How To Choose a Bathroom Paint When Remodeling a Master Bath

Making A  Paint Selection For A Master Bath

Remodeling your master bath is an exciting project that can give you the functional and aesthetically beautiful retreat that you've been dreaming about. Like any home remodeling project, before it's over, you'll have made a whole host of decisions like choosing the right tile for the shower, picking the perfect fixtures, countertops, vanity, flooring, and lighting. 

Another decision that might seem simple but can drastically affect your project's outcome is choosing the right paint! A fresh coat of the right paint can give your bathroom a boost. Whether you're looking to create a serene, spa-like experience or want to start your day off in a clean, bright space, the right shade and finish of paint can define your bathroom.

In this post, we'll offer some helpful tips and tricks for choosing the perfect bathroom paint to meet both your functional and aesthetic needs.

Why the Bathroom is Tough on Paint

Bathrooms can be tough on paint because they are a wet environment. As a result, the moisture level is the most important factor when choosing and putting down a fresh coat of paint. Moisture can affect your bathroom walls in two different ways. First, damp air from your bath or shower collects on the walls. Then, water can also directly splash onto the walls from the shower, bath, or sink. 

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That moisture can damage the paint, and when it penetrates the damaged paint layer, it can contact the drywall or plaster surface underneath. This directly contributes to peeling paint and mold or mildew growth. The less permeable the paint, the less moisture gets through. 

Bathroom Paint: What to Look For

While some retailers are marketing “bathroom paint,” and many homeowners assume that this is different than ordinary interior paint, the truth is, there is no such thing as paint specifically formulated for the bathroom.

That being said, there are interior paints that are formulated for better performance in the moist environment you'll find in most bathrooms. So while you don't need to buy so-called “bathroom paint,” there is one reason you might want to consider it; you'll often have more options for paint sheen.

Here are some characteristics to look for in a good “bathroom” paint choice.

Mildew Inhibiting Properties

A good bathroom paint will have anti-microbial additives that will help it to resist mold and mildew. Be aware that it is mold and mildew “resistant,” and will protect against, but not completely prevent these issues.

It has a Washable Finish

Bathrooms, by their nature, need the occasional wipe-down or scrubbing. Good bathroom paint is slightly tougher and more resilient than other interior paints.

Tight Structure

Some paints have a tighter chemical structure, making lower-gloss finishes perform like a high-gloss paint in a high-moisture environment like the bathroom.

Premium paints often offer the best coverage and possess these protective characteristics. Whenever possible, speak with your design-build professional, or visit a specialty paint store to ask about the best bathroom paint choices for your project.

Oil Paint or Latex?

When it comes to the bathroom, the best choice is a high-quality, premium water-based latex paint. While oil-based paints have a reputation for toughness, durability, and the ability to stand up to scrubbing – all great qualities for the bathroom – it requires mineral spirits to clean and releases higher levels of volatile organic compounds that are very unhealthy. In fact, some states have outlawed the use of oil-based interior paints. Also, oil-based paints may tend to yellow over time, especially in low-light conditions. Frankly, almost no one uses oil-based paints any longer.

Latex is a better choice, and today, many formulas offer improved durability, moisture, and mildew resistance. Just make sure whatever paint you choose is washable. These paints will have a tighter molecular structure that will prevent water penetration, meaning you can scrub away any stains without worrying about moisture ruining the paint's surface.

Choosing the Right Finish

Picking the right finish is an important factor to ensure that your painting project is successful!. The paint finish, or how shiny it is, might seem like a strictly aesthetic choice; however, while it does contribute aesthetically, the level of gloss is, in fact, an indicator of how durable and mold-resistant your bathroom walls will be. 

Flat or eggshell paints have more pigment particles and less resin and binders. As a result, they tend to be very rich in terms of color and also low luster. However, they are more prone to moisture infiltration. Also, they do not stand up to scrubbing, and it can be difficult to clean walls with flat paint without damaging the finish. For these reasons alone it's best to avoid flat paints in the bathroom.

The one exception would be a flat paint specifically formulated for bathroom use. If you choose one of these mildew-resistant, more durable paints, you may be able to use a flat finish in a more humid environment like the bathroom. However, these special paints are typically priced at a significant premium.

The best paint finish choice for the bathroom is a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint. Both of these options will provide a finish with a little shine that can resist absorbing moisture. Semi-gloss paint contains more resin and binders when compared to flat. A glossy finish bumps it up even more. As a result, both semi and glossy paint have a tighter molecular structure making them better at repelling moisture and making them easier to clean.

Many, however, don’t like the look of all that gloss. Glossy paints can be the hardest to touch up. So, can you get the best of both worlds? Maybe so. There are low-sheen “scrubbable” paints that try to give you a washable finish without all the gloss - a low-luster washable pain.

The Takeaway...

When it comes to the bathroom, it's important to look beyond color or aesthetics. Look for paint that is specifically formulated for use in the bathroom. While some manufacturers may say they make special paint for the bathroom, there is no formal “bathroom paint.” 

Read the label and look for a paint that offers mold and mildew resistance, and opt for a washable or semi-gloss, even for the ceiling. These finishes are better at resisting moisture and can give you a more durable and easy-to-clean surface.

If you're planning a bathroom remodeling project, and want to explore all of the possibilities, give our award-winning design team a call at (608) 846-5963. We're always happy to talk to you about our process and show you what's possible!

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/15/2022.