how to paint a bathroom

Bathroom paint faces a lot of wear and tear, so go with a water-repellent, easy-to-maintain product. The space is so small, you have to meticulously apply painter's masking film and painter's tape around the tank, then daub the brush repeatedly in that area to get a solid color. Patrick Coye. Unkempt or wiry bristles are harder to control. Related Information. 22 July 2020. Paint a square area about 2 by 2 feet, using angled strokes that roughly make a "W" on the wall, then fill in the blank areas of the W with a series of roughly parallel passes of the roller. Sealing your beautiful paint job is imperative to keeping your new bathroom look fresh and pretty. Open windows, if available, or keep the exhaust fan on to ventilate the bathroom. Support wikiHow by This article has been viewed 272,168 times. A: Painting your bathroom is a great way to add a touch of character and class to your space with only minimal effort. I always go from left to right and back again, using short, even, light sprays. Time management allows you to paint a bathroom in 2 hours or less. To paint a bathroom, use a mildew-resistant, satin or semi-gloss paint since they're durable and water resistant. Turn off the water supply at the shutoff valve on the wall, flush the toilet to expel all water, then remove the tank with a couple of old towels on the floor to catch spills. Repeat the earlier painting process. Go to source. It is exceedingly difficult to paint around toilet tanks and do a good job of it. If your bathroom has a window, open it; if not, turn on the exhaust fan. % of people told us that this article helped them. Painting your vanity is the perfect way to give your bathroom a facelift. Project Finished? Priming your repairs will help keep them inconspicuous. If you paint too thickly, you’ll end up with drips that you will have to sand out, plus those areas will scratch and flake. Choose a color. Step 6. X Move to an adjacent area, making sure that you work from the wet edge of the preceding section. How to Paint a Bathroom Vanity. Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing These steps make it easy to follow! It will look better if you do. unlocking this expert answer. Solids are the components that dry to form the protective acrylic-latex layer on your wall. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. When you set out to paint your bathroom, you’ll want to complete the following steps to make sure your work will last. There are 26 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Dip the roller into the paint tray's well, then roll up the tray to remove excess. When it comes to the type of paint to use in your bathroom, the glossier it is, the better. Since they are humid areas, paints with mildew and mold resistance are good choices, and moisture-resistant primers can be used to help prevent peeling paint. Bathrooms are small and full of water from various sources, and they receive lots of heavy use. This article has been viewed 272,168 times. Most paints dry to the touch in 24 hours unless the label on the can indicates otherwise. Begin by cutting in the paint, then move to rolling out the walls. You may also want to recaulk around your tub or base trim before you paint the bathroom. ", "I am new at painting and this information was easy to understand and so helpful in preparations for my project. Keep the brush fairly dry when painting against the tape to avoid drips. White is conventional for trim, but you could experiment with color, especially if your walls are white. It’s the prettiest, modern, toned-down blue. The project I was most excited about was the sink. Before wikiHow, I had to learn by trial and error (mostly error). Leave the paint to dry before … [1] X Expert Source Patrick Coye Painting Specialist Expert Interview. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020. See All Glidden Products To refresh your bathroom, follow these simple steps: 1. I used a sponge brush to get into the tight spaces. Fit the roller cover on the roller frame. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In particular, dining rooms and bedrooms usually just need a light dusting. reminder to pick a corner and move around the room, as opposed to the shotgun approach. Painting over dried or tacky paint leads to noticeable lap lines. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 272,168 times. To get started, clean the bathroom walls and cover anything that you don't want to paint with plastic or drop cloths. Tape off the ceiling, trim, bathtub surround, backsplash, and other areas that will not be painted. ", I have painted rooms before so I am confident it will come out nicely! While mildew-resistant products are a bit pricier, but they hold up better to moisture and last longer. Some of the cheaper paints have the same pigment makeup as the more expensive paints, but they have fewer solids. Expert Interview. ", "Everything helped! If you’re using a latex paint, you should be able to apply a second coat after 4 hours. A careful masking job will not only make the finished job look great, but it will make the actual painting job easier as well. ", in showing me the best way to paint my tiny bathroom. It is generally a good idea to do so, but some paints specifically say you don't have to, so you could take your chances. Remove the doors and drawers from the vanity base with a screwdriver. How do I fix peeling paint before I paint my bathroom? How do I remove mold in the bathroom and keep it from coming back? Can you use vinegar and water to clean walls before painting? You don't want all that dust in your paint. If you paint the trim all around the room, it’ll dry by the time you pass the roller over the rest of the wall. Alternatively, dilute concentrated TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaner with water as directed. With the right tools and a little effort, you can brighten up your bathroom in no time at all! We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Want to know how? And, bonus, I didn’t have to spend any money on new paint! Wear rubber gloves when using TSP or a bleach solution. To paint bathroom cabinets, start by removing the doors and hardware. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Replace faceplates, the toilet tank, towel bars, and any other hardware and accessories that you removed earlier. Bathrooms are wet places and water will eventually get on your paint, no matter how hard you try to avoid this. Often I’m asked where I got my the bold floor tiles in my bathroom. If your bathroom vanity has gone dingy with heavy use and exposure to moisture—or it’s just looking dated—paint can come to the rescue by offering an easy way to refresh your storage piece. 1. Apply painter’s masking tape to fittings and any trim edges which may be fiddly and dicult to paint around. Then, lightly sand the cabinets with high-grit sandpaper, which will help the paint adhere to them. If you have drywall in the upper section in the shower or tub stall area, go for higher gloss paint. The last thing you want to do is have to run out in the middle of a project because you ran out of paint. Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. You’ll need to sand the paint coats off your plaster walls and ceiling before you paint. All it took was a little risk, approximately five hours time and just shy of $25 smackaroos. The next time you look at shower tile, notice that the surface of the tile is glossy. Canvas is heavier and less slippery than plastic. Wait at least two hours for the paint to dry. Finally, use a roller and paint brush to apply 2 coats of paint to the walls, letting them dry after each coat. If you need to use a ladder, make sure it’s set on a stable, level surface. Stir the paint before you pour it into a tray or dip a brush in the can. [13] If you’ve got any mould, get rid of it with a bleach solution before you begin. Do I need to prime the bathroom walls before painting them? When you’ve finished the first wall, proceed to the next. The skim coat is a light coating of paint that will dry in about 30 minutes. You should also spot-prime any areas you patched. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Thank you. Removing the toilet tank may sound messy and difficult, but it is not. The counter top is medium blue and the flooring has a light blue design. Remove the hardware (knobs, … … … Even if you don't want to buy special bathroom paint, you may want to spend a little bit more for a quality brand of paint. Dip the roller in paint frequently and avoid letting the roller dry out. You’ll want to clean the entire surface really good and then use 300-400 grit sandpaper to give the entire surface a good scrub. If the tank is removable, loosen the nuts that secure its mounting bolts to the bowl. How do you prepare a bathroom for painting? Try to keep the roller wet, and overlap the painted edges and your previous strokes by about 3 in (7.6 cm). We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The best finish for a bathroom paint is semi-gloss or gloss. Remove before the paint dries! I’m going to tell you what I did. Using a pastel blue paint in your bathroom will make the space with light and clean. Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. I have never painted a room before, and the information was great! There are a couple of things to remember when painting to … Once you get all your tape in place apply the first coat of paint with a paint roller. Support wikiHow by Specifically, the problem is the narrow crack between the tank and the wall. The plastic wrap will help keep the brush moist. Remove the painter's tape after the paint has dried. Paint with the wood grain. Prep Work. This off-white, purple undertone paint is great for adding color without going overboard. It is well worth the extra two days to avoid messing up your nice paint job. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Start in a corner, and roll in a continuous stroke. I used it on our front door so the remaining paint gets a little more glory here in the bathroom. And that's if you can even get the paint to stick in the first place. Higher gloss sheens tend to do a better job of repelling moisture and debris than do flatter sheens. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Tip #4: Turn Up the Heat. For example, I didn't think to do the ceiling first. Don't throw … How do I keep a clean paint line around grout on a sink and shower? Semi-gloss paint includes more resin and binders when compared to flat paint, and a glossy finish bumps up the amount of resins even more. If you’re also painting a sink vanity or cabinet, remove the knobs and other hardware. Painting a living room or bedroom is a familiar project to most do-it-yourselfers. Scrape away the peeling paint until the edge of the paint is flat or smooth with the wall, then paint right over. Keep with light colours, darker colours will bring the room in. If most of your home is white, but you’re looking to spice things up a little, this is the perfect option for you. Thank you! It's also wise to purchase samples and test shades in the actual space. Since bathroom paint has to handle lots of moisture, go with a durable, mildew-resistant product. Then sand the surface with fine, 320-grit sandpaper until it’s smooth and level with the surrounding surface. Wish me luck! Well, I didn’t get them anywhere, I painted them! What didn’t work and what did, and some tips along the way. You want to draw the paint out, start in the corner of the panel and move out. By using The Spruce, you accept our, How to Achieve Smooth Results When Painting Wood. Additionally, tape around your bath fixtures and wall tile. Paint a square area about 2 by 2 feet, using angled strokes that roughly make