7 Bathroom Painting Tips

Bathroom Painting Techniques and Tips

Painting the bathroom can give a new, clean and fresh feel. But if you’re not going to hire a painting company to professionally paint the bathroom, there are a few things to consider. The interior painting preparation is not difficult, but it can make all the difference. Here are some bathroom painting techniques and tips to help your DIY itch.

1. Clean the Walls

People choose to paint their bathrooms for various reason from just changing colors or the walls have become slimy, dirty, mildewy, or they simply want a fresh coat. Regardless, it is important to give your paint a clean surface before applying any paint. You can use a good wall-cleaner purchased from your local store or use little dawn in a bucket and washcloth.

2. Caulk and Patch Before Painting

It is not unusual for the caulk to break down around the rims of your tub, shower, sink, countertops or trim. Before painting, examine all the joints around the bathroom and make sure to recaulk any areas that need to be redone. Make sure you use the correct type of caulk, something that is waterproof and paintable. You may have to wait a few hours or a day to allow the caulk to cure before painting. Make sure to follow the instructions on the side of the tube of caulk.

Don’t forget to patch any holes that need to be repaired. You can purchase a patching & Spackling Compound like DAP from your local paint or hardware store to fill in some of the small holes. For large holes or drywall damage, you may want to seek additional advice on drywall patching. Patching and spackling compound is good for smaller holes from nails, screws or dents in the drywall.

3. Sand the Walls

Not only do the walls need to be clean, but they also need scuffed to make sure the paint has something to grab. One way to scuff the walls a little is to use some sandpaper or a sanding block. Sanding will also be necessary if you needed to do any patching and spackling as well. Also, many bathrooms may have semi-gloss paint and scuffing the walls is recommended especially if you are painting over semi-gloss or glossy paint. You don’t have to sand, but it will give you a better interior painting job.

4. Get Color Swatches

Before committing to a color, get some color watches of the colors that interest you, tape them to the wall and take a step back. Analyze the color choices and really try and paint a picture in your mind on how those colors will work in your bathroom. You don’t want to have paint made only to discover those colors won’t work. If you still cannot decide, you may want to see if your local paint store can get you a sample or two of the paint colors to try on the walls before you buy a gallon or more that cannot be returned.

Keep in mind that lighter colors or white will promote feelings of fresh and clean. Dark colors are typically too much for a bathroom and make it feel smaller. But there are cases where a darker color can work for a bathroom (typically a ½ bath), so choose your colors wisely.

5. Remove the Toilet/Tank and Other Fixtures (If possible)

For context, it’s not common for professional painters to remove a toilet prior to painting and some may agree to it upon special request. Ideally, a plumber, a handyman or the homeowner (if they feel comfortable doing it) should remove a toilet (or tank) if you want to paint the most commonly missed spot in the home – behind the toilet. There are some trick and other tools professionals can use to get behind a toilet (in many cases) without removing it, but it’s a case by case basis. However, you will actually get a better interior painting job if the toilet is removed, but it’s ultimately your choice. Other fixtures such as lights, outlets, and switch covers, or towel holders should be removed as well if possible. Cabinets, sinks and other more permanent fixtures generally are not removed, but you need to make sure they’re masked off well before painting using painters tape.

6. Prime Where Needed

An entire bathroom any not need to be primed before painting, but if you did any patching or if you plan on painting cabinets that have never been painted, you will need to prime those areas. Using a quality primer will ensure there the paint adheres to those surfaces.

7. Use the Right Paint

There are various types of paint for various types of surfaces and conditions. When choosing your paint, be sure to use a paint that will stand up to a bathroom environment. It’s inevitable, the walls will get wet. Use a mold-resistant and moisture resistant paint. This does not mean you use exterior paint in the bathroom. Ask your local paint store which interior paints they carry that work best for bathrooms and they will point you in the right direction.

When To Hire A Professional Interior Painter

If you are a Do It Yourself’er and want to tackle painting your bathroom, we hope you found this post valuable. For those homeowners that wish to have an interior painting professional paint multiple rooms as well as the bathroom, we may be able to help. If your home is located in Westfield, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, or Indianapolis Indiana area, consider Legacy Painting. 

Call (317) 426-7228 and request your free estimate!