The bathroom is one of the home’s most high-traffic areas. Various family members will use it multiple times a day, so everything you install needs to be durable and able to withstand intense use. That includes the ceiling. Heavy moisture from the shower can lead to a dangerous buildup of mildew or mould, putting your family’s health at risk. Thankfully, all it takes is the right type of paint to keep your ceiling safe and looking fresh for years to come.
It’s important to consider water resistance and moisture protection when you’re picking paint. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, check out the following for some helpful tips from the painting pros at Prestige Painting & Contracting.
Is There a Difference Between Ceiling Paint and Regular Paint?
Not all paints are created equal. The paint you’d choose for your living room ceiling wouldn’t necessarily do well in a bathroom environment. Again, it all comes down to moisture. There are specially designed paints for bathrooms and kitchens that are specifically designed to repel moisture and water so you don’t get a buildup of mould and mildew. Picking the wrong paint could have disastrous and costly consequences for your home and health.
- Water-Based Latex Paint: Water-based latex paint is the best choice for a bathroom ceiling. You’ve probably heard that oil-based paints are more durable, however, you’ll need expensive cleaners to take care of it properly. Oil paint has also been known to develop a yellow tint over time. Latex is great because it’s naturally water-resistant and it’s so easy to scrub away stains. Finally, latex paint dries super fast which is helpful when you’re applying multiple coats and just want to start using your bathroom again!
- Using Moisture Resistant Primer: A lot of people have trouble with peeling paint on the shower ceiling. This happens because the steam and moisture get between the paint and the drywall, causing it to bubble up. This can be easily avoided by buying a moisture-resistant primer. If you combine this with mildew-resistant paint, you’ll prevent any paint peeling for the long term. It’s going to save you a lot of time and money on future bathroom maintenance.
- Investing in Semi-Gloss Paint: Steam, humidity and moisture are all catalysts for chipping and peeling paint in your bathroom. However, you can prevent this by investing a bit more money in semi-gloss paint. Semi-gloss paint is great because it’s durable, you can wash it, and it’s resistant to mildew. Semi-gloss acts as a moisture-blocking barrier, keeping your bathroom ceilings and walls looking great for years to come.
Best Paint For Bathroom Ceilings To Prevent Mold
Picking the perfect paint for your bathroom ceiling means buying quality paint that can adequately prevent the growth of mould. Paints today are mixed with chemical compounds and minerals that slow and prevent the growth of mould and mildew. The key here is moisture resistance. You need paint that makes the water bead up, rather than sneaking into your drywall and causing health issues.
We always recommend latex paint with a semi-gloss finish. Once the painting is complete, you may occasionally wipe down the walls and ceiling with an anti-bacterial cleaner just to be sure there is no mould or fungus growth.
Otherwise, your ceilings really only need to be wiped down 4 or 5 times a year unless there is another mess caused by construction or of course, your kids.
You can also use this time wiping down the walls and ceiling to inspect your bathroom for any mould growth. If you’ve followed all of these directions for paint maintenance and you’ve invested in high-quality paint intended for bathroom use, but you’re still seeing mould development, it’s time to investigate further. Water may be attacking your drywall from another source in the home. This needs immediate attention and possibly professional intervention.
Best Paint For Bathroom Walls & Ceilings
The best paint for your bathroom ceiling is always going to be 100% acrylic, water-based latex paint. There are many to choose from and they come in many different finishes. We always recommend a semi-gloss for extra protection from humidity and moisture. However, if you’re worried about the dramatic transition from eggshell in one room to semi-gloss in another, you could always go in the middle with a nice stain finish, although, we stick to our semi-gloss recommendation.
Plan Ahead
If you plan to do the painting yourself, preparation is key for a durable paint job that will last a long time.
First, always clean the surface you will be painting. You’ll want to remove any existing mould and mildew. This can be easily done with a cheap DIY solution of water and bleach. Then, use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect any surfaces you don’t want to get paint on. This will save you a lot of time on cleanup later on and you’ll be glad you did it. When you’re finally ready to start painting, we always recommend starting from the corners and working your way across the wall.
While you’re painting, be sure to open the windows. Ventilation is good for your health and it’s good for helping the paint dry quicker. Once the painting’s done, we recommend waiting a couple of days if possible before taking a hot shower. This will give the coats of paint adequate time to cure, giving you the full moisture protection possible.
If you go the DIY route to paint your bathroom, make sure you pick a high-quality latex paint with a semi-gloss finish to prevent the buildup of harmful mould and mildew. If you see any mould growth at all, it’s time to repaint your ceiling. Feeling unsure about how to start or where to begin? The professional painters at Prestige Painting & Contracting are always here to assist you. Our experienced teams can deal with the mould and mildew safely so you don’t have to. Then, we’ll do that perfect paint job so you can get back to enjoying your bathroom worry-free. Call us today for a free estimate.