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Bathrooms are perhaps one of the most common rooms to be painted in a home. As we go about our daily lives and wash, we will likely splash and spill water about with relative frequency, and these spills and splashes can damage paint over time.
For this reason, bathroom paint has to stand up to prolonged exposure to moisture, as well as UV rays from sunlight.
There are certain paints best suited for bathrooms – those which keep their color under such conditions. However, before understanding what is best for your bathroom walls or ceilings (or even outside!), you must first understand the types of paints available:
Latex/Acrylic Paints: These paints consist of tiny fibers of plastic suspended in a liquid. The resins used for this are water-soluble, which means that they can be easily washed off with a damp cloth and a small amount of detergent.
Some acrylics last longer than others because they can stand up to exposure better – if you’re looking for the best paint for bathrooms, then this would be your number one choice!
Oil Paints: These paints use oil or wax as their medium. They have been around since Ancient Egyptian times and remain popular today due to their durability and longevity – often lasting 40 years or more!
However, oil paints take much longer to dry, so there will be no bathroom use immediately after painting! In addition, oil paints are highly toxic, so you need to take care when using them.
Silicone Coating: For bathroom walls and ceilings with high levels of humidity or moisture exposure, silicone coats can provide a final layer to protect the surface from stains or discoloration.
This need for a final layer is often the case when painting over tiles/grout! Skilled painters can do silicone coating, or you can buy kits to do it yourself.
What is the Best Paint for a Steamy Bathroom Ceiling?
Choose from Latex Paints, Oil Paints, and Silicone Coating for a steamy bathroom ceiling.
As stated earlier, latex (water-based) paints are resistant to moisture and UV rays – making them your best choice when painting bathroom ceilings!
Alternatively, if you do not wish to use latex paint, oil paints may also be an option. However, remember that they take significantly longer to dry (24 hours+), so waiting time will be out of the question if you’re in a rush!
What is the best Moisture Resistant Paint for the bathroom?
Latex (water-based) paint provides good protection against water and UV radiation – making it one of your best options when painting a bathroom!
What type of Sherwin Williams Paint is Best for Bathrooms?
Sherwin Williams paints are great for bathrooms because they provide low VOCs, meaning less odor and fumes than other paints. Low VOCs allows you to paint your bathroom without having headaches, nausea, or adverse effects.
For example, Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint has anti-microbial properties comparable to Bath Paint and is an excellent paint for walls, ceilings, and trim.
Oil and alkyd are also suitable for bathrooms. Sherwin-Williams oil/alkyd-based paints have excellent adhesion, durability, and stain resistance, making them excellent choices for trim in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Is Eggshell Paint a Good Choice for Bathrooms?
Eggshell paints are great for bathrooms because they are both mildew resistant and easy to clean. You should have no problems with mold, mildew, or soap scum buildup on the surface!
If you decide to use eggshell paint in your bathroom, make sure it is 100% acrylic (meaning water-based – latex). Otherwise, it may contain oils that can damage the surface when combined with moisture.
What is the Best White Paint for Bathrooms?
Choose super white or “VW Bug” white colors for walls and ceilings when painting a bathroom. These bright whites work beautifully in bathrooms because they reflect light, making the room appear larger and more radiant.
The amount of natural light in your bathroom is significant when choosing paint colors; you want to make sure that the color reflects as much light as possible!
The Best Bathroom Paint Choices
Dulux Bathroom+ Emulsion Paint – This paint is specially formulated for bathrooms, with low odor and low VOC levels. In addition, it has high washability, which makes it suitable for wall tiles and steamy bathroom ceilings!
Royal Talens Van Gogh Eggshell Enamel – This water-based (latex) paint is your best choice if you’re looking for an eggshell finish that provides excellent coverage. The natural white color will create a bright effect in the room while creating a smooth surface to write or draw.
Valspar Signature Semi-Gloss – This durable interior acrylic latex paint from Valspar is specifically designed to repel dirt and moisture on interior surfaces such as walls. In addition, it has maximum resistance to fading from UV rays.
Polycell One Coat Damp Seal – This paint provides excellent coverage and protection from moisture. In addition, it is rapid drying – allowing you to get on with your day sooner!
Ronseal Anti Mold Paint – This paint has anti-mold properties that inhibit mold and mildew growth and make for a great base coat on all bathroom surfaces. However, some people have found the paint chips easily.
