Do You Need Special Paint for a Bathroom?
By Nathan Sullivan
If you’ve ever wondered, do you need special paint for bathrooms, the answer is a resounding yes! Bathrooms are unique environments in the home, burdened by high humidity, constant moisture, mold, and mildew. The right paint can make all the difference in keeping your walls protected and fresh for years. In this blog, we dive deep into why bathroom-specific paint is essential, what options are available, and some tips for your next bathroom painting job.
Bathrooms are more challenging to handle since they contain more moisture compared to other areas of the house. Using ordinary paint can cause peeling, cracking, or a mold buildup that destroys its appearance and creates unhealthy conditions. Bathroom-specific paint is designed to be moisture-resistant, providing a layer of protection that regular paints simply can’t offer. For more information on creating a perfect finish, check out our work.
The high level of humidity will cause damage to your home but specifically in bathrooms it causes a disaster on the walls, with the paint peeling, bubbling, and cracking. Water vapor from hot showers and baths sticks on to the walls. Unless the proper type of paint is used for such moisture, it will eventually settle into the surface and, over time, weaken it. The paint specifically resistant to moisture has a special formula to deal with these conditions and create a waterproof paint barrier that stops water from penetrating the wall material.
This barrier is crucial because it will keep your bathroom walls intact for years to come and will avoid ugly, ruined spots or the agony of having to repaint them frequently.
Besides, most of the paints that are tolerant to moisture are designed to dry out quickly with the sole aim of reducing the chance of accumulation of moisture during and after painting. Other bathroom features, such as the ventilation fan, complement it well in providing a well-rounded defense mechanism against excessive moisture. If success is to be achieved in the long term, then the use of interior paints from Sherwin Williams should be brought into perspective.
Bathrooms are notorious places where mold and mildew breed since they are constantly exposed to water. If left unprotected, mold could grow in areas that are not immediately noticeable, particularly in badly ventilated spots. The Mold-resistant paints include additives such as mildewcides and fungicides that provide protection against the forming of mold. These components prevent mold and mildew from growing; your bathroom will stay a cleaner and healthier place for longer. You can also check some tips on how to reduce humidity in your bathrooms.
Bathroom walls are subjected to more wear and tear compared to other areas of the house. The steam from showers, the splashes from sinks, and the frequent cleaning raise the demand for durable, high-quality paints. Due to their resistance to moisture and smooth surface, semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes often work best in bathrooms. These kinds of paints are very easy to clean up compared to matte finishes.
The shiny surface prevents dirt, grime, and watermarks from sticking, so you are able to wipe down the walls frequently without the risk of damaging the paint or losing its sheen. This durability will make it much easier to keep a fresh, polished look in your bathroom.
Also, semi-gloss and high-gloss paints, because of their reflected characteristics, will brighten up small or less-than-well-lit bathrooms by reflecting the light into the space, giving a general impression of a cleaner and more inviting area.
If bathroom-specific paint isn't available, here are some other great options that offer great moisture protection:
While high-gloss or semi-gloss paints may not be labeled as bathroom paints per se, they do stand out in their own right when it comes to durability in wet environments. Shiny, smooth, and of a finish that is naturally resistant to water, and therefore most of the problems that accumulated moisture can cause, semi-gloss and high-gloss paints have less chance of absorbing moisture in the first place, due to the non-porous surface.
In addition to their moisture-resistant qualities, these finishes are incredibly easy to clean, allowing you to wipe away grime or mildew without damaging the paint. If you’re looking for cost-effective solutions, high-quality semi-gloss or gloss paints can offer a similar level of protection as bathroom-specific paints.
Another viable alternative is paint with added mildewcides. Most known hardware and paint stores sell this type of additive. This additive is designed to put a stop to the growth of molds and mildews, which easily grow in areas where there is much moisture, such as the bathroom. Although this is not considered bathroom paint, this particular paint includes fungicidal agents that keep your walls from harm caused by certain microorganisms.
When purchasing a paint containing mildewcides, seek out higher-grade ones that go on smoothly and last longer. If you're on a tight budget, it's a great alternative to bathroom-specific paint.
Here are some helpful tips for a good paint job:
The walls need to be cleaned before any painting can be done. Any dirt, soap scum, or mold remaining on the walls may prevent paint from sticking. Basic cleaning can be accomplished by merely dowsing them down with a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Light sanding of the surface afterward improves adhesive properties, meaning a more even and durable finish with paint.
Proper ventilation is important when painting bathrooms. Open windows, or run bathroom exhaust fans; a portable fan is a possibility in order to remove extra humidity during and after painting. This will help the paint to dry faster, too, which improves the finish.
Protect your bathroom's fixtures and flooring before reaching for the paint. Sinks, toilets, tubs, and mirrors should be covered in plastic sheeting or masked off with painter's tape to keep them free of paint. Protect your floors with drop cloths to prevent stains coming from drips or spills.
Ready for a brand-new bathroom makeover? Transform Your Bathroom with The Hive Painting! We have the know-how for bathroom-specific paints along with moisture-resistant solutions. In that way, your walls will continue to look fantastic for many years to come. Whether you are wanting your exterior, interior or cabinets to get a fresh coat of paint, our experts help you through every step of the process. If you need house painters in the Salt Lake City area. Feel free to contact us today at your convenience for a no-obligation consultation.
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2024-10-15
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