Painting - Exterior Moss & Mold prep.

HI...
I am painting our deck 4 yrs after new construction. I have considerable mold on portions of the railing and some moss. I would appreciate suggestions on how to best prep these areas. I do NOT have a pressure washer. The actual deck is stained with a semi transparent latex, the railings are white. I plan to repaint with a semi gloss (probably Sears Weather Beater Latex- undercoat where necessary (I've got some tanin bleed through) with a Zinser oil product.

Does anyone have experience with any good mildew preventative additives ? What do you recommend?

I have not painted much and have always thought I have spread paint to thinley. Is there any good rule of thumb to get an understanding of how thickly to apply paint with a brush or roller?

Thanks for your thoughts..

stansum

I would rent a powerwasher. Easy to use and not expensive. It costs me about $50 a day to rent one in St. Louis. They also rent them by the half-day. It will make knocking off the mold and moss very easy. You will still need to scrup these areas with a bleach/water mix to KILL the mold. The powerwasher just helps that problem alot.

My paint store carries Dial-X and Mildex > both mold inhibitors.
I think Dial-x is for interior, Mildex exterior. Ask your paint store what they recommend. If you are buying your paint at Lowes, or Home Depot, go to a REAL paint store and ask them what is available. Whether the paint says its mold proof already or not, always add the extra inhibitor.

When painting, thin coats are better. If too thick, they won't dry properly and tend to crack. 2 thin coats are much better than one thick coat. Just apply it so its smooth, not sagging or running. If it won't cover in one coat, so be it. Do 2 coats rather than slopping it on just to cover.