6 Best Bathroom Paints | Reviews & Buyers Guide
Walts DIY is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Bathrooms are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can spread quickly and can be caused by moisture, humidity, or inadequate ventilation. But, it’s not just a cosmetic problem. It can cause respiratory problems, allergies, asthma attacks, and other health issues if left untreated.
It would be best to start by ensuring that your bathroom has proper ventilation so you don’t have any humidity problems. If you still have a problem with mold and mildew growth, you will need to use paint resistant to these problems.
We recommend gloss paints or vinyl paint because they’re easy to clean and don’t hold moisture as emulsion paint does. You should also make sure your bathroom has good ventilation too!
Many different paints will help you fight mold and mildew growth on your steamy bathroom ceiling and walls. These paints have a protective layer that prevents mold from growing on them, and they also come in a variety of colors to match them with your shower curtain and rug!
Despite there being many paints on the market, not all of them will work for your needs. Here we review the best paints for bathrooms, so you know which ones to buy.
Best Bathroom Paints Compared
CLICK any image to see Ratings and Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Title | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Rust-Oleum 02761 Perma-White Mold & Mildew Proof Interior Paint, SemiGloss Finish | Buy Now | 4.9 /5 (Best Overall) |
 | Microblend Interior Paint and Primer | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
 | THE ONE Paint and Primer | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
 | KILZ Restoration Maximum Stain and Odor Blocking Interior Latex Primer/Sealer | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
 | Rust-Oleum 276087 Mold Killing Primer | Buy Now | 4.3 / 5 |
 | KILZ Color-Change Stainblocking Interior Ceiling Paint | Buy Now | 4.2 / 5 |
Best Bathroom Paints | Reviews
1. Rust-Oleum 02761 Perma-White Mold & Mildew Proof Interior Paint (Best Overall Bathroom Paint)
- Rust-Oleum Perma-White Mold & Mildew Proof Interior Paint is a water-based, low odor paint. The tintable colors will range from off-white to light colors like beige and eggshell. This paint sticks to surfaces where it won't peel or chip because of its self-priming features without the need for sanding first.
- The paint finish is washable, scrub-able, stain-resistant, and moisture resistant, with a lustrous appearance that brings you peace knowing your surface is protected against mold and mildew.
- Its a good idea to wait 24 hours before using the shower if the paint is applied near it. We recommend that you avoid scrubbing it for seven days! With a semi-gloss finish, Rust-Oleum Perma-White 02761 is a mold and mildew-resistant paint designed to create the perfect setting for your bathroom.
2. Microblend Interior Paint and Primer (Best Value Bathroom Paint)
- The revolutionary new paint and primer are as reliable as it is user-friendly. With its impressive performance, luxurious finish, and superior coverage, Micro blend Interior Paint and Primer will make you fall in love with painting over and over again.
- The Microblend is a professional quality paint and primer with low VOC, low odor. The color has exceptional hide and self-leveling additives that work hard, so you do'nt have to. Stain blockers and rust inhibitors in the exterior formulas keep the paint finish looking fresh.
- Microblend Interior Paint is made with water-based acrylic resin. This formula cures hard to make your interior walls durable, stain-resistant, scrubbable, and washable.
- This variety of products also features additional UV protection giving your home an extra defense against discoloration from the suns rays, keeping your baby blues crisp!
- When working on a budget, its essential to find products that work well and are cost-effective. Micro blend, they have consequences for those who care about quality without sacrificing durability.
- The mixture has been tested with a spectrophotometer, ensuring paint color consistency from bucket to bucket. There is no difference between the different sheens or volume sizes of paint. This is important when you have a large project where more than one tin of color is needed.
- The range is available in flat paint, satin, eggshell, semi-gloss, and gloss in quart size at 1 gallon and 5 gallons per container. Lastly, this product comes in multiple colors, over 300 to be precise!
3. THE ONE Paint and Primer
- You'll never have to worry about the paint being too thin or not being good enough when youre using THE ONE Paint and Primer, which is a 2-in-1 solution that allows you to paint and prime all at once quickly.
- It only takes one coat for this thick, opaque formula making sure you will do your work in no time! Use this on any surface from walls, laminate cabinets, wood, metal, plastic brick, stone glass, and more!
- The One paint is a moisture-resistant primer with rich pigments in gloss, satin, and matte finishes. For environmental reasons, this product has been made to have low VOCs to be used indoors safely.
- Twelve stunning colors are available, including gloss/matte finish options as well as satin finishes, many matching both internal and external needs depending on your taste and style choice.
