Best Paints for Bathrooms – A Complete Guide
When it comes to painting your bathroom, selecting the correct type of paint is vital. Bathrooms are high-humidity areas that face regular temperature variations, making them susceptible to the following:
- Mould
- Mildew
- Paint Peeling
The bad choice may result in early wear and expensive repaints. Choosing a paint specially designed to resist these conditions guarantees longevity and a fresh appearance for the coming years. In this informative guide, we will explore the best paints for bathrooms, their advantages, and what to consider when choosing one.
Why Quality Paint Is Essential for Bathrooms
Unlike other rooms in your home, bathrooms are continuously prone to humidity and water splashes. Standard paints might not offer sufficient protection, resulting in issues such as bubbling, cracking, and mould growth. Quality bathroom paints are formulated with moisture-resistant and anti-microbial properties, making them perfect for resisting humid conditions.
Key Factors for Selecting the Right Bathroom Paint
Choosing the perfect paint for your bathroom involves more than just selecting a colour – it needs thorough consideration of moisture resistance, finish, and durability.
Bathrooms need emulsion paints made for internal use, as these are water-based and more suitable for walls and ceilings. Unlike oil-based paints, which are mainly used on wood and metal for stability, water-based emulsions offer a moisture-resistant and long-lasting finish.
Moisture is a significant factor when selecting paint for bathrooms, as these spaces are vulnerable to excessive humidity and condensation, meaning the paint should be resilient enough to withstand continual exposure to moisture.
As bathrooms are excessively humid spaces with insufficient ventilation, the right paint choice can aid in preventing mould, mildew, and premature wear.
Moisture Resistance is the most vital factor, as bathrooms are continuously vulnerable to steam and water. A superior quality, water-resistant paint helps avoid dampness from seeping into walls and causing damage.
Finish Matters – glossy and enamel paints create a sturdy, water-repellent layer, making them perfect for extreme moisture areas. Semi-gloss balances durability and aesthetics, while flat or eggshell finishes tend to absorb moisture, making them more inappropriate.
Primer is of considerable significance in sealing porous surfaces, guaranteeing better adhesion, and preventing stains or fungal growth. It is particularly significant when painting over tile, wood, or drywall.
For additional protection, antimicrobial additives can be mixed into the paint to withstand mould and bacteria, keeping your bathroom cleaner for an extended period.
By considering these factors, you can select a paint that improves both the longevity and aesthetics of your bathroom.
Best Paint Finishes for Bathrooms
Selecting the appropriate paint finish is just as significant as choosing a moisture-resistant formula. The best finishing options for bathroom walls, ceilings, and woodwork include:
Matt: A low-sheen finish that conceals imperfections well. Standard matt paint lacks moisture resistance, but durable matt emulsions offer improved damp protection.
Eggshell: A slightly higher sheen than matt with superior durability, suitable for walls, ceilings, and woodwork. Pick the product that offers durability and moisture resistance.
Satin: A mid-sheen finish designed for woodwork and metal. This vinyl emulsion provides a high sheen and complements bathroom tiles but may highlight surface imperfections.
Silk: A mid-sheen finish commonly used on internal walls and ceilings with moisture-resistant properties.
Soft Sheen: Similar to silk but with a more subtle appearance, offering durability and a modern look.
Semi-Gloss: Extremely durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to wipe clean. The reflective finish brightens the space but can highlight wall imperfections.
High-Gloss: The highest sheen finish, widely used for woodwork, metal, door jambs, and cabinets, offering excellent moisture protection and easy cleaning.
Best Bathroom Primers
A primer must be used as the first coat before applying paint. It prepares the surface to accept paint, even on glossy surfaces, and prevents paint from bubbling or peeling. Many primers need 24 hours to dry properly before paint is applied over them.
Bathroom Primer: Most major paint brands offer primers labelled particularly for bathrooms, kitchens, or trim. These are designed to manage high-moisture surroundings and usually include mould-resistant additives.
