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Q: Are there special considerations when choosing bathroom paints?

Hi, do you need to choose a special paint for painting a bathroom? I imagine that all the steam may be tough on the paint? Sorry I'm so clueless when it comes to this stuff! I'd love some help.

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  • A: Eggshell sheen Ok throughout the home



    Typically, bathroom walls have been historically painted with an interior semi-gloss paint, allowing the moisture to dry, before soaking into paint coating. However, with the introduction of eggshell, satin, or low sheen paint, allows a more uniform look throughout the home, while using the semi-gloss or high gloss on all trim. Eggshell sheen protects all wall surfaces, with the ability to wipe all wall surfaces with wet damp cloth or sponge, without harming paint finish.

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  • A: Eggshell sheen works in the bath, but isn't as durable



    You can use any sheen in a bath, basically, except a flat sheen. Flat paint is porous and will absorb the moisture from steam as well as splashes. In addition, flat paint isn't washable.

    As a general rule, the shinier the paint, the more durable and less absorbant it is. The problem with going with semi-gloss is the shine - it has a more institutional feel to it though it is VERY resistant to water and is quite washable. That being said, I would recommend something between an eggshell and a semi-gloss. Benjamin Moore has a sheen specifically designed for kitchens and baths, as does Behr. Ben Moore calls their in-between sheen 'pearl' and Behr calls theirs 'sateen'. Both lay down well, hold up well to the rigors of washing, and protect from moisture but don't make the walls 'glare' at you when you walk in

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  • A:



    There are special paints for baths. These paints have additives to reduce the chances of mildew or mold adhering to the paint surface. However, normal interior paint should hold up fine as long as a bath fan is used regularly when bathing.

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    Feb 1, 2023

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