MDF Mold

I have installed MDF skirting in a new build. There was some mold in one bedroom which has now gone away, it was black spores on the surface, quite possibly from the buyers furniture previously in store. The buyer (not the most easygoing purchaser I have ever had) has now identified spots on the skirting on the stairs. These are under the paint and look like the discolouring you get from knotting. Anyone seen something similar?

Thanks

sean F

Mold spores are always in the air, just needing moist surface conditions to florish, no reason to blame the clients furniture at all. Sounds like the bedroom had simply not dried out, and was not sufficiently ventilated. Once established mold can come back really easily, need to sertilise and ensure the area stays dry (sufficient ventilation/heat to avoid condensation).

MDF is a mold magnet!! In a friend's new build during plastering the MDF indoor sills would grow green/black fur coats in under 12 hours. Even washed off with bleach it would be back next day. Nightmare. My friend made sure they were totally clean and dry (moisture meter measured) some summer months after plastering before painting them. I hear that they have turned out fine.

What paint did you use? Water based or alkyd? Was the skirting left unpainted in a damp environment?