Preventing mildew stains on a panel with a towel hook

[Adam Funk]

As mentioned in my previous post about "clear" varnish that is actually yellowish, we have had a problem with mildew stains gradually forming on a wooden panel in the bathroom where the hand-towel hangs.

I've repainted the panel & am going to repaint the yellowish test area white again & then slap a few coats of clear [1] acrylic varnish over it & put the towel hook back up. What else can I do to prevent stains from gradually forming there?

[1] Really clear --- I've done another test area, smaller this time!

[polygonum]

Use a rail that keeps the towel away from the panel. That is, an air gap behind the towel.

[spuorgelgoog]

Install a hot air hand dryer.

Or a roller towel on the back of the door.

Owain

[meow2222]

Add to the paint borax, copper sulphate (green), zinc sulphate or aspirin. Borax & ZnSO4 can also be used in clear water based varnishes.

NT

[harryagain]

Tiles are best in the bathroom. Wood will always be a problem.

[Andrew Gabriel]

and then hope the damp towel doesn't touch it.

[PeterC]

The double rail stainless, er, rails from Aldi are good as they keep the towel clear of the wall etc. Pig to fit, as there's close to zero 'forgivngness' on the holes. I've 2 and a shelf. As mentiones, a roller towel for a hand towel also works. The one in the kitchen is spaced out about 20mm extra from the wall, so the towel hangs loose.

[meow2222]

cant think why

NT

[Adam Funk]

Thanks for all the replies. I agree with this --- but I am stuck in this case with my design mistakes from years ago. I'm going to try several coats of acrylic varnish & remembering to wipe the board clean frequently as a preventive measure.

[Adam Funk]

How much borax?

[meow2222]

Your guess is as good as mine.

NT

[stuart noble]

Borax is not very soluble. 4% max I think

[meow2222]

4% in paint solution will end up many times higher once the film is dried. I wouldn't go anywhere near that high. But I don't have any basis for an optimium amount to suggest.

I did calculate for salicylic acid, but can't remember what I based it on. It worked out to something like 8 aspirin tablets per 2.5l. It was still doing the job 10 years later.

NT

[Adam Funk]

Thanks. I'll try adding some to another coat or 2 of clear varnish. Since I need to buy 1 kg of borax & I'm using a couple of tablespoons of varnish per coat, I think I'll have a lifetime supply.