If you’ve decided that now is the time to paint your bathroom, it’s important to go into the project with a plan. Whether you’re updating and freshening up an existing bathroom or completely remodeling, consider the following tips:
How To Prep Bathroom Walls For Paint
Most people don’t realize just how important proper surface preparation is when painting a bathroom.
Since bathrooms are typically in moist locations and constant contact with water, moisture absorption can be a problem. If you skip this step, you could end up with peeling paint and an ugly bathroom in no time.
This may seem like an unnecessary step, but soap scum and other embedded substances on
surfaces can seriously interfere with your paint job.
You have to clean your walls first so that the paint will adhere properly.
A good way to do this is by using a solution of warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
After mixing the solution thoroughly, begin scrubbing and wiping the walls with a sponge or rag.
Always start at one end of the wall and work your way across and down until you’ve covered the entire wall.
Rinse the sponge frequently to keep the cleaning solution from drying up.
Once you’ve cleaned all the soap scum off, let the walls dry completely before applying any paint. This could take at least 24 hours, depending on how humid it is in your bathroom.
Where do I start?
Start by giving yourself an idea of what you would like your bathroom to look like when it’s done.
Pick out colors online or in magazines.
Pinterest is always a great source of ideas.
Color combinations can make or break a bathroom, so choosing the right combination is incredibly important for the finished product.
What Tools Do I Need?
The most important tool you will need for bathroom painting is a high-quality paintbrush.
You may not think that you need to spend a lot of money on a paintbrush, but if you do not use one, you will probably get frustrated because you’re having a hard time cutting in.
A good brush for a decent price is the Purdy 2.5-inch angled brush.
Masking Tape
Taping off all surfaces that are not supposed to be painted is also a must.
This will keep you from having to paint over mistakes, which will make your job a lot easier and help keep it looking nice.
Especially for that piece of trim tight behind the toilet.
Not sure what kind of tape to get?
Check out my favorite tape for different surfaces in this article Is Frog Tape Any Good?
Choosing The Best Paint for the Bathroom
Some paints are mildew resistant and there are paints that aren’t.
If you’re looking for a good product to use in your bathroom or another area where moisture can be an issue, then you’ll want to look for a paint that has been labeled as mildew resistant.
Related article Remove Mildew From Showers And Bathtubs
Mildew grows in damp, dark areas, including your bathroom. Bathroom paint that is mildew resistant can help to prevent mildew from growing on the walls and ceiling in your bathroom.
Paint is a relatively inexpensive way to protect your bathroom from mildew growth.
A great option for mildew-resistant paint is Benjamin Moore Aura.
If you don’t have a Benjamin Moore Store in your area then you can use an additive to make your paint mildew-resistant.
It’s always best to use a higher sheen such as eggshell or satin for bathrooms.
Related Article What’s The Best Paint Finish?
They are better at blocking out moisture in comparison to a flat finish that soaks up moisture.
Painting Behind The Toilet Tank
Painting behind the toilet tank is a task most people avoid. It’s messy, it’s smelly and it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
But just because you can’t see the area doesn’t mean it’s not important to paint. Painting is more important than ever in this area because of mold and mildew that tend to grow on the back wall of bathroom toilets.
Also, check out the Best Way To Paint A Room And Where To Start.
Removing your tank is not necessary to get into that tight space.
Instead, check out this simple trick to paint behind your toilet.
In Conclusion
If you have a small bathroom you don’t want to paint it in a dark color because it will make it feel even smaller. And if you have insufficient ventilation then consider mildew-resistant paint or additive for your paint.