Farrow & Ball Downpipe – As its name indicates, this Farrow & Ball paint is specially designed with water resistance in mind. As a result, it has some of the highest washability ratings out of any low sheen or eggshell paints on the market!
Johnstone’s Brilliant White Kitchen & Bathroom Emulsion – This interior water-based (latex) paint provides a high-quality finish with a hard-wearing surface in small areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways. In addition, it is easy to clean!
Coddens Cavity Bathroom Wall Paint – This paint from Coddens is self-adhesive and designed for use on dry/rough surfaces such as bathroom walls. It is applied directly to the surface without using a primer or undercoat.
Tikkurila Self Priming Bodywork Water-based Acrylic Emulsion Paint– This one comes highly recommended because of its excellent coverage, durability, and low odor levels. However, many people have found that it does not provide a very “glossy” finish.
GoodHome bathroom paint – This paint from GoodHome has a unique formula that prevents mold growth. In addition, it is easy to wipe down and will not peel or wash off easily! You won’t have to spend hours scrubbing the walls when cleaning your bathroom.
Sag Harbor Eggshell Enamel – This water-based (latex) paint is naturally mildew-resistant without any added chemicals. The white color includes small amounts of black pigment to even out the shade, resulting in a bright finish with natural variations in tone!
Classic Paints Water Resistant Bathroom Paint – This paint was specially formulated for bathrooms with smooth tiles or other hard surfaces like glass and metal. It comes at an affordable price and dries quickly, allowing you to get on with your day sooner!
Sherwin-Williams Regal Select Semi-Gloss Enamel – This water-based (latex) paint is self-priming, fade-resistant, and has superior coverage in a single coat! In addition, it provides excellent protection from mildew and moisture.
Hamiltons Water Resistant Bathroom Wall Paint – This paint was specially formulated to withstand the harsh conditions found in bathrooms. It can be applied directly onto tiles or smooth surfaces such as glass and metal without adhering well. However, it is only available in white.
La Hacienda Waterproof Bathroom Emulsion Paint – This water-based (latex) paint contains an ultra-low VOC formula that will give your bathroom a great finish. However, it tends to shrink after drying – so be sure to apply in thin coats.
Fletcher’s Gac Rapid Drying Waterproof Wall & Ceiling Paint is specially designed for bathrooms with smooth surfaces such as tiles or glass. Not only does it have excellent water resistance, but it also has the highest washability rating on the market!
Glidden Spred Satin Interior Eggshell Paints – The low VOC and solvent levels of this Glidden paint make it an excellent choice for your bathroom walls and ceilings. You can easily wipe away any splatters or stains that get onto the surface of the paint. In addition, this provides an excellent finish at a great value!
Hamiltons Bathroom Low Sheen Latex Paint – If you’re looking for water-based (latex) paint that is easy to clean and resistant to mildew, then this one may be a good choice. You can apply this paint directly onto tiles or smooth surfaces such as glass and metal without adhering well.
Ariston Waterproof Emulsion Paint – This hard-wearing water-based (latex) paint from Ariston features a high-quality finish with excellent washability properties. In addition, it was specially formulated to cover in just one coat! However, it does not come in white.
Hamiltons Super Gloss Bathroom Self Priming Acrylic Tile Enamel – This interior latex paint was specially formulated to withstand the harsh conditions found in bathrooms. You can apply this paint directly onto tiles or smooth surfaces such as glass and metal without adhering well. However, this paint does not contain any UV stabilizers – so it may not last very long under direct sunlight exposure.
Tikkurila Aqua Latex Self Priming Water-based Acrylic Emulsion Paint – This water-based (latex) paint comes at an affordable price with great coverage! Additionally, it is easy to wipe down and will not peel or wash off easily! You won’t have to spend hours scrubbing the walls when cleaning your bathroom.
Classic Paints Enamel Ultra Bathroom Wall Paint – The low VOC and solvent levels make it an excellent choice for your bathroom walls and ceilings. You can easily wipe away any splatters or stains that get onto the surface of the paint. In addition, this provides an excellent finish at a great value!
Hamiltons Water Resistant Bathroom Wall Paint – This water-based (latex) paint contains an ultra-low VOC formula that will give your bathroom an excellent finish. However, it does not come in white – only off-white/cream color options are available.
When painting a bathroom, don’t forget that the most important thing is to make sure that your paint can handle any humidity or wetness in the room. Latex paints provide better resistance to mold, mildew, and moisture than oil-based paints.
