Bathroom Painting Tips

 Unwhile painting a bathroom requires a bit more planning and preparation, it doesn't have to be difficult. However, you may meet with disappointment if you fail to choose the right type of paints for your bathroom.

Account for Moisture
Moisture is the biggest factor you must take into consideration when selecting paint, as well as primer, for a bathroom. Using an oil-based primer that is moisture resistant is a good place to start.  If possible, it’s also helpful to know if the walls in your bathroom were treated for moisture. In many cases, “greenboard” is used to protect against moisture buildup, and it gives you more flexibility with your paint and primer choices.

What Type of Paint Should I Use?
Flat or matte paints are not recommended for bathrooms. They have a rigid, almost porous surface that can cling to moisture and lead to rapid mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. Regarding bathroom paint finishes, you want to select from a satin, eggshell, semi – or high-gloss options, something with a noticeable sheen to it. Understand that the higher the sheen and darker the color the more imperfections you will see in your drywall finish.  Ensure that proper prep is performed to reduce visibility of these imperfections. 

Avoid Mildew
Many paints today contain mildewcides.  Mildewcides work to retard the buildup of mold and mildew, but they don’t kill the bacteria causing them. If you have an incredibly high moisture level in the room, these may be some of the best paints for your bathroom. However, many homeowners steer away from high chemical paints, and these would fall into that category.  Proper ventilation in a bathroom will help to reduce mold and mildew.

What About Color?
While many people lean toward light, even stark white paint colors for their clean, crisp appearance, these paints may stain more easily than others. Depending on the size and layout of your bathroom, as well as your aesthetic preferences, a colored paint can be better at disguising moisture issues that may occur over time.

As with any home improvement or interior painting job, if you’re uncomfortable with any aspect of it, seeking professional advice is recommended. While some people shy from the upfront costs, having the job assessed by an expert and done properly the first time will save you time, re-doing work, and money down the road.

Author: Archie Deese

www.atlantaspaintdoctor.com

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