4. KILZ Restoration Maximum Stain and Odor Blocking Interior Latex Primer/Sealer
- KILZ Restoration (formerly KILZ MAX) combines water-based technology with the affordability of a lower VOC formula and performance matching an oil-based paint. With this balanced combination, you neednt sacrifice protection or performance for safety and convenience.
- This product will ease the headaches and time spent during construction, remodeling projects, and general home care. Use sparingly on floorboards and furniture to better protect against stains. This product blocks tough stains - heavy water, grease, and typical interior dirt and odors without negatively affecting indoor air quality.
- With a one-coat application, the KILZ Primer provides an economical way to block tough stains and odors. This is great for those who are looking to lessen maintenance time without sacrificing performance. By blocking these nasty invaders from your surface, you'll eliminate the need for reapplying coats of paint every year...all thanks to this product!
5. Zinsser Perma-White Mold & Mildew-Proof Interior Paint
- Featuring an acrylic formula, Zinsser Perma-White Paint is perfect for interior surfaces. The design sticks to all surfaces without sanding and helps you produce a consistent application with excellent flow and leveling. With its durable formula, the paint resists mold/mildew and inhibits rust for lasting results.
- Its formulated to stick with any surface without using sanding wait time! Water base primer-sealer can be applied in combination with it after, letting your painted surfaces dry quickly so you can get on to the next phase in your painting project.
- Use when preparing glossy or chalky siding or metal, which are harsh surfaces that need plenty of good paint coverage.
- This product does not allow mold or mildew to grow on the surface, making it great for basements and marine vessels. Perma-White also has rust-inhibitive properties, which make it superior as a metal primer for new construction.
6. KILZ Color-Change Stainblocking Interior Ceiling Paint
- Time-saving. Stain-blocking. No-show Paint - KILZ Color Change Ceiling Paint is the easy way to make your ceiling look crisp, clean, and bright!
- Kilz has created what is fast becoming the number one choice for discerning homeowners who are looking for vibrant décor with increased motility in mind. Color-Change Stainblocking Interior Ceiling Paint goes on unlike any other interior paint available today.
- It is an excellent choice for a more natural look with a subtle pink color that changes to white in under an hour. It dries to touch in just over an hour and then recoat after two hours without using any toxic products or lingering smells.
- This paint will be your new go-to for that low-budget DIY project thats easy to apply and covers 250 sq ft per gallon!
Video: How to Paint a Bathroom | 5 Quick Tips
Best Bathroom Paints Buyers Guide
Things to consider before purchasing this type of paint.
Antimicrobial agents
Look for antimicrobial agents in paints that you use in your bathroom. These products inhibit mildew and mold growth on surfaces where dampness is high, such as showers and baths, although they will not eliminate these organisms. Therefore, it’s highly likely you will need to re-paint your bathroom every few years, or at least at the first sign the mold is returning.
Resistance to moisture and steam
Mold and mildew growth can be a real problem in bathrooms, with high humidity and moisture levels. Be sure the paint you choose is resistant to moisture and steam, as this will extend its life and appearance. This is especially important for frequently-used areas such as showers and baths where mold reappears quickly if not dried off completely. Ensuring your bathroom is well-ventilated will go a long way toward preventing mold and mildew, but it’s still vital that your paint is resistant to moisture.
Fast-drying time
Latex and water-based paints dry quickly, making them preferable to oil-based alternatives, which are slower drying and take days or even weeks to harden into their final state fully. Latex paints are less expensive than oil paints, making them ideal for those looking to paint just one wall in their bathroom.
Ease of application
Some paints provide a smoother finish and ease of application – although always follow the manufacturers’ guidelines regarding surface preparation and appropriate tools before getting started. Be sure to choose a product that provides good coverage (minimum two coats) and one that you can apply quickly to ensure you complete the job before your guests arrive!
Paint coverage
Expect to apply two coats of paint for a professional finish. Be sure to pick a product that provides good coverage and doesn’t take too long to complete the job. Also, consider how easy it will be for you or a professional painter to access all areas of your bathroom wall, so they don’t have to complete several applications before painting an entire wall.
Odour-free
Look for a product that is odor-free when you’re painting your bathroom, as there may be a lingering smell of paint that could irritate those with respiratory issues or allergies. Some pigments may have a slight chemical odor, so consider choosing one with an odor-free formula or a light, pleasant scent if this will bother you.
Ease of cleaning
Just because you’re painting your bathroom wall doesn’t mean it’s not still likely to get stained or marked from time to time – bathrooms are high-traffic areas. Look for paints with self-cleaning properties, as they are resistant to staining, and you can easily wipe most dirt away.
Primer and paint combo
Some paints come as a two-in-one package, providing you with both primer and paint all in one. These products offer added protection and do not require the use of a separate primer before painting. However, it is always best to check with the manufacturer about what’s most suitable for your wall.