a "W" on the wall, then fill in the blank areas of the W with a series of roughly parallel passes of the roller. How to Paint a Bathroom. Tip: Choose mildew-resistant ceiling paint, which is flat (not glossy), dries slowly, and spatters less. The key here is to do a very light coat. Clean the bathroom vanity with a good non-sudsing cleaner mixed with water. For a clean line around grout on a sink/shower, use blue painter's tape and slowly apply it to the grout line by pressing it firmly onto the grout where it meets the sink/shower. By using our site, you agree to our. Move to an adjacent area, making sure that you work from the wet edge of the preceding section. How to Paint a Bathroom Vanity Now you’re ready to apply the paint the vanity cabinet. "I love the suggestions for what to do first. When painting any room, we always recommend painting from the top, down. Use wood filler to repair any holes or nicks in the baseboard, chair rails, or trim around windows and doors. Approved. Baseboards, chair rails, and window and door trim collect dust and grime, and semi-gloss is more durable and easier to clean than flat finishes. That way, paint won’t pool in the corners. Important: After painting the bathroom, avoid showering in it for 24 hours so the paint can dry properly. Use painters tape to protect the wall or mirror from paint drips or messes while painting the vanity. How to Paint a Bathroom Tile Floor. Drywall compound is porous and will absorb paint, resulting in noticeable dull spots. Paint will inevitably spatter on horizontal trim, but vertical trim, such as window and door trim, is less vulnerable. Use a natural bristle brush for grooves and uneven areas. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Drape drop cloths over the bathroom vanity, sink, mirror, and over the flooring. With a minimum of effort, you can get a fantastic payoff. Recently I shared on Facebook that we were doing a makeover on our powder room, aka the “World’s Smallest Bathroom”. Gather your supplies, including paint, primer, and paint application tools. Go for full-gloss or semi-gloss finishes, and stay away from satin, eggshell or flat sheens, which are intended primarily for living rooms and bedrooms. Thank you! Go with a satin or semigloss finish for bathroom wall paint. Masking. The bathroom paint kit comes with base paint (I chose white) and an activator. ", "Thanks so much for helping me look at how to paint my bathroom! Time for the main event! Soap scum and other embedded substances on surfaces can seriously interfere with your paint job. Cutting in is basically coloring within the lines; it's when you hug a tight edge with the brush. Grays, blues, and black are trendy choices if you want your trim to make a statement. First, I always like to share the BEFORE. You should use a urethane sealer for porcelain or ceramic tiles and a masonry sealer for quarry tiles or natural stone ones. Soap scum around the bathtub and shower surrounds can cause your nice paint job to peel off. Orchid Blossom. Homeowners can choose from many types of paint for their bathrooms. Start with the ceilings. DIY. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Lighter shades are usually good choices for smaller spaces. Use a roller or paintbrush to prime the faces of cabinet boxes and drawers and both sides of doors. Semi-gloss is a good finish for bathroom trim. How to Paint a Bathroom Vanity. Then, paint the ceiling and trim first, using a roller for most of the ceiling and a paint brush for the edges and trim. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Since the paint kit was only around $25, we decided to try it. Great article.". How-To Painting Guides. Empty some bathroom paint into your tray and evenly apply this over your roller. Sealing will protect your paint job from scratches, grime, and scuff marks. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. In other areas of the house, you can sometimes slide by without cleaning the walls. This will remove any dirt or oil that is on the surface of the vanity. But painting the bathroom is a bit different than painting other areas of the home. This article was co-authored by Patrick Coye. I wasn't sure. Painting your bathroom vanity The painting itself goes pretty quickly. ", "Good idea keeping brushes wet between applications, would not have done this. Consider using a respirator if the exhaust fan doesn’t connect to an external vent. BEFORE . Watch more How to Paint Your Home videos: http://www.howcast.com/videos/514650-How-to-Paint-a-Bathroom-House-PaintingThis is going to be a lot of fun. Paints with semigloss or high-gloss finishes are also suitable for bathrooms since they’re easier to clean than their matte counterparts. Wrap them in sealed plastic until you are ready to paint again. Cut in around the walls and edges first, using your paint brush. We will be using this vanity every single day, so I wanted to make sure we ended up with a finish that lasts and lasts. If your style is modern, cooler tones, such as a white with subtle blue undertones, are best. It cost me less than $50 in paint to update my shower tub and tile. It seemed to cover everything I needed to know.. ", "Some really good tips and advice. These finishes strike a balance between disguising imperfections and durability. This article received 13 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. "I used it to write down directions before I started. