Picking the perfect paint for your bathroom is absolutely important. You want to paint that will withstand moisture and humidity, and that will look good for years to come. In this blog post, we will discuss five of the best paints for bathrooms. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right paint for your bathroom space!
7 Best Paints for Bathrooms Reviews
1. Glidden Premium 1 gal. Base 1 Flat Interior Paint – BEST OVERALL
To achieve a lasting and mildew-resistant finish in any bathroom, the Glidden Premium paint is your go-to product! This exceptional paint can be applied to high-humidity areas such as bathrooms while also being suitable for laundry rooms and kitchens.
Plus, this particular brand of paint doesn’t contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). However keep in mind that if you choose brighter colors like red, yellow, or orange there may be a slight amount of VOC added due to the tint.
Glidden Premium is a high-quality interior paint and primer combination, providing coverage of up to 300 square feet with just one gallon! Not only that, but it’s available in four popular finishes – flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss.
In addition to being easy to apply and cleanable with regular scrubbing or washing if necessary; this product also dries within two hours when applied correctly. For those needing an exterior option too – Glidden has you covered on that as well!
Product Specs
- Type: Latex
- VOC Level: Zero VOCs
- Drying Time: 2 hours
- Finish: Matte/flat finish
- Acts as a paint and primer
- Suitable for use in high-humidity areas
- Durable and mildew-protecting
- Comes in multiple finishes
- Some tints contain VOCs
2. Diamond Brite Paint 40400 1-Gallon Kitchen and Bath – BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Diamond Brite latex kitchen and bathroom paint is a cost-effective solution designed to protect rooms from excessive humidity, water splashes, condensation, or steam.
Easy to apply by brush, roller, or sprayer alike – this fast-drying paint allows for an additional coat in under an hour!
Even when it appears dull during application – rest assured that it will become more opaque as the coating cures; ultimately delivering a beautiful semi-gloss finish that is both fades resistant and easy to clean with soap and water.
For optimal results, the manufacturer advises pre-painting with Diamond Brite Primer Sealer. Although this will incur additional costs, it is still an exceedingly cost-effective way to paint a bathroom; however, the variety of colors available from the manufacturer is comparatively limited.
Product Specs
- Type: Latex
- VOC Level: Unlisted
- Drying Time: 1 hour
- Finish: Semi-gloss
- Multiple application methods
- Fade-resistant and easy to clean
- Fast-drying
- No VOC level listed
- No primer integrated
- May require multiple coats
3. Glidden Diamond Satin Interior Paint and Primer – BEST ECO-FRIENDLY
Acrylic latex paints are a much more eco-friendly choice for painting your bathroom compared to oil-based alternatives, especially with their low VOC variants. PPG Diamond takes it one step further by providing you with this remarkable zero VOC formulation that still offers the mildew and stain protection needed in bathrooms.
Not only is its paint and primer all rolled into one, but its advanced hiding properties give you coverage of up to 300 square feet per gallon – making sure even large spaces can be painted quickly and efficiently!
This tough bathroom paint comes in a variety of eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and matte finishes, with the bonus of an impressive 1,100 color tints. However, bear in mind that when the tint is applied to the paint it can increase its VOC level – depending on which shade you choose.
Product Specs
- Type: Latex
- VOC Level: Zero VOCs
- Drying Time: 1 to 4 hours
- Finish: Satin
- Mildew and stain resistance
- Paint and primer in one
- Covers over 300 square feet
- Comes in multiple finishes and colors
- Some users have reported chipping over time
4. ColorPlace ULTRA Interior Paint & Primer in One, 1 Gallon – BEST ECO-FRIENDLY
Colorplace Ultra’s “Scuff Defense” satin finish bathroom paint is the perfect solution for any surface – even vinyl! Featuring stain-blocking and mildew-resistant qualities, this remarkable combined paint and primer will cover around 250 square feet per gallon.
Plus, you’ll be able to recoat in merely two hours if necessary. Don’t let anyone tell you that satin finishes are not as easy or durable to clean as semi-gloss versions; Colorplace Ultra Scuff Defense has got your back!
With GREENGUARD Gold certification, you can trust that the VOC levels of this paint are low. Plus, it’s offered in a variety of colors and finishes – from eggshell to semi-gloss to flat and gloss! With hundreds of options available, finding your perfect hue is easy.
