2025
If you've noticed a fine, powdery residue on your painted walls or outdoor surfaces, you may be dealing with chalking paint. This is a fairly common issue that occurs when paint breaks down over time due to weather exposure, UV rays, or low-quality paint ingredients. It’s especially prevalent on exterior surfaces (especially fiber cement siding). What Causes Chalking? Chalking happens when the paint binder deteriorates, allowing pigment particles to loosen and form a chalky dust. While it’s a natural part of aging for some paints, excessive chalking can affect appearance, stain surrounding surfaces, and prevent new paint from adhering properly. How to Fix Chalking Paint Test for Chalking: Rub your hand or a dark cloth over the surface. If it comes away dusty, you have chalking. Clean the Surface: Use a stiff brush or pressure washer to remove as much chalk as possible. Follow up with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. Let It Dry: Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding. Prime If Necessary: For areas with stubborn residue or if you're repainting, apply a high-quality, binding primer suited for chalky surfaces. Repaint: Choose a premium, weather-resistant paint and apply as recommended. Preventing Future Chalking Invest in high-quality paint with strong UV resistance and proper binders. Regular maintenance, such as gentle washing and inspections, also helps keep surfaces looking fresh. By addressing chalking early and using the right materials, you can extend the life and look of your paint job for years to come!
Person on a ladder painting a house's exterior siding near an oval vent.

Picking the Right Color

By beachpainting • May 8, 2025
Summer is a great time to paint your Outer Banks home if it is not in rental program. Temperatures and humidity are relatively consistent and longer daylight hours generally lead to shorter project durations.
Hand touching rotted wood siding with damaged building wrap, revealing underlying rot, outdoors.

Common Reasons for Wood Rot

By beachpainting • October 29, 2024
Wood rot in homes and buildings on the OBX is a common occurrence. It is caused when bacteria and fungi have a chance to grow in a damp environment. Our weather (high humidity, nor’easters, hurricanes, etc…) provides enough moisture to promote wood rot. If you know what to look for, you can often catch the rot early enough to avoid major structural damage.
Paint roller and tray with a paint can in the background; preparing to paint.

A Guide to Wall Touch-Ups

By beachpainting • June 25, 2024
In a previous blog post, we tackled the topic of how to determine whether your house needs to be repainted. If your paint job is holding up well, but you have minor paint damage to your walls from children, pets, or summer guests, the following guide will help you. Step-by-Step Guide to Wall Touch-Ups: Clean the Surface: Begin by cleaning the damaged areas with a mild detergent and water. Remove any dust, dirt, or greased that may affect paint adhesion. Prepare the Surface: Use a fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) to smooth rough edges around the damaged area. Wipe clean with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust. Prime (if necessary): For significant repairs or bare patches, apply a primer to ensure proper adhesion and uniformity of the topcoat. Apply Paint: Use a small brush (angled brushes work well for corners and edges) or a roller for larger areas. Apply the paint in thin layers, feathering the edges to blend with the surround wall. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat. Blend and Feather: To achieve a seamless finish, father the edges of the touch-up paint into the existing paint. This technique helps to minimize visible lines and ensure a uniform finish. Expert Tip: Matching Paint SheenSatin and eggshell finishes will lose their sheen over time, which means your wall touch-up may be visible to the naked eye (even if the color match is perfect). One method to assure uniformity in sheen is to add a few drops of water into your paint bucket (assuming you are using a water-based paint). If you are touching up an oil-based paint, add a little paint thinner.