Types of Bathroom Paint
Bathroom Painting
Paint is paint, right? Wrong! If you're someone who hasn't done a lot of painting in the past and you're thinking about painting your bathroom, you need to learn the differences between paints in order to choose the best for your purposes. The bathroom, more than just about any other room of the house, has certain needs that must be met when it comes to the type of paint used. Some paints work better in cooler air. Some paints are easier to clean, making them better for use in some rooms than others. And, because the bathroom gets all manner of activity that causes steam and other challenges, it's vital that anyone who's considering painting the bathroom to learn the ins and outs of paint functionality. Following are some tips from bathroom remodeling contractors in Phoenix about which types of paints are best for the bathroom.
Factors
There are a number of factors you need to consider when purchasing paint for your bathroom remodeling project. First, it's important to remember that your bathroom gets a ton of steamy activity that's often concentrated in the morning. Of course, whether it's in the morning, midday, or night-time, it's the steam that matters and you have to take that into consideration when buying paint. Due to all that hot air, your bathroom could end up a moldy mess if you choose paint that doesn't hold up well in moisture. That can cause bacteria buildup that can lead to dirt and disease. If you're purchasing more than one paint for the bathroom, be sure to use the best ones in areas that get the most activity, such as around wall fixtures. Paints that don't hold up to moisture will not only cause bacteria to build up; they will damage walls and wallpaper.
Functionality
Because of all the heat and moisture your bathroom gets, mildew-resistant paints are the way to go in the bathroom. Paint stores and home improvement stores typically carry paints that are labeled as bathroom-friendly, so be sure to ask an associate which ones are best. Because oil-based paints promote mold, it's best to stay away from these when painting a bathroom. Paints that work best in bathrooms typically contain chemicals that, though they don't kill bacteria, they make it tough for bacteria to grow. It's important to note, however, that the chemicals in these paints can be dangerous if the room is not properly ventilated.
Finishes
Finishes that are best for bathrooms are those that, of course, deal best with moisture. Flat paints can be a bad idea in bathrooms because they don't deal well with moist situations. They are also difficult to keep clean, and since bathrooms get a lot of activity that can cause bacteria and dirt to build up, it's best to opt for finishes that hold up better. Try a semi-gloss paint that is resistant to mildew and mold growth, as these typically are easier to clean and maintain. Satin finishes are okay for bathrooms that don't get a lot of steam, such as in powder rooms that don't have bathtubs or showers. Some newer paints that contain a matte finish are fine for showers because they're made to stand up to moisture. Ask a bathroom remodeling contractor or an associate at a paint store for more information on these.
Finally
Now that you've learned what you need to know about what types of paint to choose for the bathroom, it's time to choose your paint colors. White is a popular choice for the bathroom, but a stark white can stifle comfort in the bathroom, especially if you've been looking forward all day to a luxurious, relaxing bath. Softer whites such as ivories and antique whites, or other neutrals such as taupes are good for the bathroom, especially if you pair them with one or two of your favorite colors to paint trims and accents. If your bathroom is really small, consider staying away from darker colors that can make a small room feel even smaller.
Choosing the right color of paint is the last consideration when it comes to painting the bathroom. Bathrooms get steam, activity, and bacteria buildup that makes the type of paint used an important decision. Be sure to consider all of the above factors when deciding on paint colors for your bathroom. If you choose the wrong type of paint, you could be painting all over again in a couple months, and nobody wants that. If you're not confident in your own painting skills, contact a home remodeling contractor for assistance.
Factors
There are a number of factors you need to consider when purchasing paint for your bathroom remodeling project. First, it's important to remember that your bathroom gets a ton of steamy activity that's often concentrated in the morning. Of course, whether it's in the morning, midday, or night-time, it's the steam that matters and you have to take that into consideration when buying paint. Due to all that hot air, your bathroom could end up a moldy mess if you choose paint that doesn't hold up well in moisture. That can cause bacteria buildup that can lead to dirt and disease. If you're purchasing more than one paint for the bathroom, be sure to use the best ones in areas that get the most activity, such as around wall fixtures. Paints that don't hold up to moisture will not only cause bacteria to build up; they will damage walls and wallpaper.
Functionality
Because of all the heat and moisture your bathroom gets, mildew-resistant paints are the way to go in the bathroom. Paint stores and home improvement stores typically carry paints that are labeled as bathroom-friendly, so be sure to ask an associate which ones are best. Because oil-based paints promote mold, it's best to stay away from these when painting a bathroom. Paints that work best in bathrooms typically contain chemicals that, though they don't kill bacteria, they make it tough for bacteria to grow. It's important to note, however, that the chemicals in these paints can be dangerous if the room is not properly ventilated.
Finishes
Finishes that are best for bathrooms are those that, of course, deal best with moisture. Flat paints can be a bad idea in bathrooms because they don't deal well with moist situations. They are also difficult to keep clean, and since bathrooms get a lot of activity that can cause bacteria and dirt to build up, it's best to opt for finishes that hold up better. Try a semi-gloss paint that is resistant to mildew and mold growth, as these typically are easier to clean and maintain. Satin finishes are okay for bathrooms that don't get a lot of steam, such as in powder rooms that don't have bathtubs or showers. Some newer paints that contain a matte finish are fine for showers because they're made to stand up to moisture. Ask a bathroom remodeling contractor or an associate at a paint store for more information on these.
Finally
Now that you've learned what you need to know about what types of paint to choose for the bathroom, it's time to choose your paint colors. White is a popular choice for the bathroom, but a stark white can stifle comfort in the bathroom, especially if you've been looking forward all day to a luxurious, relaxing bath. Softer whites such as ivories and antique whites, or other neutrals such as taupes are good for the bathroom, especially if you pair them with one or two of your favorite colors to paint trims and accents. If your bathroom is really small, consider staying away from darker colors that can make a small room feel even smaller.
Choosing the right color of paint is the last consideration when it comes to painting the bathroom. Bathrooms get steam, activity, and bacteria buildup that makes the type of paint used an important decision. Be sure to consider all of the above factors when deciding on paint colors for your bathroom. If you choose the wrong type of paint, you could be painting all over again in a couple months, and nobody wants that. If you're not confident in your own painting skills, contact a home remodeling contractor for assistance.