Updating Your Bathroom with a Fresh Coat of Paint
Your bathroom is one of the easiest rooms to quickly update because of its size. A new coat of paint in a fresh new color can make a big difference. The question is, what special considerations should you make when selecting paint for the bathroom?
It seems that someone is always jumping in the shower, whether they’re getting ready for work or school, cleaning up after a sweaty game, or freshening up for an evening out, the bathroom spends most of it’s time seeming almost tropical. This high level of moisture should be considered when selecting paint.
Latex paint with a pearl or semi-gloss finish is the best choice for bathrooms. This paint will give you good coverage and can be easily cleaned. In addition, many quality latex paints come with a mildewcide additive that helps combat mildew in the bathroom.
Some manufacturers market paint specifically for use in the bathroom. These lines often contain a higher level of mildewcide, and should be considered if mildew is a problem in your bathroom. Some brands of paint have a performance rating in different categories, and you will want to select a paint that is rated high for moisture resistance.
As with painting any room, be sure to sand walls to provide a better surface for the paint to adhere, fill any cracks or holes, and perform any necessary repairs. A little bit of time spent prepping will provide you with a much more satisfying finish when you are done painting.
Also, a note about adding wallpaper or borders to humid bathrooms; sometimes curling will occur at edges as moisture works at the adhesive. This can be fixed by adding some wallpaper adhesive to the area that is curling and gluing it back down.
Adding paint can be a quick and easy remodel idea for a bathroom—don’t let the moisture level scare you! With the right paint your finish will look great.
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