Bathrooms are usually smaller compared to other rooms in a house. They also tend to have many corners, so painting a bathroom can be very difficult. The difference between a good job and a bad one that will need to be repainted depends primarily on the color and quality of the paint chosen for the job.
- Paint colour. – The color used influences how the room is perceived. Using a dark color makes the room appear darker and smaller. Light colors brighten the room and make it appear larger.
- Moisture problems. – The amount of humidity in a bathroom is much higher than in other rooms. This is the main reason paint peels in a poorly painted bathroom. It must penetrate deep enough to saturate the surface being painted. This depends on the painting technique and the quality of the paint used.
- Delete accessories. – Before starting to paint the bathroom, some preliminary preparations must be made. Remove any small accessories such as toothbrush holders as well as mirrors and wall cabinets. This will save you the hassle of having to tape them together. Also, the room must be completely dry before you begin, to avoid getting any moisture under the paint.
- type of paint – Many home builders routinely apply flat paint to an entire new home. This type of paint may be good enough in a large bathroom with lots of ventilation. But in smaller bathrooms, steam from the shower or bath will eventually get through the matte paint. And splashed water will ruin the finish. In most cases, the gloss level of the paint used should be satin or semi-gloss. When painting a poorly ventilated bathroom or especially steamy showers, use a full semi-gloss for the ceiling and walls, as well as the trim. Another option would be a flat oil painting. Since it is becoming increasingly difficult to find it, a good substitute would be the new generation of water-based alkyds. They have the same water-repellent properties as oil, but are just as easy to apply as latex.
- Prevents mold, mildew and scaling. – When painting bathrooms prone to mold and mildew, there are a variety of paints available that contain anti-mold. However, most of the time, any paint made specifically for bathrooms will suffice. Make sure areas on the ceiling or walls that are normally covered by fixtures are completely covered to prevent peeling. Remember, it is better to prevent the cause of a problem than to cover it up later.
- caulking – Some openings, such as those around pipes, are more likely to cause problems over time. They must be sealed first to prevent further damage. The baseboard is another area that is likely to experience paint failure. Be sure to completely remove any failed sealant and peeling paint. Sand all surfaces to provide a good base for applying paint. After priming, the joint must be re-caulked before the final coat is applied.
Before using the shower or bathtub, wait a few days to allow the new paint to fully set. And to reduce the risk of damage, be sure to always use the fan and leave the door open when the bathroom is not in use.