What’s The Best Type Of Paint For Bathrooms?

What’s the Best Type of Paint for Bathrooms?

When it comes to selecting paint for your bathroom, the variety available at local shops and big-box home improvement stores can be overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process and ensure you choose the best paint for your bathroom remodel or update.

The Best Paint for Bathrooms

For bathrooms, the ideal paint finish is satin, semi-gloss, or glossy with a mildew-resistant additive. These finishes provide durability and moisture resistance. However, if you prefer a flat or matte finish, there are options designed to withstand the bathroom environment. Regardless of the finish, always clean and prime your walls before painting for the best results.

Important Factors to Consider

Humidity and Moisture: Humidity can negatively impact paint performance. Steam from showers can seep between the wall and the paint, causing texture issues, bubbling, and peeling. Glossy finishes are more moisture-resistant as they form a hard coat once cured, preventing water from seeping through and causing damage. In contrast, low-sheen paints like flat or eggshell finishes are softer and more absorbent.

Safety: Avoid using exterior paints, like masonry paint, inside bathrooms as they can contain harmful additives. When unsure, it’s best to hire a professional painter for a safe and efficient paint job.

Best Bathroom Primers

Priming is essential to ensure the paint bonds well to the wall and prevents peeling. Look for primers with mildewcide additives for long-lasting protection. Recommended primers include:

• KILZ Mold & Mildew Interior/Exterior Primer
• Zinsser Peel Stop White Triple Thick Interior/Exterior High Build Binding Primer
• BEHR White Acrylic Interior Kitchen, Bath, and Trim Stain-Blocking Primer and Sealer

A good primer is especially important if you’re opting for a low-sheen or no-gloss paint.

Paint Finishes for Bathrooms

Matte, Flat, and Eggshell: Prof

essional painters usually advise against these finishes in bathrooms due to their susceptibility to mildew and difficulty in cleaning. However, matte finishes can add a luxurious, designer appeal to your bathroom. Advances in paint technology have led to mildew-resistant and easier-to-clean matte, flat, and eggshell paints. Look for these options:

• Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa – Matte
• BEHR Ultra Scuff Defense Stain-Blocking Paint and Primer in One – Flat
• Zinsser Interior Perma White – Eggshell

Pros:

• Some products are durable and mildew-resistant

Cons:

• Susceptible to moisture
• Prone to peeling if not properly primed
• Not all products are mildew-resistant

Satin:

Satin paint offers a balance between eggshell and gloss, forming a slight protective coating that makes it easier to clean. It’s a good choice for those wanting a

softer texture with many benefits of a gloss finish. Recommended satin paints include:

• BEHR Premium Plus Satin Enamel Low Odor Interior Paint and Primer in One
• Zinsser Satin Perma-White White Tintable Interior Paint

Pros:

• Suitable for bathroom walls, ceilings, or trim
• Relatively easy to clean

Cons:

• Not as easy to clean as semi-gloss and gloss

Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss is ver

satile, easy to clean, and water-resistant, making it perfect for bathroom walls and trim. Top choices include:

• BEHR Premium Semi-Gloss Enamel Low Odor Interior Paint and Primer in One
• Zinsser Semi-Gloss Perma-White White Tintable Interior Paint
• PPG UltraLast Base 1 Semi-Gloss Interior Paint
• HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams Showcase Semi-Gloss

Pros:

• Durable and easy to clean
• Dries quickly

Cons:

• Shows texture and imperfections

Glossy and Full-Gloss: Glossy paints offer maximum protection from moisture and are the easiest to clean, ideal for bathroom cabinets and trim. Great options include:

• BEHR Premium Plus Hi-Gloss Enamel Interior/Exterior Paint
• Valspar Ultra High-Gloss Ultra White/Base A Enamel Tintable Interior Paint
• Farrow & Ball’s Full Gloss Interior and Exterior Paint
• PPG’s Metallic Interior Specialty Finish

Pros:

• Long-lasting and moisture-resistant
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Shows water droplets and imperfections
• Longer curing time

Bathroom Hardware

For repainting fixtures and hardware, choose rust-resistant paints with a metallic finish for added protection. Recommended products include:

• KILZ Original Oil-Based Interior Primer Spray
• Rust-Oleum Universal Flat Spray Paint
• Rust-Oleum 2X Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover Flat Spray
• Plutonium Clear Coat Gloss Spray Paint Colors

Additional Considerations

Wall Color and Mirror Reflections: Light-colored or neutral walls optimize the brightness and clarity of mirror reflections. Dark colors absorb more light, affecting the vibrancy of reflections.

Mold and Mildew Resistance: Choose paints with mold and mildew resistance to prevent fungi growth and maintain a clean, hygienic bathroom.

Preventing Peeling: To avoid peeling, use a compatible primer and ensure proper surface preparation. This is especially important when switching between oil-based and latex paints.

By considering these factors and recommendations, you can select the best paint for your bathroom, ensuring a durable, beautiful finish.