See Full Range on AmazonType of finish
There are several paint finishes to choose from when you’re painting your bathroom. Consider what type of finish will provide the best protection against moisture and mold, considering that your walls are likely to be painted in a shade that may attract dirt over time.
It is recommended to use either a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint for bathrooms, as they are anti-bacterial and easy to clean.
Paint your bathroom with a liveable color that reflects your style and personality – this will not only give the room a new look but also make it a more inviting place for you and your family to relax together. Most importantly, choose a paint that you love.
Type of Paint
The type of paint you use in your bathroom will largely depend on your preferences, the amount of moisture in the room, and how much time you have to complete the job.
Semi-gloss paint is glossy but not as shiny as high-gloss. It provides good coverage, doesn’t easily chip or flake, and has self-cleaning properties.
High-gloss paint has a brilliant, shiny sheen that’s resistant to dirt, moisture, and mildew. It provides the best coverage but requires more coats for full opacity.
Vinyl paint is waterproof and can be used on surfaces such as bathtubs, floors, tile walls, countertops, sinks, and shower stalls. Vinyl paint is also scratch-resistant, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
The emulsion is cheaper than glossy paint and dries with a satin finish. It provides good coverage but will often need two coats for full opacity; however, you can apply it quickly.
Eggshell is somewhere between an emulsion and a gloss. With its slightly glossy finish, it is often chosen by homeowners who want the durability of emulsion but prefer something with a sheen.
Given all the considerations for painting your bathroom wall, latex paint is best because it provides good durability, is easy to clean, and has minimal fumes.
See Full Range on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What are Mold and Mildew resistant paint?
Mold and mildew-resistant paints are water-resistant to help control the growth of mold, mildew, and other fungi. Often, these paints have a surface that will repel moisture and prevent water from seeping into walls or ceilings where it could otherwise accumulate and cause damage over time. In addition, you can apply products with mold resistance over surfaces such as porous cement and porous plaster, brick, and masonry walls.
Why do we need to paint the bathroom?
Painting your bathroom provides a fresh new look for your room that will not only boost your mood but give you a more relaxing environment to enjoy with your family. When selecting paints, consider the size of your bathroom, the age of your bathroom, and what surfaces you will be painting. It’s also less of a technical skill than tiling, which requires a lot of competence to perfect.
Can you paint over mold in the bathroom?
You can paint over mold in a bathroom, but the problem will return without first killing the fungus roots. Using the correct cleaner is essential for getting rid of your unwanted guests and restoring peace of mind.
Do not despair if your home has mold. You can paint over the fungus in a bathroom without killing its roots, but an appropriate cleaner will ensure it doesn’t come back again! Regular interior paints won’t kill off mold or mildew, and water-based ones may be the main problem by encouraging growth.
Which rooms need mold-resistant paint?
Mold-resistant paints are specifically designed to protect against moisture and mold in moist areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. These paints can help reduce the risk of mold appearing on walls or ceilings in these rooms, although you will need to ensure that the room is well ventilated to prevent a buildup of steam and humidity.
Conclusion
Paint is one of the easiest ways to change the look of your bathroom. It can give a room with old, dated fixtures and flooring a complete makeover. A water-resistant paint will do wonders for any bathroom that gets lots of use or has damp conditions around it by preventing mold from forming on walls or ceilings where mildew may form.
When choosing paint, consider the surfaces you will be painting, how much time it will take you to complete the job, and what type of paint is best for your style.
Here are some other articles you may like:
7 Best Ceiling Paints | Reviews & Buying Guide
8 Best Paint Strippers For Metal | Reviews & Buying Guide
How to Clean an Airless Paint Sprayer | 6 Easy Steps
Here are favorite professional airless paint sprayers
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Title | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top
Top | Graco Magnum 262805 X7 Cart Airless Paint Sprayer | Buy Now | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
Top | Wagner 0580678 Control Pro 130 Power Tank Paint Sprayer | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
Top | Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 |
Top | Titan 0580009 ControlMax 1700 High Efficiency Airless Paint Sprayer | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
Top | Hausse Electric Airless Paint Sprayer Spray Gun | Buy Now | 4.6 / 5 |
Top | Himalaya Airless Paint Sprayer | Buy Now | 4.6 / 5 |
Top | Graco Ultra Cordless Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer 17M363 | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
- How to Select the Best Drill Bit For Your Project - November 29, 2021
- The Benefits of Leaf Blowers for Yard and Garden Maintenance - November 15, 2021
- The Best Paint Stripper for Concrete | Reviews and Buying Guide - November 12, 2021
