Painting Bathrooms: Tips for Moisture Resistance

Bathrooms are one of the most challenging rooms to paint due to the constant moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations they experience. Using the wrong paint or skipping proper preparation in a bathroom almost guarantees premature paint failure — peeling, bubbling, and mildew growth. The most important decision for bathroom painting is choosing the right paint. Semi-gloss or gloss finishes are essential for bathroom walls because they resist moisture and can be wiped clean. Flat and eggshell finishes absorb moisture and are not appropriate for bathrooms. For the best moisture resistance, look for paints specifically formulated for bathrooms — these contain mildewcides and are designed to resist the high humidity conditions bathrooms experience daily. Surface preparation is equally critical. Any existing mildew must be treated with a bleach solution before painting, and the walls must be completely dry before new paint is applied. In bathrooms with existing paint that is peeling or bubbling, all failing paint must be removed and the surface must be primed with a moisture-blocking primer before the finish coat is applied. Proper ventilation is the most important factor in bathroom paint longevity — a bathroom exhaust fan that is used consistently after every shower dramatically extends the life of bathroom paint by reducing moisture exposure. TrueEdge Paint recommends bathroom exhaust fans that are rated for the room's square footage and run for at least 20 minutes after showering.