Mold and mildew growth is a serious threat in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms. To maintain clean walls and fresh scent, using paint with antimicrobial qualities may help.
Search for a semi-gloss or satin finish with antimicrobial additives that makes for easy cleaning, or choose a mold-killing primer or self-priming paint and primer in one.
Moisture Resistant
Moisture-resistant paint for bathrooms forms a barrier against moisture penetration, making the task of cleaning up after accidents and eliminating mildew easier.
Acrylic or latex paint is usually the ideal bathroom paint choice, due to its water-based nature and lower environmental impact than oil-based options. Oil paint requires mineral spirits for cleaning up, while also emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air while drying, which may cause respiratory ailments and sinus irritation for those nearby.
Armstead Durable Acrylic Eggshell Interior Paint is an excellent example of high-quality acrylic bathroom paint, designed to protect against mold, mildew, stains and dirt while self-priming so there’s no need for additional mold-killing primer. Featuring an attractive satin finish that complements bathrooms well and can even be tinted to any color you wish – ideal for walls, ceilings and trim.
Anti-Microbial
Although any paint can effectively repel surface moisture, more humid environments like bathrooms require special additives and finishes to combat mildew and mold growth. Look for mold-killing primer or fungicide in addition to moisture-resistant paint to keep your bathroom in excellent condition for years.
Dulux Bathroom+ is an excellent moisture-resistant emulsion paint option to consider for bathroom re-paint projects, thanks to its MouldTec foundation which protects it against mold for up to five years – it will easily weather daily showering sessions!
Oil-based paints may provide durability and moisture resistance, yet their drying process releases high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs have been linked with dizziness and headaches in humans if ventilation is insufficient; water-based latex paints offer faster drying times with lower VOC emissions levels – ideal choices for bathroom environments.
Easy to Clean
If you want the ideal bathroom paint, a high quality, moisture resistant emulsion should be your top priority. Such paint should withstand steam and humidity and must also be washable.
Flat or matte paints tend to absorb dirt, leading to black mold or mildew spots over time, as well as not holding up well against scrubbing. Moisture-repellent paints have tighter molecular structures that repel both water and dirt particles; try looking for semi-gloss or gloss varieties specially formulated with antimicrobial additives for an easier cleanup experience.
Satin paints offer the ideal balance between matte and gloss finishes, and make an excellent choice for bathrooms. Popular brands include BEHR and Valspar which have moisture-resistant satin finishes that can withstand frequent washings; for something specific consider Dulux Bathroom+ Emulsion which features moisture resistance as well as built-in mould-fighting technology (MouldTec) plus is tintable to any color of your choosing – both paint and primer are combined into one package!
Mold and Mildew Resistant
Years ago, it was common practice to paint bathrooms with semi-gloss or high-gloss sheen paint as this dissipated moisture effectively. Nowadays, however, premium flat and eggshell paints with lower sheen levels provide equally effective moisture dissipation while being easier to maintain when it comes time for maintenance and cleaning.
If you prefer semi-gloss or high-gloss paints, look for ones that are mold and mildew resistant – such as Zinsser Perma-White which guarantees against mold growth for at least five years and is available in off-white, medium, pastel colors and can even be tinted – that will protect the surfaces against mildew growth.
Other antimicrobial or mildew-resistant paints contain fungicides to keep mold and mildew at bay; however, they won’t stop existing outbreaks unless properly cleaned beforehand, according to Ortega. Use bleach or TSP solution on surfaces before painting then wipe the walls clean afterwards using clean water; this should eliminate any soap scum, grease or mildew that’s already present on walls or surfaces.
