Are you having moisture issues with your bathroom walls? Maybe you’re starting to notice mold and mildew. Or maybe you don’t have any issues yet and simply want a better way to keep your walls protected. If one of these scenarios sounds a little familiar, it might be time to check out some moisture resistant bathroom paint.
Keep reading to learn more about moisture resistant bathroom paint and how to pick the best one!
What Is Moisture Resistant Paint? How Does It Work?
Moisture resistant paint is exactly what it sounds like! It’s paint that doesn’t allow moisture to seep through it. This type of paint will act as a barrier against water, steam, and condensation. Due to this, you can expect there to be a smaller chance for mold and mildew.
The reason for the moisture resistance is the types of additives that are within the paint formula. You’ll often find that moisture-resistant bathroom paint has acrylic or latex. When these types of paint dry, they’ll create a slippery, moisture resistant layer.
Acrylic is a type of plastic, while latex is a type of rubber. Both materials have a slippery surface, which helps keep moisture at bay. However, the primary difference between the two types of paint is their formulas. Acrylic paint has more chemicals and volatile organic compounds, which are harmful gasses that get released from the chemicals. However, it’s also more durable regarding temperature and elasticity. Latex paint has fewer volatile organic compounds. But it’s not as durable or forgiving.
The Best Types of Moisture Resistant Paint Finishes
When finding the best moisture resistant bathroom paint, you’ll typically want to pick a glossy option. The glossiness will aid in creating a tougher and more slippery surface. So, the best options would be glossy, semi-gloss, and satin finishes. Generally, you’ll want to stay away from a matte finish, as it won’t have as much moisture resistance.
Glossy Finish
A glossy finish will reflect the most light, which makes it extremely shiny. And it’ll typically create the strongest surface, providing the most moisture resistance. If your bathroom tends to have a lot of moisture issues, this would probably be your best option. Glossy paint is very easy to clean as well. All you need to do is wipe it down. Stains will typically come right off.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss paints are like a step down from glossy paints in terms of shininess. It’s a little less reflective but still offers a good amount of moisture resistance. Semi-gloss paints are an excellent moisture resistant bathroom paint option if you don’t like the look of highly reflective glossy paint.
Satin Finish
A satin finish paint is slightly less shiny than a semi-gloss paint. It’s a mid-sheen paint that has a soft look and is essentially the middle ground between glossy and matte. This is another excellent option if high-gloss isn’t for you. It’ll keep your bathroom moisture resistant without being too reflective.
How To Pick the Best Moisture Resistant Bathroom Paint
Picking the right bathroom paint can be challenging at first. You’ll need to do some thinking before diving into the painting project. So, here are some things to keep in mind when looking at your paint options.
Moisture Resistant Properties Compared To Your Bathroom’s Humidity
Think about the amount of moisture in your bathroom. Do you have good ventilation, or does the moisture tend to sit stagnantly? If ventilation is poor, choose a glossy or semi-gloss finish. Additionally, acrylic may also be better as it’s more durable to temperature changes. Hot water from the shower can change the temperature drastically.
However, if you have good ventilation and low moisture, you can generally choose any of the three finishes mentioned above. You’ll also probably be able to use latex paint, as moisture and temperature changes won’t be as drastic. But if you’re still concerned about moisture, glossy and acrylic are the best options.
What’s the Look You’re Going For?
Another thing to consider when choosing moisture resistant bathroom paint is the style you’re looking for. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What’s the vision you have for your bathroom?
- Do you like highly reflective paint, or do you like it to be a little muted?
- What type of paint will look best with your bathroom fixtures?
You’ll need to compare your preferences with your moisture resistant needs to pick the best option for your bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you always need moisture resistant paint for bathrooms?
While it isn’t necessarily a requirement to have moisture resistant paint in bathrooms, it’s still a good idea. Matte, eggshell, and flat finishes fall into the category of soft paints. This means that high moisture levels and mildew can wreak havoc on them. This can lead to you needing to treat the walls and repaint. Moisture-resistant bathroom paint can prevent this.
Is water-resistant bathroom paint expensive?
The price of water-resistant paint depends on the kind that you get. Latex paint is usually the cheaper option, while acrylic can get a little pricey. The brand name of the paint you choose also ties into the price. Some paints can be as low as under $20 per gallon, and others can be well over $50.
How long does water-resistant paint last?
As a general metric, most water-resistant paints will last around 5-10 years on your walls. But they can sometimes last much longer. The quality and type of paint are usually the big factors that determine its lifespan. Acrylic paints usually last longer than latex due to them being more durable.
Wrapping Up Moisture Resistant Bathroom Paint
Bathrooms are one of the most moisture-ridden areas in homes. Water, steam, and lack of ventilation are typically the primary reasons for this. That’s why it’s vital to have the right paint. Moisture resistant bathroom paint can be an excellent precaution that can help keep your walls in good shape. So, grab some in a color you love and start painting! Your bathroom is sure to look beautiful and moisture-free for years to come.
Are you looking for more moisture protection in your bathroom? Check out our post on The Best Mold Killing Primer and Mold Resistant Paints for more options!
