Best Bathroom Paint

Contents:

• Why bathrooms demand special paint
• What makes the best paint for bathrooms
• The importance of finish
• Best paint for specific surfaces
• Best bathroom paint products
• FAQs

The process of purchasing the best bathroom paint is different to purchasing paint for a bedroom. This is mainly because the best paint for bathrooms must be able to withstand a large amount of regular moisture, steam and mould. This guide for finding the best paint for bathrooms will educate DIY enthusiasts, and trades people, on what to look out for when searching for the best bathroom paint for their next project, so they can make the best decision. 

Standard paint formulas are not designed to withstand the high level of humidity and steam condensation often found in bathrooms. 

Over time, the paint would begin to peel off the walls, crack as well as becoming the perfect environment for the rapid growth of mould and mildew. It will also become damaged from frequent washing, and can cause structural damage to the property. This is why bathroom paints are made with specific formulas to prevent these issues from occurring. When searching for the best bathroom paint for your next project, look out for the following terms that signal specific bathroom paint formulas:

• Fungicides 

• High durability resins 

• High Sheen 

• Moisture resistant finish 

• Low–VOC 

Investing in high-quality, moisture-resistant bathroom paint can ensure that mould and mildew doesn’t begin to quickly grow from your paint. It also ensures that the paint is long-lasting, which removes the need to regularly have to repaint the bathroom. This helps to lower the overall cost of painting a bathroom, or bathrooms, over time. 

There are multiple factors that determine the best paint for bathrooms. Here is a summary of each of them. 

Moisture resistance

As bathrooms are constantly filled with moisture, it’s crucial that bathroom paints have the adequate amount of protection from it. This means that the best paint for bathrooms are more durable, which enables easy cleaning, and do not peel away from the wall, or bubble. The best paints for high humidity bathrooms usually score among the highest in moisture resistance.

Mildewcides/fungicides

Mildewcides and fungicides are both crucial ingredients in the best paints for bathrooms. 

They are included to create an environment on the surface of the bathroom paint that is unsuitable for the growth of mould and mildew. It helps to ensure that the paint does not become unhygienic to humans. 

Durability/washability

Both durability and washability are crucial elements to find when looking for the best bathroom paint. A durable paint can resist being softened by humidity, which prevents bubbling and peeling. Washability means that the walls and ceiling are able to be regularly cleaned without being damaged. 

Low-VOC considerations

Low–VOC stands for Low Volatile Organic Compounds. These compounds can concentrate harmful fumes that can lead to respiratory problems. As bathrooms tend to be small, humid, enclosed spaces with little ventilation, they can exacerbate the effects of VOCs. Therefore, purchasing Low—VOC bathroom paint can help to eliminate these issues. As a result, the best paint for high humidity bathrooms will be a Low—VOC paint. 

Best paint for a bathroom ceiling

The best paint for a bathroom ceiling is an acrylic or latex enamel formula, designed specifically for bathrooms and kitchens. It also has a higher sheen finish and stronger resistance to mould and mildew, to deal with higher levels of humidity that is common on bathroom ceilings. 

Best paint for ceramic tiles

The best paint for ceramic tiles is one that has a combination of enhanced durability and adhesion. This is because it has to bond to very smooth, non-porous surfaces. It also has to withstand frequent cleaning, and high levels of moisture. 

Best paint for radiator paint

The best paint for radiators in a bathroom are formulated with different types of enamel, to withstand very high temperatures without peeling, turning yellow or releasing toxic fumes. 

Best paint for bathroom furniture

The best paint for bathroom furniture is one made with a highly durable and moisture resistant form of enamel. This enables it to deal with large amounts of steam, humidity and frequent cleaning, without becoming compromised. Because of these characteristics, the best paint for bathroom furniture is also often the best paint for bathroom ceilings. 

This section will help in finding the best paint for bathrooms for a wide variety of DIY, or construction projects. 

Best overall premium choice

In regard to the overall best premium choice, the best paint for bathrooms is one that is a combination of enhanced moisture resistance, advanced anti–mildew/mould protection and a high sheen finish. These types of paints will cost more than standard bathroom paints as they combine all the key elements at the higher end of the paint spectrum, instead of just focusing on one or two. 

Best for high humidity bathroom

The best paint for high humidity bathrooms are those that prioritise the maximum amount of moisture resistance and very strong anti-microbial agents. This is so the paint can resist an extremely high level of humidity, as well as making it exceptionally difficult for mould or mildew to grow. It’s also common that these paints double as the best paint for bathroom ceilings. 

Best value/budget option

The best value or budget option for bathroom paint is one that focuses on the essential combination of moisture resistance, and mould and mildew prevention. This is without the premium price tag. It will be effective to a point, often being suitable for many use cases, but may be unsuitable for extreme cases of moisture in bathrooms.  

Best for trim & woodwork

The best paint for trim and woodwork is similar to the premium choice. It has to have the highest standards of durability, and moisture resistance. Even though these items may be in the bathroom, it requires premium enamel based, cabinet paint.