Property Workshop is proudly reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small Amazon affiliate commission but this does not affect the price you pay. Learn more here.
In my role as an architectural technologist, I often inspect old houses with damp issues. As I walk through them, I soon notice the visible signs of damp — dangerous mould growth on the walls and ceilings.
Some homeowners try to hide the mould by papering or painting over it. However, you can’t hide mould for long as the spores will land and grow again if left untreated.
To treat mould effectively, you need the best anti-mould paint. I’ve used my years of experience with damp and mould to review the top 3 anti-mould paints in the UK.
Anti-Mould Paint Reviews — The UK’s Top 3 in 2024
After many hours of research and testing, here are our top three picks for 2024:
1. Ronseal AMPWM750
- Tough and scrubbable finish
- Prevents mould resists steam
- Easy wipe-clean emulsion
- It lasts for 6 years
Ronseal anti-mould paint uses benzisothiazolone to kill off bacteria and fungal spores to ensure mould doesn’t come back in a hurry — for six years, to be precise. Because of this, gloves are best to prevent allergic skin reactions.
It has a coverage rate of 13m2/l when using a brush or roller, requiring two coats to achieve a good, hard-wearing and easy-to-clean finish. It will take a couple of days to complete most jobs with four hours of drying time.
The tin states, “Don’t paint over our anti-mould paint with any other paint, as this stops it working”. Although many people ignore this warning, I wouldn’t recommend overpainting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It lasts up to 6 years | You cannot over-paint |
| Available in matt or silk finish | Only available in white finish |
| Low odour | Not available in tins larger than 2.5 litre |
| Great value |
2. Dryzone Mould Resistant Paint
- Adds mould resistance to paint, wallpaper paste and tile grout
- Mould resistance lasts for at least 5 years
- 12-month shelf-life
Dryzone contains a biocide to prevent mould from growing on the surface. This unique ingredient blocks the recurrence of black mould for up to five years.
Apply two coats of Dryzone, leaving two to three hours between coats, using a brush or a roller. The soft sheen finish is washable and moisture-resistant when thoroughly dried.
Dryzone’s anti-mould paint is available in brilliant white and magnolia, but it can be over-painted using an emulsion of your choice.
Dryzone also makes an anti-mould additive for paints, tile grout, and wallpaper paste to give them the same mould-resistant properties. The biocidal base will resist mould growth for at least three years.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Available in 5-litre or 1-litre tins | Only available in white or magnolia |
| Low odour | |
| Quick-drying with no over-painting problems |
3. Polar Dampseal
- The pliolite formula seals damp patches and prevents penetrating damp with just one coat
- 500ml covers up to 4 square metres
- It can also act as a damp-proofing primer
- It incorporates a water-reacting agent which instantly blocks stains
Polar Dampseal differs from the other two products in that it uses synthetic resins — known as Pliolites — that give it a higher resistance to damp within minutes of applying. These resins allow Polar Dampseal to be used on damp surfaces or in areas subject to condensation soon after application.
Being solvent-based, it’s higher in VOCs than water-based products, so only use it in well-ventilated rooms. Remember to wear gloves and eye protection when applying this paint. You should also wear additional PPE if the room lacks sufficient ventilation.
Polar Dampseal requires only one coat, and a 500ml tin will cover up to 4m2 (it’s also available in 1 and 2.5-litre tins). It’s touch dry in two to three hours and can be over-painted after 16 to 24 hours, although you can leave it as a finish coat if you’re happy with matt white or magnolia — the landlords’ favourite.
You can apply Dampseal with a roller, but a brush is better for a smooth finish because it contains Portland cement, which leaves a slightly textured look.
Dampseal also acts as a stain-blocker if you only want to paint over water-damaged surfaces.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One coat is all you need | Not available in tins larger than 2.5 litre |
| Repels water soon after application | Toxic to aquatic life |
| Available in white and magnolia but can be overpainted | The room must be well ventilated |
| Works as a stain-blocker | Expensive |
Best Anti-Mould Paint — 2024 Comparison Table
| Product | Coverage per litre | Tin size | Number of coats | Cost | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronseal | 13m2 | 750ml or 2.5l | 2 | £ | 4.6 |
| Dryzone | 10–12m2 | 1l or 5l | 2 | ££ | 4.5 |
| Dampseal | 8m2 | 500ml, 1l or 2.5l | 1 | £££ | 4.5 |
Anti-Mould Paint Buying Guide
We used four aspects to distinguish the best from the rest.
1. Odour
Some paints have a strong odour, restricting their use to only well-ventilated spaces. This restriction is not practical, as mould flourishes in rooms lacking ventilation.
2. Coverage
The surface area a tin of paint covers significantly impacts the cost/m2.
3. Longevity
How long does the paint last before repainting is required?
4. Cost
The cost per can does not always mean the best value. Considering the required coats, we calculated the cost per litre and the cost per m2.
Final Thoughts
This decision was a close call. Ultimately, Ronseal won because it’s less expensive than Dryzone (around 25% cheaper), its coverage is better, and the claimed lifespan is longer than its competitors.
It’s a pity that Ronseal only has one colour, and you can’t over-paint it. This restriction means tough luck if white doesn’t work for you.
Polar Dampseal is a very effective anti-mould product, and if I were looking for something to cover a small area, perhaps as a stain-block, I would use it. However, the high VOC rating pushes this product to the bottom of our list. Check out this Centre for Sustainable Energy article for more info about mould prevention.