What to Know Before You Buy Bathroom Paint

Remodeling your master bathroom can help you achieve your goal of creating an aesthetically beautiful, highly functional, spa-like retreat you've been dreaming about. Remodeling your master is an exciting project! Like any home remodeling project, before it's over, you'll be making plenty of decisions like choosing the perfect tile, vanity, countertop, and the ideal fixtures, flooring, and lighting.

Another decision that you might not think about but can drastically affect your project's success is choosing the right type of paint, not just the perfect color!

Nothing gives a room a boost like a fresh coat of paint. Whether you want to create a serene experience or start your day in a bright, warm space, the right paint color and finish can define your bathroom space.

Here's what you need to know to help you pick the perfect bathroom paint to meet your aesthetic and functional needs.

The Bathroom is Tough on Paint!

The bathroom is the most challenging environment in your home in terms of materials. Materials need to hold up to excess moisture, high-humidity, and rapid temperature changes. In fact, dealing with moisture is the most important factor to consider when picking out and putting down a coat of fresh paint.

Moisture affects your walls in two ways. Damp air from the bath or shower can condense and collect on the walls, or water from the shower, bathtub, or sink can directly splash onto the walls. This moisture can damage the paint. When it finally penetrates, it can contact the drywall or plaster surface beneath cause worse damage.

This situation also directly contributes to problems like peeling paint, mold, and mildew growth. The "harder" or less permeable the paint, the less moisture gets through. 

What to Look For in Bathroom Paint

Some manufacturers and retailers are marketing paint specifically intended for and named "bathroom paint." Many homeowners assume that this is different than ordinary interior paint. But the truth is that no paint is specifically formulated for bathroom use.

While not specifically formulated for the bathroom, some paints perform better and are formulated to resist moisture. While you don't need to buy "so-called" bathroom paint, you may want to consider interior paint that is formulated for moisture resistance. You'll get all the benefits, plus a better set of options for paint sheen.

 When choosing paint for your bathroom, look for these characteristics before choosing:

 • Mildew Resistant Properties

Today, there are many choices for paints that have anti-microbial additives to help resist mold and mildew. While these paints are mold and mildew "resistant," they will not completely prevent these issues.

 • It's Washable

To keep your bathroom clean, you'll need to give it the occasional wipe-down or a little scrubbing. The right bathroom paint choice will be durable, tougher, and more resilient than other interior paints.

 • It has a "Tight" Structure

Some paint formulations have a tighter chemical structure. They are designed to make lower-gloss finishes perform like a high-gloss. This makes them an excellent choice for the moisture-rich environment of the bathroom.

Premium paint is more likely to possess these protective characteristics and cover better than discount paints. Whenever you have questions, speak with your design-build professional, or visit your local specialty paint store and ask about the best products for the bathroom.

It's always a good idea to use a separate primer and paint rather than a product with a primer in it. When choosing a primer, use a moisture-resistant primer to help prevent peeling. Paint peeling occurs when moisture seeps between the paint and its surface. This is common in unventilated showers, where steam is generated, rises, and gets trapped. To prevent peeling, use a primer like Kilz Kitchen And Bath Primer before you paint with your mildew resistant paint.

Oil Paint or Latex Enamel?

When it comes to the bathroom, the best choice for ease of use, ease of cleanup, low-VOCs and maximum coverage is a high-quality, premium, water-based latex paint. Oil-based paints have a reputation for durability, toughness, and the ability to stand up to scrubbing – all excellent properties for the bathroom. However, it requires mineral spirits to clean up, and oil-based paints release higher VOC levels, which are dangerous to your health.

 In fact, check with your local building department as some states have outlawed the use of oil-based interior paints. Another problem is that oil-based paints may yellow over time, especially in low-light conditions.

Today, latex is the better choice. Many formulas are offering improved durability, mold, mildew, and moisture resistance. Make sure whatever you choose is washable. Washable paints have a tighter molecular structure to prevent water from penetrating. That means you can scrub away stains and not worry about moisture damaging the paint's surface.

The Finish Factor...

The right finish is an essential factor in the success of your painting project. It's about more than just aesthetics. While the shine might seem strictly about looks, the level of gloss is actually an indicator of durability and mold-resistance. 

Flat or eggshell paints are formulated with more pigment particles and fewer resins and binders. As a result, they offer a richness of color and low-luster. However, they are less durable and prone to moisture damage. Because of their lower durability, they also don't stand up well to scrubbing. It can be challenging to clean walls with a flat finish without damaging them. It's probably best to avoid matte finishes in the bathroom.

The only exception would be a flat paint that is specifically formulated for bathroom use. Suppose you choose one of these mildew-resistant, more durable paints. In that case, it will probably work in a more humid environment like the bathroom. However, expect to pay a significant premium.

The best choice of finish for the bathroom is semi-gloss or high-gloss paint. Semi-gloss paint contains more resins and binders than a matte or flat finish. Glossy bumps it up another level. That's why semi-gloss and high-gloss have a tighter structure making them more moisture resistant and easier to clean. 

The Bottom Line

When choosing bathroom paint, while color and aesthetics are important, you need to look beyond. Choose a paint that is specifically formulated for the bathroom. Some manufacturers say they make a special paint for the bathroom. However, there is no formal "bathroom paint."

Read the label closely and choose a paint that is mold and mildew resistant with a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish, even on the ceiling. They offer the best durability and are easy to clean.

If you're planning a bathroom remodeling project and live in the West Central Alabama area, give the design experts at Toulmin Kitchen & Bath a call at (205) 366-0807. We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Let us help you avoid the problems and design the perfect master bathroom to meet your aesthetic and functional needs.