Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

January, 2004

Mildew Resistant Paints

Q. Our late 30's bungalow in N. Louisiana needs to be painted. We plan to have it power-washed to remove the mildew and need to know how well mildew retardents work and which will work the best. Does it matter what brand of paint we are planning to use? Devoe is what we like. Thank you.

A. Thanks for your question. The only source of which I am aware, that compares the quality of house paints is Consumer Reports. They look at the hiding power of the pigment, scrubbability and washability, exterior exposure, mildew resistance and other properties. You can access Consumer Reports at www.consumerreports.com and search for "paints". You will find several articles on this topic, but you will need to subscribe before you can have access to the reports.

Alternatively, you might want to call some reputable painting contractors who have experience with the Louisiana environment and ask them what paints they use.