What Is The Best Paint For Bathrooms?

There’s a lot more that goes into picking the best paint for bathrooms than just finding the right color. No room in the home suffers as much from consistent dampness as the bathroom, and that moisture can cause serious problems—not only to your bathroom’s aesthetic but also to materials and structures below the surface.

Best Paint for Bathrooms: Oil Paint vs. Latex Paint

Bathroom walls suffer extreme wear and tear (both from moisture and scrubbing), which means that you’re going to want a kind of paint that can take some punishment. Oil paint has always had a reputation for durability and water resistance, so it seems like it should be a natural choice for bathroom walls. But is it the best option?

Unfortunately, it isn’t.

Oil paint takes a long time to dry, and if any moisture gets into the paint before it’s fully set, it can ruin the entire paint job. Even once it’s dried, an oil-based coat may not be fully waterproof, possibly leading to moisture getting behind the outer layer.

Noxious fumes are also a hazard with any oil-based paint; you’ll need good ventilation while you paint, and the bathroom will have to be off-limits until everything is completely dry (which can take days). Finally, lighter colors of oil paint can yellow over time.

Simply put, oil is not the best paint for bathrooms. Many modern latex paints, on the other hand, are even more durable and water-resistant than oil paints. Washable water-based latex paints are denser, making them more waterproof than oil paints, and better suited to stand up to intense scrubbing (which is vitally important when dealing with mildew). And, as a cherry on top, latex paint dries faster than oil paint, emits fewer chemical fumes, and is much easier to clean up in the event of a spill or stray brush stroke.

Best Paint for Bathrooms: What’s the Best Finish?

Your bathroom paint finish determines the sheen of the paint job. This may seem like an arbitrary decision, but the reality is that the finish also plays a crucial role in preventing mold and moisture from getting into the surface. A higher luster, glossier option may be the best paint finish for bathroom walls. Semi-gloss and gloss paints have more resin and binders per pigment particle, for a tighter molecular structure that’s easier to clean and gives mildew less chance of taking hold.

A good rule of thumb is that the higher the gloss, the better the protection. That’s why satin, semi-gloss, and gloss are preferred for bathrooms. Still, if you have your heart set on a flat finish, you may be able to find mildew-resistant, non-gloss options specifically made for use in bathrooms. That said, these kinds of specialty paints are typically more expensive, while still not being quite as effective as standard semi-gloss and gloss latex paints.

Above all else, make sure to avoid regular flat or eggshell finishes around tubs or in other high-moisture areas, as these porous paint finishes can easily trap water; the best paint for bathrooms needs to be capable of standing up to damp conditions.

Best Paint for Bathrooms: What about Ceilings?

Ceilings can be easy to overlook (or underlook?) when it’s time to paint a bathroom. But these surfaces need to be just as durable and waterproof as the walls and trim. Steam from showers and baths tends to condense into water spots that may remain on the ceiling for some time, giving mildew and mold a better chance of invading.

The same rules apply for knowing what type of paint for bathroom ceilings is most effective: Go with water-based latex and a semi-gloss or gloss finish. If you’re worried that too much sheen on the ceiling will hurt the bathroom aesthetic, then you can also try a less glossy satin finish—provided that your baths or showers aren’t too steamy.

Best Paint for Bathrooms: Other Considerations

If you’re looking for the best paint for bathrooms, latex with a glossy finish is probably the way to go. But before you bust out the paint bucket, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind:

Ventilation Can Make a Big Difference

Even low-fume latex paint can be dangerous in unventilated areas. You can increase ventilation in your bathroom while you paint by leaving doors and windows open, engaging bathroom fans, and strategically positioning portable fans to push the air outside. Properly ventilated bathrooms will also dry faster, minimizing the amount of time the paint job is vulnerable to moisture or other issues.

Different Areas May Require Different Finishes

As we said before, the best paint for bathrooms is the kind that doesn’t let moisture through. But not every area of the bathroom is exposed to the same hazards. Areas around water fixtures (sinks, showers, tubs, etc.) will likely need increased moisture resistance. For these, it may be a better option to go with a higher gloss finish than what you’re using on the walls (particularly if you prefer satin or semi-gloss for the bigger surfaces).

Paint Should Only Go on Clean, Dry Surfaces

It’s worth noting that even the best paint for bathrooms will be unable to keep mildew out if you trap it inside. Never paint over existing mildew; If your walls are already stained or damaged, fix those issues before you dip your paintbrush. Ensure lasting durability by only painting on clean, dry surfaces.

Best Paint for Bathrooms: We Can Help You Get Started

Finding the best paint for bathrooms isn’t quite as simple as strolling down to the paint store and choosing a nice color. If your project has you pulling out your hair, Made Renovation can help. We sort through all the details of your bathroom renovation and help you find the best solutions to fit your needs and budget. Our expert design team can help you navigate all of your most difficult home renovation decisions so that you can enjoy a functional, beautiful living space, without the stress.

Contact Made Renovation today for a free estimate, and let’s get this project started!