How to Paint a Bathroom: Top Questions

Thinking about giving your bathroom a makeover? Look no further! Below, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about repainting bathrooms.

Do I Need a Special Paint for My Bathroom?

One option is to use Dulux Easycare Bathroom paint which is available in white and a curated range of ready mix-colours.

Alternatively, you can apply a high-quality emulsion paint, such as Ralston ExtraTex Satin or Ralston ProClean, along with the No More Mould paint additive if mould is a concern.

How Do I Prepare Bathroom Walls for Painting?

As with any painting project, it’s vital to ensure that the surface you are working on is as clean as possible. Use a degreaser to remove soap scum, dirt, dust, mould and grime from the walls. If mould is a concern, you can use Fluxaf Mould & Mildew Stain Remover otherwise Fluxaf Power Clean will do the job.

Once the walls are fully dry, scrape or sand away any peeling paint.

Repair cracks or holes with an appropriate filler. We like the Prestonett Ready-Mixed Interior Filler. Once the filler has dried, sand it down so that it is flush with the wall and wipe down with a clean cloth. At this point, you are ready to start painting!

To get started, use a 2” brush to paint a border along the wall's edges, this is known as cutting-in.

Roll on your paint with a suitable 9” roller. Once the first coat has fully dried (check the manufacturer's instructions for drying times), you can apply a second coat.

How Can I Tackle Mould & Mildew in My Bathroom?

As high-moisture and high-humidity environments, bathrooms are particularly vulnerable to mould. While paint can hide unsightly mould growth, it is at best a temporary solution.

To tackle bathroom mould, always start by identifying and addressing the moisture source. Then generously spray Fluxaf Mould & Mildew Stain Remover on the affected areas, leave for five minutes, rinse off, and allow to dry.

Now that you are ready to paint – you have two options:

1. You can apply two coats of a mould-resistant paint such as Zinsser Perma-White. This paint is available in a matt or satin finish and can be tinted to the pastel colour of your choice.
2. Alternatively, you can add an anti-mould paint additive such as No More Mould into a standard emulsion paint.

How Can I Get Rid of Water Stains on My Bathroom Ceiling?

Water stains on the ceiling are usually caused by a leak. Unless you find and fix the leak, the stains will keep returning.

To get rid of water stains, start by thoroughly cleaning them with a bleach solution. Once these areas are fully dry, spot-prime them with Ray’s Shellac-based Primer. Allow the primer to dry, then apply two coats of standard emulsion paint.

Can I Paint My Bathroom Wall Tiles?

Painting your wall tiles is a quick and inexpensive way of refreshing your bathroom! To prepare your tiles for painting, give them a thorough cleaning with a degreaser such as Fluxaf Power Clean. Apply one coat of Ralston Aqua All-Primer followed by two coats of Ralston Aqua in your preferred colour and finish.

How Can I Paint Around My Bathroom Fittings?

Bathrooms contain many fixed fittings and features that can be tricky to paint around. With this in mind, we suggest investing in a high-quality masking tape that won’t let you down, such as the Deltec Gold Masking Tape. It is also worth using a brush to reach awkward spots, such as behind the toilet and sink.