Is Bathroom Paint Necessary For Bathrooms?

Hi All, I have a bathroom undergoing renovation at the moment, including some recently plastered walls. Is there any paints I should be using for a bathroom specifically? Anti-damp/water resistant perhaps? Would it be feasible to use normal emulsion at all? Also, if I do need to use bathroom-specific paint, could I do a first coat using an ordinary white thinned emulsion over the plaster?

Asked by Jenny on 24th Feb 2019
Expert Trade Answers
"Regarding the requirement for bathroom specific paint – this would be the better choice, but you could use other paints if you wanted. The benefit of bathroom specific paint being that it will likely last longer in the conditions in a bathroom. Which, generally, for the cost and effort of any repainting in future, seems more worthwhile to invest in bathroom specific paints. Similarly, you could use normal emulsion, but it would not be the recommended choice where possible. A key factor you should consider is the ventilation in the bathroom itself – poor or insufficient ventilation will likely cause the non-bathroom specific paint to wear and peel much sooner.
An extractor fan is required for any bathroom without a window, by building regulations. Extractor fans will reduce dampness, which can be useful if you were to use non-bathroom specific paints. For your preference of the matte look – you could seek out bathroom paint with a sheen effect, which is similar to the usual gloss look, but is a bit more subtle and less shiny overall. Good luck"
Answered on 24th Feb 2019 - Member since Mar 2019 - report
"Yes, bathroom paints from dulux are recommended I always use especially for ceilings also I put a coat of pva glue mixed with water beforehand as a sealant."
Answered on 30th Mar 2019 - Member since Feb 2019 - report
"You can use silk paint in a bathroom it’s cheaper washable and just as good as bathroom paint"
Answered on 3rd Aug 2020 - Member since Jun 2020 - report
"If you are applying straight onto fresh plaster then definately water down whatever paint you use. Misting/sealing coat can be any emulsion. Then top too coat can be bathroom specific paint, or Vinyl Silk.
Bathrooms are like front doors. More thin coats applied are better than one thick coat.
In Norway, pretty much every wet-room area is sealed with oil based sealent, regardless of wether tiling or painting."
Answered on 12th Sep 2019 - Member since Jul 2019 - report
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Decorator in Manchester
"For bathrooms with bad or no air flow it’s best to use anti mould paint."
Answered on 5th Apr 2019 - Member since Mar 2018 - report
"Dulux specialised bathroom paint will be perfect for what you need."
Answered on 10th Apr 2019 - Member since May 2018 - report
"The first coat on plaster needs to be a misscoat 1/4 water mix.
Then I would advise dulux trade diamond paints for bathroom area. This is water resistant and 7 year non fading warranty."
Answered on 10th Apr 2019 - Member since Mar 2019 - report
"Yes as they are more waterproof effective than normal emulsion paint."
Answered on 29th Nov 2020 - Member since Aug 2019 - report
"No but its a good idea to use bathroom/kitchen especially if the airflow isn't amazing."
Answered on 22nd Mar 2019 - Member since Feb 2019 - report
"yes, if not used the paint will peel due to moisture"
Answered on 22nd Sep 2019 - Member since Aug 2019 - report
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