Moisture is one of the major issues of concern when applying a fresh coat of paint on your bathroom walls. If applied in a wrong way, the moisture that accumulates in the interior surfaces will make the paint to peel off after a short period. Theoretically, you need to prevent the formation of moisture on your walls using watertight shower curtains, infrared ceiling heaters or bathroom fans.
Taking such precautionary measures helps to prevent the accumulation of water on paint finishes. Practically, it is difficult to avoid moisture from accumulating on your bathroom walls. The best way to mitigate the problem is to use the best bathroom paint for different surfaces in your bathroom. In this article, we will be looking at different types of bathroom paints and help you determine the best paints for your bathroom.
Types of Bathroom Paint and Finishes
Oil-based paint
This type of paint uses a hydrocarbon-based solvent that works like an alkyd resin. Oil-based paint is good for areas that need waterproofing such as the laundry rooms and bathrooms. They are tough-resistant paints with the ability to withstand many hits and falls. Since this paint is made up of oils and other synthetic resins, it has a higher drying time compared to other types of paints. However, it contains toxic chemicals that can be harmful to children. It is advisable to use latex paints if the bathroom was designed for children use.
Latex Paints
This type of paint is known to be affordable and more eco-friendly compared to oil-based paints. Although it is known to be a water-based paint, it does not contain latex. Latex paints have a faster drying time and come with a gloss finish to complement the overall look of your bathroom. It is often used in children’s bathroom because of its eco-friendly nature.
Anti-Condensation Paint
Anti-condensation paint is a special type of paint used in bathrooms, kitchen and laundry rooms. It works to prevent the wall surfaces from becoming cold because they have a high resistance to condensation. This is because they contain a fungicide in their composition.
Mold and Mildew-Resistant Paint
These types of paints are known to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on the bathroom walls. Although most of them come in white color, you can always tint them to the color of your choice. There are many color options offered by manufacturers and their level of resistance to mold may vary depending on their composition.
High-Gloss Finish
The high-gloss finish gives a look of plastic because of its reflective nature. They can be used to create a striking look when painted on bathroom wall trims. However, they are not meant for completely painting the bathroom walls.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss finish is a transparent paint that is applied to the underlying color. If you want to create a faux finish, consider the semi-gloss finish as it helps to protect the surface.
Satin Finish
Satin finish works best when painting the bathroom ceiling. It is easy to clean the fact that it can withstand light scrubbing. In addition, it gives a little bit of gloss with a smooth and velvety finish.
What Type of Paint is best for my Bathroom?
Bathroom walls
Bathroom walls are prone to moisture from steamy baths, hot showers and direct contact with water. If you want to achieve the best results, consider paints that have a moderate gloss level. Semi-gloss and Satin finishes are both durable and can help withstand the accumulation of moisture on bathroom walls. They can be cleaned easily without creating dents on the painted surface.
Oil-based paint works well on bathroom walls because the synthetic resins are resistant to moisture. However, latex paints are more eco-friendly to oil-based paints making them a solid option for children bathrooms.
Bathroom Ceiling
Satin paints work best on bathroom ceilings. A lot of moisture accumulates on the ceiling making it prone to mold. If you want the finish to last longer, you need a ceiling paint that has a high resistance to moisture. A satin finish is highly durable and helps to prevent accumulation of moisture on the ceiling without being too shiny.
Door and Window Trim
The bathroom doors and window trims are most prone to dirty fingerprints, scuffs, and scratches and thus require extra durability. Semi-gloss paints make a solid option for these areas since they can handle a bit of scrubbing.
The best bathroom paint not only helps to prevent moisture in a bathroom but also enhances the overall appearance of the room. This ensures that your bathroom blends with your home décor in terms of functionality and aesthetic design. It is always important to understand the basics before making a decision on the best type of paint for your bathroom.