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Just be sure to clean the walls afterwards with a lightly damp rag before doing the first coat of primer! Check your product's instructions if you're not sure about the recommended drying time. You don’t want this to be heavy, like you’re trying to paint the walls with one coat. Both options will give you a finish with some shine that helps the paint resist absorbing extra moisture that leads to mildew growth. Toilets typically come in two sections: the top tank and the bowl, or base. Paint the edges with a brush, and use a roller for the larger areas. Generously dip the roller cover in the paint, then thoroughly roll it out on the upper area of the paint tray. Read More . If the bowl still blocks the wall, unscrew the floor bolts at the base, then lift the bowl out of place. In cool or wet conditions, the paint will take longer to dry. Painting Specialist. Remove drop cloths, properly disposing of any plastic sheeting. How long does it take for glossy paint to dry? This is my first DIY project and the steps here are well-written, specific, and easy to understand! YOU can paint your tile in your bathroom and give it a fresh, updated look and do it on a budget. Cozy, warm hues, such a white with yellow undertones, are ideal if your taste is more traditional. Use your paintbrush to cut in around the edges of your cabinets, and then fill in the large flat surfaces with the paint roller. Place drop cloths on floors and on any furnishings that can’t be removed from the room. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Do I need to primer my bathroom ceiling first when painting it? Great Weekend Projects. Trustworthy Source Some paint manufacturers sell what they call bathroom paint: a paint that has both mold-inhibiting agents and a better surface for resisting moisture. You don’t want it dripping with paint, but keeping it wet helps prevent lap lines. Since they're more durable and easier to clean than matte or flat options, go with a satin or semi-gloss paint for your bathroom. If you left any fixtures on the wall, like toilet paper holders or towel, put painter's tape around them to protect them from paint splatters. Last Updated: January 8, 2021 I had wondered how to paint a sink so I did a little research and found a product that would do it. Flat or matte sheens can develop water streaks and are not recommended for bathrooms. That said, it is recommended that you do not hang pictures, let animals rub on, or lean anything against any new paint for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days). unlocking this staff-researched answer. If necessary, replace the toilet and turn on the water supply. TSP is a stronger cleaner, so you won't have to scrub as hard. These types of joints are rarely straight, so you might have to work in small pieces to get the best line. And guess what: you can, too. You don't have to clean brushes and rollers when you take a break. Painting your bathroom is easier than you may think - all it takes is choosing the right paint colors, the right painting prep, and the right painting advice. If your bathroom is due for a makeover, breathe new life into it with a fresh paint job. Types of Bathroom Paint. So don’t skimp on the first few steps and rush right to the painting…take your time. Mirrors are a perfect way to make a room look bigger, they reflect light and the room itself. Complete 1 wall at a time so you're always painting over wet paint. This article helped me in that regard. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. Tip: If paint has hardened on the handle or along the edge of the bristles, soften it with warm water so you can remove it before you begin to paint. Childhood. You activate the paint by mixing the two components together and use a sponge roller to apply it to the bathroom tile. It’s easier to cut in at an edge with a new, quality paintbrush. Remove wall plates, mirrors, bathroom exhaust vent grilles, towel racks, and any other items that you can remove relatively easily. Make sure you dry the brush before you dip it. My first step was painting the vanity. Calculate the amount of paint needed for your room. Step 6 – Paint! The following are a few helpful bathroom painting tips for the next time you decide to paint your bathroom. Paint light, even layers making sure to spread out with your paintbrush any drops or puddles. This will make the removal easier -- grab the first piece and slowly lift the entire line (a little at a time) at an angle away from the edge. For even coverage, apply the first coat in one direction, or north to south, and the second in the other direction, or east to west. Should I paint two top coats? Use a wool, natural fiber or polyester blend roller cover when applying oil paint with a roller. Ensure that the bathroom paint you select is water-repellent, durable, and easy to clean and maintain. References Paint the bathroom vanity. If you pull up the tape without cutting it, you might peel off dried paint from the wall that’s bonded with the tape. "As a person who has never before done any big home projects aside from reorganizing, this article was very helpful, "I love this! Step 5. The color suggestion for walls in a small bathroom? To learn how to repair holes or cracks before painting the walls, scroll down! Open the paint can and pour paint into the bottom reservoir of the paint tray. Then use a good angled brush to tackle the trim, and cover broader surfaces with a paint roller. There is no more important step in painting. Did you know you can read premium answers for this article? Oil-based paint is most effective in a moist environment such as a bathroom, but takes longer to dry. The messy section is the base, and that section will not be removed. Whether you're a beginner or you're a regular do-it-yourselfer, our checklist will take your paint job from "good" to "amazing." Do I need a special kind of paint for painting a bathroom? If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Find The Perfect Bathroom Color VISUALIZE YOUR PROJECT Share this story. Work in ‘W’ sections until you’ve applied your first coat. After I scrape off flaking paint, should I use an under coat before I put on a top coat? Wear non-slip shoes, and keep both feet on a rung at all times. 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