Product Specs
- Type: Acrylic
- VOC Level: Low VOCs
- Drying Time: 1 hour
- Finish: Satin
- Scuff Defense formula
- Paint and primer in one
- Suitable for multiple materials
- Covers over 250 square feet
- Cold temperatures or very high humidity may extend the duration of drying
- May require multiple coats
5. PPG Pure performance 1 gal. Pure White/Base 1 Semi-Gloss – BEST SEMI-GLOSS
If you’re looking for a paint finish that combines subtle reflection, durability, and ease of cleaning – then semi-gloss is your ideal option! PPG Pure Performance offers high wear resistance with its semi-gloss combination of paint and primer which provides one-coat coverage to make sure the color stays vibrant over time.
PPG’s semi-gloss paint offers a vast selection of over 1,000 tint colors with low odor and VOCs. With the stain blockers added to this particular blend, you’ll receive one-coat coverage when using PPG tints exclusively. As an additional bonus, due to its semi-gloss design, it is rarely prone to mold or mildew issues.
Product Specs
- Type: Unlisted
- VOC Level: Low VOCs
- Drying Time: 1 hour
- Finish: Semi-gloss
- Durable and easy to clean
- Paint, primer, and stain blocker
- One-coat coverage
- Comes in multiple sizes, finishes, and colors
- No base type listed
- Not mildew and mold resistant
6. Zinsser White Mold and Mildew Proof Interior Paint – BEST FOR HUMID CLIMATES
Finding the perfect paint to bring your bathroom vision to life is critical; especially if you want a finish that can stand up against moisture. The Zinsser White Mold and Mildew Proof Interior Paint provides just that! Boasting low-VOC properties, this top-of-the-line product offers an impressive five-year warranty for humidity resistance.
Whether you’re looking to refresh after lengthy showers or soaks in the tub, its guaranteed durability will not disappoint.
This water-based and semi-gloss self-priming paint is ideal for interior surfaces, like drywall, cured plaster, laminate, wood, and metal – no sanding necessary!
Furthermore, it dries quickly in just 30 minutes or less – covering over 100 square feet of space. To top it off this product can be tinted to suit your needs before painting.
Product Specs
- Type: Latex
- VOC Level: Low VOCs
- Drying Time: 30 minutes
- Finish: Semi-gloss
- Stain and moisture-resistant for 5 years
- Self-priming formula
- Suitable for multiple surfaces
- Comes in multiple finishes and sizes
- Requires tinting before painting
- Not GREENGUARD-certified
7. Rust-Oleum Corporation 02711 Mold and Mildew Proof – BEST FOR ODOR RESISTANCE
Rust-Oleum has formulated an exceedingly effective antimicrobial paint specifically for bathrooms. Not only does this unique blend provide remarkable protection against odors caused by mold and mildew, but it also promises reliable durability as well as a shield from stains!
This multi-surface bathroom paint works on masonry, drywall, concrete, and plaster surfaces alike to give your bathroom the perfect finish.
This satin finish paint is quick-drying, requiring no more than 30 minutes to be set. However, you may need an additional coat over previously painted mid or dark hues for a flawless result.
You can have it tinted in pastel and medium tones as well; however, Rust-Oleum gives limited instructions regarding this process so trial runs are advised.
Product Specs
- Type: Latex
- VOC Level: Unlisted
- Drying Time: 30 minutes
- Finish: Satin
- Antimicrobial formula
- Odor-, mold-, mildew-, and stain-resistant
- Suitable for multiple surfaces and materials
- Requires tinting before painting
- May require multiple coats
Related: How to Paint a Bathtub Like a Pro in 11 Easy Steps
What Should You Look for When Selecting the Most Suitable Paint For Your Bathroom?
Revitalizing your bathroom has never been easier with the right materials and know-how! Whether you’re looking to give a new look to cabinets, refresh tile colors, or even switch up the hue of a faucet, washbasin, or bathtub – this guide will provide all of the information necessary for painting walls and ceilings. Various types of paint are available depending on what job needs to be done – discover which will work best in bringing life back into your space!
As you search for the ideal paint to use in your bathroom, there are a few factors worth taking into account. These include the type and finish of the product, its moisture-resistant and antimicrobial properties, the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), coverage ability, and drying time once applied. With these considerations in mind, you can find exactly what will create not only an aesthetically pleasing but also a long-lasting space.
Base Type
As you plan your bathroom’s new paint job, the base should be at the forefront of your considerations. Numerous bases are available for use in a bathroom and each provides different application types as well as varying degrees of durability. Below are some of the most preferred choices:
- Oil-based paints often seemed like the obvious choice for bathrooms due to their durability and resistance against water damage. With that said, they have some major setbacks: slow drying time and potentially dangerous levels of volatile organic compounds are not worth it! Furthermore, you’re also obligated to use spirits or solvents during clean up – making this option significantly more difficult than other alternatives.
