When it comes to painting your bathroom some questions might come to mind, such as, what is the best paint for a bathroom? You want a paint that will be durable and withstand the moisture and humidity that comes with bathrooms.
I’ve worked for more than 25 years as a professional house painter and have probably painted hundreds of bathrooms. In this article, I’ll discuss the best paint for bathrooms and provide tips on how to choose the right one for your space.
Choosing the Right Paint for Your Bathroom
When it comes to finding the best paint for your bathroom there are a few things you need to take into consideration. It should obviously be able to withstand humidity and moisture, but other factors you should look for are:
- Low odor
- Mold and mildew-resistant
- Durable
- Washable and scrubbable
- Stain resistant
When these factors are considered, the next thing to have in mind is the resin/binder the paint is made of.
What Is the Best Paint for a Bathroom?
The best type of paint for a bathroom is a water-based 100% acrylic moisture-resistant paint that is also mold and mildew resistant.
Acrylic resin is a common ingredient in latex paint because of its properties. It offers great stain protection, water resistance, adhesion, resistance to cracking/blistering, and resistance to alkali cleaners.
A mildewcide is added to the paint to resist mildew growth on the surface of the paint film. This is important in a bathroom because mildew can form in the presence of moisture and humidity.
These combined ingredients make for a paint that is ideal for bathrooms because it can withstand the humidity and moisture in the air without succumbing to mold or mildew growth.
Ultra Aquaborne Ceramic Kitchen & Bath is a good option for a bathroom’s walls. It comes with different glosses such as eggshell, satin and semi-gloss. It has good resistance to staining, fading, moisture and mildew.
Another great paint for walls is PERMA-WHITE Mold & Mildew-Proof Interior Paint which is popular among professional painters.
What’s the best paint for a bathroom ceiling?
The best type of paint for a bathroom ceiling is the same as what is best for walls; a water-based 100% acrylic moisture-resistant paint with a mildewcide added.
A great option for ceilings in a bathroom is Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa, although the paints mentioned above can also be used on the ceiling if you want some gloss to the finish.
Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa is a high-quality paint commonly used by professionals for bathroom ceilings since it is extremely resistant to humidity.
It also withstands repeated washings without the color rub-off that can be common with other types of paint if you choose to have a color on your ceiling.
Ceilings are usually painted white to reflect light and make the room appear bigger, but you could choose whichever color you like best and Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa has over 3,500 colors to choose from.
The paint can also be used on the walls if you want a uniform look throughout the bathroom. The gloss is matte, so it won’t show imperfections as much as a higher gloss would.
What’s the best paint for a bathroom vanity?
The best paint for bathroom vanity is a water-based polyurethane modified acrylic paint since it produces a durable, high-quality finish with excellent barrier properties and water resistance.
A bathroom vanity is exposed to moisture every time you use the sink, so it needs to be able to withstand repeated washings.
Wear and tear from daily use can also take a toll on the paint, so you want to choose something that is durable and will hold up over time.
Ultraplate Trim & Cabinet Enamel is used by professionals for bathroom vanities because it meets all of these criteria. It also dries fast compared to a water-based alkyd paint which needs about 16 hours before you can recoat it, and it takes up to 4 weeks for it to fully cure.
What’s the best paint for a bathroom floor?
The best paint for a bathroom floor is an epoxy reinforced acrylic enamel paint.
Epoxy resin is a synthetic material that is used to provide a hard, durable finish and has excellent moisture and chemical resistance. It is commonly used in floor paints because it can resist wear and tear, scratches, and staining.
Allflor Porch & Floor Enamel is a great option for bathroom floors. It can also be used on patios, porches, steps, decks, playrooms, basements, wood, concrete and masonry.
Paint a Bathroom Yourself or Hire a Professional?
Deciding whether to hire a professional or do it yourself is always a tough decision. Many people are hesitant to take on home improvement projects themselves, fearing that they will make mistakes or not be able to complete the job properly.
However, painting a bathroom is actually a relatively simple task that most people can handle with minimal experience. So, if you’re trying to decide whether to take on the project yourself or hire a professional, here are a few things to keep in mind.
First, consider the size of the bathroom. If it’s a small space, then painting it yourself will likely be quicker and easier than hiring someone else to do it.
Second, think about your own skill level. If you’re comfortable using a paintbrush and have some basic knowledge, then painting the bathroom yourself is probably a good option.
However, if you’re not confident in your abilities or don’t have much experience with painting, then it’s probably best to hire a professional so you get the best possible results.
Third, consider the cost. Hiring a professional painter will obviously cost more than doing it yourself, but you may be able to get a discount if you’re willing to do some of the work yourself (such as prep work or cleanup).
Ultimately, the decision of whether to hire a professional or do it yourself depends on your own circumstances and preferences.
Painting a Bathroom on a Budget
When you’re painting the bathroom yourself you’ll only have to pay for the materials and tools, so it’s a good option if you’re working with a tight budget.
To save even more money, try to find discounts or sales on paint and other supplies. That said, don’t sacrifice the quality of the paint for the sake of saving a few dollars – it’s not worth it in the long run.
Another way to save money is to only paint the parts of the bathroom that really need it. For example, if the ceiling is in good condition but the walls are starting to look a bit dingy, then just focus on painting the walls and leave the ceiling as is.
If you’re hiring a professional, be sure to get at least three quotes before making a decision. Different companies will charge different rates, so it’s important to compare prices before you commit to anything.
Final thoughts
Whether you decide to hire a professional or do it yourself, painting the bathroom is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to give the space a fresh new look compared to completely remodeling it.
And with so many different paint colors and finishes to choose from, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste and style. Just be sure to do your research first so you know what to expect and what options are available to you.
If you’re not sure where to start, try looking at some before and after photos online for inspiration. And if you do decide to tackle the project yourself, remember to take your time and don’t skimp on the quality—you’ll want the best paint for a bathroom so it will last for years to come.
This post is written by Jan Walter. Visit him at GoColorize.com.
Tags: bathroom ceiling paint, bathroom floor paint, bathroom vanity paint, best bathroom paint, choosing the best bathroom paint, professional painter