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Your bathroom is a high-performance environment, battling daily condensation, steam, and temperature swings. Choosing the wrong paint is a common and costly mistake, leading to peeling, bubbling, and unsightly mould within months.
The longevity and appearance of any bathroom hinges on selecting a paint that is specially formulated to handle this challenging environment.
The Bathroom Showroom offers a quick helpful guide to the best paint types, finishes, along with practical tips to ensure your paint job lasts for years to come.

Stop the Steam Damage: Why Your Bathroom Paint is Not Like Your Living Room Paint

1. Wall Paint: Standard Emulsion vs. Moisture-Resistant
  • Standard interior wall paint (emulsion) is porous and simply cannot cope with the moisture levels in a bathroom, making it an easy target for failure.
  • Moisture-resistant or specialist bathroom emulsion is formulated specifically for this environment.
  • Standard Emulsion (Flat/Matte Finish) 
Pros: Low cost, popular finish in other rooms, hides wall imperfections well. 
Cons: Not recommended for bathrooms. Absorbs moisture quickly, leading to peeling, bubbling, and rapid mould/mildew growth. Hard to clean and leaves water stains.
  • Moisture-Resistant / Durable Emulsion (Satin/Semi-Gloss Finish) 
Pros: Forms a tough, less-porous barrier against moisture and steam. Highly durable and scrubbable. Resists mould/mildew better. 
Cons: Generally higher cost than standard paint. Glossier finish can highlight wall imperfections, requiring more thorough surface preparation.
The Bottom Line for Walls: Always opt for a high-quality acrylic-latex or specialist bathroom paint with a satin, semi-gloss, or eggshell finish for your walls and ceiling. These higher-sheen finishes naturally repel moisture and are easier to clean.
2. Specialist Bathroom Paints
These paints are your best line of defence against humidity and biological growth.
  • Mould/Mildew Resistant Paint
Key Features: Contains anti-microbial additives and fungicides that actively inhibit the growth of mould and mildew spores on the paint surface.
Best Use Cases: High-humidity bathrooms with poor ventilation, shower cubicles, ceilings (where condensation collects), and walls that frequently get wet.
  • Anti-Condensation Paint
Key Features: Contains thermal properties that slightly raise the surface temperature of the wall, preventing warm, moist air from condensing into water droplets.
Best Use Cases: Rooms prone to severe condensation due to very cold external walls, basements, or areas with persistent dampness.
Crucial Advice: Mould-resistant paint is a preventive measure. Never paint over existing mould. The mould must be completely treated and removed with an appropriate cleaner first, and the surface should be prepared with a mildew-resistant primer.
3. Trim and Doors: Gloss vs. Satin/Semi-Gloss
Trims (skirting boards, door frames, window casings) and doors see a lot of direct contact and splashing, requiring the toughest, most wipeable finish.
  • Satin / Semi-Gloss Finish
Durability/Moisture Resistance: High durability, very moisture-resistant, excellent for cleaning. 
Light Reflection/Appearance: Noticeable sheen (less than full gloss), provides good light reflection. 
Pros: Excellent balance of durability and aesthetic. Hides minor imperfections better than full gloss. 
Cons: Not as hard-wearing or scrub-resistant as a full gloss.
  • High Gloss Finish 
Durability/Moisture Resistance: Superior durability, highest resistance to moisture and scrubbing. 
Light Reflection/Appearance: Highly reflective, mirror-like finish. 
Pros: The most durable and easiest to clean finish. Best for high-traffic or high-splash areas. 
Cons: Highlights every surface imperfection (drips, bumps). Too shiny for some tastes.
The Bottom Line for Trim: Semi-gloss is the standard and most popular choice for trim due to its balance of durability and sheen. High gloss offers the maximum protection and longest lifespan.

Practical Longevity Tips For Bathroom Paint

Choosing the right paint is only half the battle. Proper preparation and environmental control are essential for a paint job that lasts 5–10 years or more.
  • Prep is Non-Negotiable:
Clean all surfaces thoroughly to remove soap scum, grime, and grease.
Sand lightly for better paint adhesion.
Always use a mould-resistant primer before applying your topcoat. This creates a powerful, protective foundation.
  • Improve Ventilation:
This is the most significant factor in extending paint life.
Always use an extractor fan during and after showering to draw moist air out. If you don't have one, keep the window open.
Reducing humidity prevents moisture from collecting on the painted surfaces.
  • Colour Choice: While paint quality and finish (sheen) affect durability more than colour, be aware of how bathroom colours show wear:
Lighter Colours (neutrals, pastels): Tend to resist fading from UV light better, but water stains or discolouration from moisture can appear dull over time. They also reflect light, making the room feel larger.
Darker Colours: Add drama and hide minor surface stains more easily, but some may be more prone to showing chalky marks or streaks from condensation and harsh cleaning products.
  • Finish Affects Mood: Higher-sheen paints (satin, semi-gloss) reflect more light, brightening a room—ideal for smaller, darker bathrooms. Flatter finishes absorb light, creating a softer, more sophisticated look, but offer less protection.

Choose The Best Bathroom Paint For Durability

The longevity of your bathroom's finish comes down to one core principle: do not treat it like any other room in the house. The cost of choosing standard paint will always be higher in the long run, leading to peeling, bubbling, and repeated maintenance.
To guarantee a paint job that lasts 5–10 years and stands up to daily moisture, remember these essentials:
  • For Walls and Ceilings: Always select a Moisture-Resistant or Specialist Acrylic-Latex Paint in a Satin, Semi-Gloss, or Eggshell finish. These higher sheens create the necessary protective barrier against steam and condensation.
  • For Trim and Doors: Opt for Semi-Gloss or High Gloss for maximum wipeability and durability against direct contact and splashing.
  • For Preparation: Never skip the prep. A mould-resistant primer is your foundation for a long-lasting, defect-free finish.
  • For Maintenance: Prioritise ventilation by using an extractor fan or opening a window. This is the simplest and most effective way to extend the life of any paint, regardless of its quality.
By choosing the right formula and finish for the specific demands of your bathroom, you stop steam damage before it starts, ensuring your space remains fresh, beautiful, and mould-free for years to come.
For further help with choosing the best products and designs, book an appointment with The Bathroom Showroom. Experts in all things bathrooms, we can help turn your dream bathroom into a reality.