- Latex paints (also called acrylics) are water-based and thus far more environmentally friendly than oil-based products. Plus, they have a low odor when in use and are easy to clean up—simply wash brushes and rollers with water! Presently, the best latex paint for bathrooms boasts numerous features that match or even outperform those of oil paints.
- Acrylic paint is a great way to bring life and vibrancy into DIY projects or crafts, but it can also be used for more practical purposes. This type of paint offers an array of advantages such as being lightweight and water-resistant. It usually comes in bright, vibrant colors with a variety of finishes that will make any interior or exterior wall look amazing!
Moisture Resistance
Bathrooms tend to have a high humidity level, leading to long-term condensation that can cause dampness around the walls and ceilings. Although an extractor fan may provide some relief, it’s not enough – other measures must be taken for total evaporation prevention.
To ensure durability in a high-humidity environment, bathroom paint must be moisture-resistant. There are paints specifically labeled as such, and others called “washable” that offer the same benefits. Moisture can’t penetrate because these paints have molecules that fit closer together than those of water. A bonus is their easy cleanability since dirt has difficulty adhering to the smooth surface created by this type of paint.
Antimicrobial Properties
Mildew and mold are two species of fungi that thrive in humid and warm environments, like bathrooms. Although initially small patches appear harmless, if left unattended they can grow at a swift rate posing potential health risks. Cleaning them up promptly is key to preventing further spread!
To protect your bathroom from mold and mildew, consider using paints that have antimicrobial properties. Mold-killing primers contain a fungicide that can be applied over existing outbreaks directly. Alternatively, some paints come as an all-in-one primer and paint solution to offer extended protection against further occurrences of fungi for years in the future.
VOCs
VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are chemical-based solvents found in both oil and latex paints with far fewer being present in the latter. As the paint dries, these compounds that can be toxic to humans become airborne which may cause dizziness or headaches. Although the long-term impacts of VOC exposure remain undecided by some experts, the US Environmental Protection Agency classes certain VOCs as carcinogenic substances.
To protect public health, federal regulations impose restrictions on VOC levels in all painting products. For household goods and general applications, non-flat coatings (like semi-gloss) are allowed to have up to 380 g/l whereas flat finishes such as satin require a maximum amount of 250 g/l. California goes one step further by restricting it to 50 g/l for any kind of finish – allowing manufacturers who abide by this rule the right to call their product low-VOC bathroom paint.
Although somewhat contentious, zero-VOC bathroom paints exist and may contain up to 5 g/l of VOCs. It is important to note that these levels can increase if the paint is tinted.
Coverage and Drying Time
When shopping for paint, it is common to compare prices. However, we must be mindful that one gallon of bathroom paint from two different manufacturers may vary in coverage—usually measured in square feet per gallon. Additionally, contemplate if you need to apply a single or double coat; although some paints say they only require one layer, painting pastels over dark colors might necessitate more than just one initial application. All these things taken into consideration can help ensure your desired results and prevent any costly mistakes!
Be sure to pay close attention to the drying time as well. Generally, bathroom paint that can be touched without leaving a tacky residue requires two hours of dry time, but additional coats need several more hours before being applied. It’s essential to rigorously follow instructions from the manufacturer; premature recoating can result in the second coat lifting the first one!
Finish
When selecting bathroom paint, don’t focus exclusively on the colors or home decor trends. Remember that you’ll be living with your choice for years – maybe even a lifetime! That’s why it is so essential to comprehend the different finish properties available and find one that works best for you.
- Gloss paints, while not as widely used these days, still offer a dependable and easy-to-clean surface. The main issue is that they can be overly reflective – emphasizing any flaws in the underlying structure of your wall or furniture. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for durability and effortless cleaning capabilities then gloss paint may just fit the bill!
- Semi-gloss paints offer the advantages of gloss yet are less reflective. They’re also an optimal choice for bathrooms and other areas with high humidity levels.
- Matte and eggshell paints hide imperfections effectively, yet their nearly complete absence of shine can make them appear somewhat utilitarian.
- Satin paint is a great blend of style and practicality, making it one of the top choices for bathroom decor today.
Our Verdict
When you need trustworthy paint that can handle moist environments, Glidden Premium paint and primer are your go-to option. Formulated with zero VOCs, this latex-based product comes in diverse finishes and sizes to meet all of your needs. Need something more budget-friendly? Diamond Brite Kitchen & Bath Paint has got you covered – its 1-hour dry time makes it the ideal choice for quick projects!
