The bathroom, a space of daily rejuvenation, deserves a paint that can withstand the unique challenges of this high-moisture environment. Choosing the right paint for bathrooms is essential to ensure a long-lasting, beautiful, and hygienic finish.
Why it’s Important to Choose Right Paint for Bathroom
Bathrooms are prone to high humidity, condensation, and splashes. Standard paints may succumb to these conditions, leading to:
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Mould and mildew growth: Dampness creates the perfect breeding ground for these unsightly and potentially harmful organisms.
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Peeling and chipping: Moisture can cause paint to deteriorate, leading to unsightly peeling and chipping.
- Fading and discolouration: Constant exposure to steam and moisture can cause colours to fade and lose their vibrancy.
How to Choose the Best Type of Paint for Bathrooms
Selecting the right paint for your bathroom is paramount. Here's what to consider:
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Paint for a Bathroom:
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Moisture Resistance: Look for paints specifically formulated for high-humidity areas. These paints are designed to resist moisture penetration, minimizing the risk of mould and mildew.
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Insulating Features: Insulating paint helps regulate the temperature in your bathroom by reducing heat transfer through walls, keeping the space warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This feature not only adds comfort but can also help minimise the formation of condensation—a common issue in bathrooms that leads to mould and mildew growth.
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Washability: Bathrooms can get messy. Choose a paint that is highly washable and scrubbable to easily remove soap scum, toothpaste splatters, and other stains.
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Mould and Mildew Resistance: Opt for paints that contain mildewcide additives. These ingredients inhibit the growth of mould and mildew, keeping your bathroom walls fresh and clean.
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Durability: Bathroom paints should be durable enough to withstand the daily wear and tear of a busy household. Look for paints with good adhesion and resistance to chipping and scratching.
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Finish: Consider the desired finish.
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Matte: Offers a classic, non-reflective look but may be more prone to showing imperfections.
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Satin: Provides a slightly sheen finish that is easy to clean and hides minor imperfections well.
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Eggshell: Offers a subtle sheen with good washability and is a popular choice for bathrooms.
- Semi-gloss: Provides a more reflective finish, making it ideal for trim, doors, and areas prone to moisture, such as around the bathtub or shower.
Types of Paints To Be Used In Bathrooms
1. Mould Paint
This type of paint is for high-humidity areas like bathrooms. It has special additives that stop mould and mildew growing, keeps walls looking fresh and prevents health issues. Look for words like "mould resistant", "anti-fungal" or "mildew proof" on the label.
2. Anti-Condensation Paint
These paints are designed to reduce condensation on walls. They often have special additives that regulate moisture flow, minimises dampness and mould growth. Look for words like "anti-condensation", "damp proof" or "moisture resistant" on the label.
3. Insulating Paint
While mainly used for energy efficiency, some insulating paints can be moisture resistant. These paints can help regulate temperature fluctuations on the walls, reduces condensation forming. Look for words like "insulating", "thermal-insulating" or "heat-reflective" on the label.
Remember: Proper ventilation is key in any bathroom, no matter what paint you choose. Make sure you have an extractor fan to remove moisture air.
Here's a Rating of Some of the Best Bathroom Paint Brands in The UK:
When this unique interior and exterior paint dries, it creates a thermal barrier on your walls that reflects heat back into your rooms instead of letting it escape through your walls. This helps prevent heat loss, warm up your rooms faster, and reduces energy waste.
2. HQC Kitchen & Bathroom Paint
Specifically formulated to provide premium protection against mould and bacteria growth in high-condensation areas like bathrooms and kitchens. It offers a mid-sheen finish that resists moisture, stains, and grease, ensuring a long-lasting and washable surface.
3. Landlord’s Paint Bathroom Paint
Designed to prevent the reappearance of mould, algae, blistering, and bacteria growth in bathroom areas. It provides a non-dripping, moisture-resistant finish that prevents colour degradation and is easy to apply. This paint is also wipeable and durable, ensuring long-lasting protection.
4. Evelyn Grant Cupboard Paint
While primarily designed for cupboards, this water-based paint offers a durable satin finish with low VOC levels, making it suitable for indoor use. It transforms kitchen units, cupboards, doors, and drawers, providing superior adhesion and durability. However, its suitability for high-moisture areas like bathrooms may be limited compared to paints specifically formulated for such environments.
5. Dulux Easycare Bathroom Soft Sheen Paint
This paint is renowned for its MouldTec formulation, which protects against mould for up to five years. It offers excellent moisture and steam resistance, making it ideal for bathrooms. The soft sheen finish is ten times tougher than standard emulsion, providing a durable and wipeable surface.
6. Johnstone’s Paint Bathroom Midsheen
Its mid-sheen texture provides a subtle, elegant shine, perfect for modern or classic interiors. The Frosted Silver shade adds a sophisticated touch to your bathroom, creating a calm and contemporary atmosphere. With excellent coverage and a mould-resistant formula, Johnstone’s Bathroom Paint ensures your walls stay fresh and clean for longer. Easy to apply and quick to dry, it’s a reliable choice for any bathroom makeover.
Always consult with a qualified painter or decorator for specific recommendations and advice on choosing the best paint for your bathroom.
How to Paint Bathroom Walls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Painting your bathroom walls can transform the space, giving it a fresh and modern look. Since bathrooms are high-moisture environments, selecting the best bathroom paint and following the correct preparation process is crucial for a long-lasting finish. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you achieve professional results.
1. Prepare the Area
Before you begin, remove any items from the bathroom walls, such as mirrors, shelves, and towel racks. Use painter's tape to cover the edges of tiles, light fixtures, and trim to ensure clean lines. Lay down a dust sheet to protect the floor and any remaining fixtures.
2. Clean and Repair the Walls
Bathroom walls often accumulate grease, soap scum, and mildew, which can prevent paint from adhering properly. Wash the walls with a mild detergent or sugar soap, and scrub any areas affected by mould with a diluted bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow the walls to dry completely. Inspect for cracks or holes, and use filler to repair them. Sand the patched areas until smooth, ensuring a flawless base for the paint. If you have a mould or damp problem, you need to get to the root cause of what is causing the mould or damp, which is usually a ventilation problem or an internal leak or air coming in from outside.
3. Prime the Walls
Applying a primer is a crucial step, especially if the walls are stained or have been painted with a darker colour. Use a mould-resistant primer designed for bathrooms to enhance the durability of the best bathroom paint and prevent future mildew growth. Let the primer dry as instructed on the packaging.
4. Choose and Apply the Paint
For bathroom walls, always opt for paint specifically formulated for high-moisture areas. The best bathroom paint is mould-resistant, washable, and capable of withstanding steam and condensation. Apply the first coat using a quality roller for even coverage, and use a brush for corners and edges. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat for a seamless finish.
5. Final Touches and Clean-Up
Once the walls are dry, carefully remove the painter's tape and reinstall any fixtures you had removed. Clean your brushes and rollers immediately to prevent paint from hardening. Ventilate the bathroom well to ensure the paint cures properly.
By following these steps and using the best bathroom paint, you can ensure your bathroom walls remain vibrant and protected against moisture and mould for years to come.
