Why your bathroom walls need more than just a standard coat of paint
In short: Achieving a professional finish in a humid environment requires more than just a steady hand. From selecting the right sheen to mastering the art of back rolling, the secret to a durable, mildew-resistant bathroom lies in the preparation and the specific chemistry of your supplies.
Painting a bathroom presents unique challenges due to moisture and humidity. To ensure longevity, it is generally recommended to use a semi-gloss finish or a specialized bath and kitchen paint. While many traditional options are semi-gloss, brands like Benjamin Moore now offer matte alternatives specifically engineered for bathrooms to provide mildew resistance and washability.
The process begins with thorough preparation. Surfaces must be wiped down to remove any grease, ensuring the paint adheres smoothly. Once the walls are clean, painters often use blue tape to create sharp, clean lines where colors meet, such as at the junction between a navy blue wall and a white ceiling. Protecting fixtures, like shower heads, with plastic is also essential.
For the application itself, a mini roller is highly effective for navigating the tight spaces typical of a bathroom. The process often involves 'cutting in' the corners with a small brush, such as a one-and-a-half-inch brush, before moving to the roller. For deep colors, like a rich navy blue, expect to apply at least two coats, though a third coat can provide extra security.
To achieve a perfectly even finish, one technique is back rolling. This involves rolling over a freshly painted area in a single direction while it is still wet to ensure smoothness. After the paint has dried for an hour or two, a second coat can be applied. Once the work is solid, removing the blue tape reveals a crisp, professional line.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Paint a Bathroom | House Painting
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