Mildew Resistant Primer: Primers labelled mould-resistant or mould-killing are perfect for bathrooms with inadequate air circulation. They contain mildewcides that avoid fungal growth.
Drywall Primer: For new construction, drywall primer guarantees the surface is completely sealed before painting.
All-Purpose Primer: This primer is sufficient for multiple surfaces, including drywall and high-moisture areas. Make sure it is labelled for bathroom use.
Waterproof vs. Mould-Resistant Paints: Which Is Best for Your Bathroom?
When selecting bathroom paint, it is vital to consider both water resistance and mould prevention. Waterproof paints, like high-gloss acrylic-latex and oil-based options, have a tighter molecular structure that repels moisture efficiently. The higher the gloss level – ranging from satin to semi-gloss and high-gloss – the better the paint resists water and peeling.
On the contrary, mould-resistant paints contain fungicides that actively prevent mould and mildew growth. While eggshell and satin finishes offer moderate water resistance, semi-gloss and high-gloss options provide better moisture shielding. Nevertheless, eggshell paint takes the lead in concealing surface imperfections, whereas glossier finishes tend to highlight them.
If your bathroom has high moisture levels or insufficient ventilation, mould-resistant paint might be the superior option, while waterproof paint is perfect for areas vulnerable to regular water splashes.
Best Paint Colours for Bathrooms
Choosing the appropriate colour can transform your bathroom into a comfortable retreat. Leading choices include the following:
Cool Blues & Greens: Light blues and greens evoke a spa-like atmosphere, promoting relaxation.
Crisp Whites: White tones give a fresh, clean appearance while making small bathrooms feel more expansive.
Anthracite Grey & Black Grey: For a bold, contemporary touch, dark hues add depth and sophistication.
Tips for Painting Bathrooms
The following are a few straightforward tips to make painting your bathroom stress-free.
Never Paint Over Mildew
It is vital to remove mildew before painting. Scrub impacted areas with a bleach and water solution, wear protective gear, and ensure the room is properly ventilated. Discard cleaning materials responsibly prior to proceeding with a mildew-resistant primer.
Keep the Room Dry
Moisture and paint don’t merge well. Before you begin painting, enable the bathroom to dry out completely. If there is lingering moisture, it can seep between the wall and the paint film, resulting in peeling and flaking.
Select the Correct Colour
Bathrooms are generally more compact than other rooms, so choosing the correct shade is necessary. While you can create any style you like, lighter tones such as white, soft grey, or blue can help brighten a narrow space. If you have a big bathroom, you can experiment with deeper shades, such as anthracite grey or black-grey, for a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.
Mask and Cover Surfaces
In contrast to other rooms, you cannot clear out all the fixtures in a bathroom prior to painting. For that reason, it is vital to mask and safeguard anything you don’t want paint on. Adequate preparation will make cleanup simpler and aid you in achieving a neat, professional-looking finish.
Remove the Toilet Tank
Painting around a toilet tank could be tricky, usually leading to an uneven or messy finish. Just like with light fixtures, removing the tank prior to painting is best for cleaner, more accurate results.
Invest in High-Quality Tools
The quality of your decorating tools plays a crucial role in the final result. A brush, roller, and other painting equipment can enhance the finish considerably. When shopping for supplies, pick the best quality within your budget – you will observe a huge difference, and the cost will be minimal given the bigger picture of your project.
To Conclude!
Choosing the correct paint for your bathroom is crucial for retaining a fresh, long-lasting finish. Moisture-resistant, mildew-resistant, and durable paints guarantee your walls resist the humid environment. Whether you opt for a satin, semi-gloss, or specifically formulated matte finish, selecting the appropriate type of paint will safeguard your bathroom walls while improving their aesthetic beauty.
At Platinum Paints, we recognise the significance of premium-quality bathroom paint. By selecting the right product, applying it appropriately, and maintaining a properly ventilated space, you can relish an attractive and long-lasting bathroom paint job.