Best Types of Paints To Use for Bathroom

A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform your bathroom space during your bathroom renovation process. Wherever you are in you can create a spa-like experience in your bathroom by changing the shade and finish of the paint on the walls. Repainting is an affordable and easy way to reinvent. However, you must consider the damp and humid conditions that exist in this space and find the right type of paint. The paint you choose should withstand the constant exposure to moisture and prevent unsanitary conditions like mildew growth. We’ll go over some tips on choosing the ideal paint for your bathroom.

Is Oil Paint Ideal For Bathrooms?

Oil-based paints are often used by painters  whenever they want the finish to last for a long time. They are more suitable in applications where the colour will not be changed for a long time. The resin of oil-based paint is formulated to create a hard coating that isn’t breathable. This means that this option will resist stains and rust over time. However, there are some limitations when using oil-based paint in bathrooms:

• It’s harder to keep clean. You’ll need to use mineral spirits to clean up a wall with oil-based paint.
• Oil-based paints have a stronger odour
• They take a lot more time to dry between coats
• They release high levels of volatile organic compounds
• There’s a possibility that the oil-based paint will turn yellow over time especially in bathrooms that are not exposed to adequate natural light

Latex Paints For Bathrooms

Another option for your bathroom is water-based latex paints. These paints are formulated using a pigment and binder and water is used as a carrier. Most homeowners in opt for latex paints because they are a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, latex paints come with the following advantages:

• They offer great colour retention over time which is why they are most suitable for interior walls that experience lots of moisture
• They dry faster than oil-based paints
• They can be used on top of an existing oil-based paint finish
• They can be cleaned easily with just soap and water
• They are available in a wide range of finishes
• Latex paints are low VOC paint

When choosing water-based paint, ensure the option you go for is washable. To make your bathroom sanitary, choose latex paints to make cleaning up easier.

Identifying The Right Bathroom Finish

Once you understand the options of bathroom paints at your disposal, the next step is to evaluate the type of finishes available and what would work with your bathroom renovation. The paint finish is not just an aesthetic decision, it will also determine how long your bathroom paint will last. Some finishes don’t have the mould-resistant properties your bathroom needs so you must choose wisely.

As a rule of thumb, avoid applying any flat paint finish on a bathroom space. Flat paints are made with fewer resin and binders in order to ensure that they offer richer colour and low lustre. Due to this, they are more susceptible to moisture infiltration. Flat paints cannot withstand constant scrubbing as the finish is likely to come off. However, there are some flat paint finishes that are designed specifically for bathrooms. They usually come at a higher price, but they are more durable and mildew resistant in humid conditions such as the bathroom. It’s still better to opt for the regular latex paint unless you’re really looking to achieve a flat finish.

Semi-Gloss and Gloss Finishes

Glossy finishes work well in bathrooms because they are meant to help the paint resist absorbing extra moisture. Since gloss repels moisture well, it can help to prevent mildew growth. A glossy finish is made with more resin and binders which provides a tight molecular structure in the formula to repel moisture and for easy cleaning.

The Two Main Advantages of a Glossy Finish Are:

• They don’t absorb moisture but repel it which reduces the chances of mildew and mould growing in your bathroom. Moisture evaporates away from the walls when painted with a semi-gloss or glossy paint.
• They make keeping the bathroom clean easy and practical since you can wash and scrub the painted walls without causing damage. Don’t expect any tears on your paint over time due to constant washing and scrubbing if you invest in a glossy paint finish.

Choosing Paint For The Bathroom Ceiling

One area that you shouldn’t overlook when painting your bathroom is the ceiling. Avoid the cheap coat of flat white paint and choose a suitable gloss or semi-gloss paint that will resist moisture and mildew growth. If you want to avoid drawing too much attention to the bathroom ceiling with a glossy finish, you can opt for a satin finish. Satin finishes have a low level of gloss and can be ideal in bathrooms with low-moisture levels. Another option is eggshell which offers a slight sheen and is more washable than flat paint. You can opt for an acrylic eggshell finish which is ideal in bathrooms and kitchens.

Top Considerations When Painting Your Bathroom

• Never paint over mildew growth, always take steps to get rid of the mildew and seal the walls to prevent the same issue from recurring.
• Ensure that the room is properly ventilated and wear protective gear during the painting process.
• Apply a quality mildew-resistant primer on the walls or ceiling before you begin the paint application.
• When repainting a previously painted wall, lookout for signs of damage and imperfections like cracks and holes. You can apply a filler in these areas before painting to get a clean and smooth finish. These small defects can allow moisture to penetrate under the paint and undermine its ultimate look.
• If you can’t find the specific colour of anti-mould paint or hue you desire, you can get special additives that you can add to any kind of paint you want to apply to make it moisture resistant.