If you’ve decided to play the role of a bathroom painter and paint your bathroom, there are several things you need to keep in mind. There’s quite a difference between painting normal walls, like those in your bedroom and living room, and bathroom walls. Bathrooms are more susceptible to growing mold and mildew due to the dampness that is present in the air. As a result, paint tends to get damaged faster and the chances of it peeling or cracking are higher.
If you want to make sure that the paint in your bathroom remains fresh for as long as possible, here are some essential tips that you must follow.
Clean the walls before application
Before you apply anything on your walls, make sure that you clean them down. Since the bathroom is constantly in use, there is accumulated dirt, debris, and other particles on the surface of the walls. If you apply paint or even primer directly onto them, they will not last. This is because the particles will create a barrier and prevent the paint from sticking to the walls. The best way to clean your walls is by creating a 1: 4 solution of average-grade laundry detergent with water and using either a sponge or a damp cloth to wipe down the walls with the mixture.
Use water-resistant primer
The first step to painting any wall, and not just that of a bathroom, is applying primer. If you don’t apply primer, then the paint will not stick to the walls and will begin to chip away very fast. Priming gives you an even, level, and clean base to paint on. However, when priming your bathroom, make sure that you use a water-resistant primer. Otherwise, moisture will collect and it will lead to the formation of mold and mildew, which will cause the paint to peel off. If you’re not sure how to pick the best primer, take the help of a shop executive or professional before making a decision.
Use the right kind of paint
Just like how you need to use the right kind of primer, you also need to purchase the right kind of paint. Regular paint will not do the trick simply because bathrooms are more susceptible to growing mold due to a higher concentration of moisture. So you must purchase water-resistant and mold-resistant paint. Specialized paints such as these tend to be higher priced but it is important to invest here. Otherwise, you’ll have to keep repainting your bathroom very frequently, and that will turn out to be a costlier affair.
Protect the surroundings
Before you get started on the painting, make sure you take the time to remove all the toiletries and items from the bathroom and lay down protective materials. Otherwise, your entire bathroom will get ruined by dripping paint. While you can opt for laying down newspapers, there is a higher chance of them getting wet and ripping which will then cease to serve their purpose. Instead, we suggest that you go for cotton drop cloths which you can find at any supply store. Stay away from plastic coverings or tarp as it can cause you to lose your footing and slip.
Take your time
Lastly, make sure to take your time while painting. Give every layer ample time to dry. Not doing so will prevent the various layers from sitting well on top of each other, and it’ll cause the paint to become flaky. This is called “alligatoring” and it creates a very ugly effect. It is also important to make even brush strokes, otherwise, there are higher chances of layer marks appearing. If you’re inexperienced with painting and you’ve not painted before, add in some paint mixer. This will prevent layer marks and slow down the drying process, which will allow you to work easily.
