Paints That Protect Bathroom Walls & Ceilings

Choosing Bathroom Paints Based on Your Needs

We recommend the most durable paints for bathroom walls and ceilings to prevent cracking, staining, and drywall damage from excessive moisture. 100% acrylic, water-based urethanes, and ceramic interior paints that repel microorganisms offer added performance benefits in preventing mold and mildew growth for bathrooms of any size in Raleigh or the Triangle area. 

However, paints that provide mildew resistance are not always enough, especially for bathrooms. Since the root cause of mildew growth is water vapor, higher-quality bathroom paints will limit surface moisture absorption but will not stop the growth. 

With over 25 years of painting experience, we will share tips on the key qualities a premium bathroom paint should have, along with product recommendations for specific needs.

Highly Moisture Resistant Bathroom Paints

Since the paint additives used to prevent surface bacteria, viruses, fungi, and microorganisms only last 2-6 years, it’s essential to use a bathroom paint that assures long-term resistance to surface moisture. 

Ceramic and urethane finishes offer tight cell structures, making the surface nearly impervious. They are also the best interior paints at limiting moisture absorption. Here are our top 2 picks for exceptional bathroom wall and ceiling moisture resistance. 

Bathrooms are essential to our daily routines. No matter how often we are reminded that high moisture levels in bathrooms can cause issues, we remain prone to avoiding implementing proper precautions. 

Whether winter or summer, homeowners will continue to take hot showers and wash their hands, and rightfully so. So, high humidity and sink splashback are inevitable, even if the bathroom has high ceilings or adequate exhaust fans. Therefore, choosing a paint that will resist regular moisture is monumental. 

How Surface Mildew Begins

Over 95% of homes in the US have interior walls covered by open-cell gypsum drywall, a porous material. Builders also utilize cheap paint and primers that do a poor job of sealing the surface. 

Therefore, because interior bathroom walls are continuously exposed to damp, dark, and often humid conditions, mold and mildew will thrive over time. Mildew can grow on wallpapered surfaces, fixtures, and flooring. However, walls and ceilings account for over 90% of bathroom surfaces, and mildew-resistant paint can eliminate scum and organic growth within these areas.

By spending a few more dollars on bathroom paint with built-in mildewcides, you can eliminate the potential for harmful airborne spores and surface contamination. 

Utilizing Mold Killing Paints & Primers

If the paint is flaking in your bathroom, it has likely been overexposed to high heat or moisture. Most full bathrooms are frequently exposed to both conditions, primarily due to hot showers. The third reason could be the result of painting water-based paint over oil, or painting over wallpaper. 

The best process for eliminating existing mold issues in bathrooms is to clean the walls, apply mold-killing primers, and finish with a top coat of antimicrobial paint. Here are the steps and product recommendations.

Day 1

1. The first step to fixing the issue is to scrape and sand the walls.
2. If mold is present, carefully wipe the walls with a sponge using a warm bleach solution.

Day 2

1. After letting the walls dry for 24 hours, it is time to prime them with a mold-killing primer. 
2. Wall & surface preparations.
3. Sand the walls and apply a second coat of primer for added protection.
4. Top-coat with antimicrobial paint

Copper has been used for years and is widely known to kill organic growth, but these raw materials are no longer exclusive to piping. Copper is also infused into paints and fabrics to prevent viruses and bacteria. Copper-infused paint kills cells in microorganisms the quickest and most effectively. Here are our top picks for their antimicrobial properties.

Proper Ventilation is Still Necessary

Most bathroom exhaust fans are not powerful enough to quickly pull air out of the bathroom. This inadequate ventilation system allows moisture to settle despite the loud noise it makes that gives false assurance. If your bathroom has an underpowered exhaust fan and a window, and the conditions outside are suitable, you should open it. Additionally, most exhaust fans are not installed directly above the shower, where the steam originates, resulting in excessive ceiling moisture and damage to drywall and paint. 

National builders in Raleigh are known for installing only the bare minimum. Every time we visit a home interior estimate, the indicators are clear. Either way, running the exhaust fan for 20 minutes before and after a shower is good practice. Additionally, leave the bathroom entry door open for at least 2 hours after showering. 

The Misconception of the Finish

Paint recommendations from many local sources often offer generic advice and entice buyers to choose inexpensive, low-performing interior paints that provide little to no added benefit. 

Therefore, consumers are often misled and mistakenly value familiarity with where the paint is sold over differences in actual standout performance. There is a Sherwin-Williams or Lowe’s on every corner from 401 East all the way to Hwy 1 West near Apex. But protecting those bathroom surfaces requires a deeper understanding of what is needed and how each paint line performs.

Cheap interior paints with glossier finishes do not provide the protection that your bathroom walls, ceilings, or trim need from moisture or mildew. Nor do they offer improved color retention or wipeability. In fact, the finish itself in a higher-priced paint won’t guarantee moisture protection and wipeability for areas in Raleigh and Durham, North of 540, that are on well systems with (ferrous) iron in the water. If you have red dots on your ceilings, they could be caused by iron or bacteria. Both of these conditions require a dedicated premium antimicrobial and extreme moisture resistance to prevent wall saturation and staining caused by steam from hot showers accumulating on the ceiling and walls.

Bathroom Wall Paint Finish Recommendations

Semi-gloss and gloss finishes are better suited to trim. Most prefer medium luster finishes, such as eggshell and satin, for bathroom walls. 

The most well-rounded interior bathroom wall paint is Sherwin-Williams Emerald interior satin. It’s easy to apply and features bathroom paint characteristics, including moisture resistance and antimicrobial properties.

While it’s an excellent universal bathroom paint, other products mentioned earlier will outperform it in specific applications. But to be fair, it’s hard to find house paint that excels in every category.

Best Flat Bathroom Ceiling Paint

Most ceilings are flat to prevent glare and hide imperfections. However, heavily clay-based flat paints are porous and will not hold up in bathrooms over time. 

If you want the finished look of a flat ceiling with proper moisture resistance, the only flat paint that offers this is Benjamin Moore Aura. In particular, Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa offers a premium matte finish for bathroom ceilings and walls that outperforms some glossy finishes from other leading brands.

Oil vs. Acrylic Paint Applications

Water-based paints are best for interior bathrooms. They are easy to clean and apply. Acrylic paints also leave far less of an odor.

The hall and secondary bathrooms are often small but very useful. Latex-acrylic paints offer quick turnaround and are available in zero-VOC formulas. So, unless your bathroom already has oil-based paint, there’s hardly any basis for arguing for reusing oil-based paint. 

Shellac and oil-based primers, on the other hand, will seal water stains & wood knots, and acrylic paint can easily go over them.

Is there A Winner?

All the products mentioned will exceed your expectations for their intended purpose and are all class-leading innovations in many ways. However, they excel in different situations, so there is no clear winner. Instead, it is more critical to define an essential feature and pick the product that best meets that need. 

However, we recommend against faux finishes in bathrooms where antimicrobial and moisture-resistant features are prioritized. You can also paint bathroom sinks and tubs with the appropriate paint and processes. 

It’s all about choosing your products wisely. Contact the pros at A Touch of Color today for help selecting the best paint for your bathroom!