Summary: A fresh coat of paint can give your bathroom a noticeable facelift. Choosing quality bathroom paint helps protect walls against humidity, spills and splashes. But what is the best paint for bathrooms? Bath and spa formulas offer moisture and mildew resistance for damp bathroom environments. Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Start by cleaning the walls and covering surfaces you want to protect. Use an angled brush for clean edges and a thin roller for tight spaces. Allow primer and paint to fully dry between coats. With the right products, preparation and techniques, you can create a clean, durable bathroom finish.
Nothing gives your bathroom a facelift like a fresh coat of paint. Whether you are changing up colors, renovating or getting your property ready for sale, the right paint can revive your bathroom and improve its overall appeal.
However, with multiple bathroom fixtures, you may need a few tips and tricks to guide you. With over 90 years of experience in the paint industry, we have a few expert bathroom painting tips to help you complete any bathroom paint job.
When you are painting the bathroom, quality is everything. Bathrooms have a unique environment. They are exposed to humidity, spills and splashes, requiring high-quality paint that is moisture resistant and easy to clean. Our first painting bathroom tip is to pick a primer and paint specifically designed for the bathroom.
Options branded as bath and spa paint are formulated with color lock technology that protects them against fading quickly. This type of paint is also moisture and mildew resistant.
Bathroom walls can collect dirt over time. Whether from products, dust or soap, this dirt can hinder the paint's performance. Before you start painting, wipe down all the areas you plan to paint. You can use warm water and a cloth or a sponge and all-purpose cleaner. Let the wall dry completely before you begin applying primer and paint.
Paint jobs can get messy, and there will undoubtedly be spills. To protect the surfaces you aren't painting and yourself from a hectic cleanup, you'll want to cover all the areas you don't intend to paint. Use a drop cloth or durable builder's paper to cover the floor. Patch the paper with tape, and you won't have to worry about it bunching together like a drop cloth would.
However, a drop cloth is still the best option for basins and tubs. Remove fixtures like towel rails, frames and hooks to minimize obstructions and protect them from splatters. Cover smaller fixtures you can't remove with masking tape.
Cutting in helps you achieve a clean and professional paint job while saving you time and money. For added comfort, you'll want to use an angled brush. Remember not to excessively load the brush when cutting in. After dabbing the brush into the paint bucket, drag it across the inside of the bucket lid to remove excess paint. Have some wipes or a damp cloth in your toolkit to correct any mistakes.
One of the hardest parts of painting a bathroom is getting your roller or brush behind the toilet. Most rollers are too thick to fit behind the small space between the wall and the toilet tank. Even if you find a way to stick a brush or roller behind the tank, getting a smooth and even layer is nearly impossible.
There are two tips for painting the bathroom that you can try. Purchase a thin paint roller, such as an inch-wide roller. Dab it in paint like your regular roller and reach behind your toilet tank. You can use clean refuse bags to cover the toilet.
The second tip is to remove the toilet tank entirely. This option gives you full access to the space behind the toilet. Turn off your water supply, flush the toilet to drain the tank and loosen the bolts. Then, lift the tank and paint.
The final tip for painting bathroom walls is allowing the paint to dry correctly. First, let the primer dry completely before adding the paint. Then, allow the actual paint to dry between coats. A good rule of thumb is to wait two to four hours, but check the manufacturer's specifications. Once you have all the coats on the wall, you may want to wait a day or two before restoring the fixtures and taking a shower or bath.
Shop online for the best bathroom painting supplies, and find a store for a quick pickup. We have 32 convenient locations on Long Island.
Choosing the right bathroom paint can improve durability, appearance and moisture resistance. These answers cover common bathroom paint questions:
The best paint for humid bathrooms resists moisture and withstands frequent temperature changes. Look for high-quality bath and spa paint with moisture-resistant properties. A satin or semi-gloss finish also helps create a washable surface. These finishes handle bathroom humidity better than flat paint. Always paint the bathroom with a suitable primer for better adhesion and lasting results.
Bathrooms do not always require a special paint, but bathroom-specific formulas offer important advantages. Bath and spa paints resist moisture, mildew and frequent cleaning. These qualities make them well-suited for walls exposed to humidity, splashes and spills. High-quality bathroom paint can also maintain its color and finish for longer. Choose a product designed for moisture-prone rooms when possible.
The best water-resistant bathroom paint combines moisture resistance, durability and easy cleaning. Bath and spa paint provides a practical option for bathroom walls and ceilings. Look for products formulated to handle repeated exposure to moisture. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for surface preparation, application and drying times.
The best mold- and mildew-resistant bathroom paint contains properties designed for damp environments. Bath and spa formulas can help protect painted surfaces against mildew growth. Proper ventilation can also reduce excess moisture that encourages mold and mildew. Clean and dry the walls before painting for better results. Use a suitable primer when the surface requires additional preparation or protection.
A regular primer prepares surfaces for paint by improving adhesion, creating an even base and helping the topcoat perform consistently. A moisture-resistant primer provides these benefits while offering additional protection in damp environments.
