Giving your bathroom a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the overall look and feel of the space. Not only can it brighten up a small or dark room, but it can also add a personal touch to your decor. However, painting a bathroom requires some extra preparation and care compared to other rooms in your home. In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of painting a bathroom to help you achieve a professional-looking finish.
Step 1: Prepare the Bathroom
Before you start painting, you need to prepare the bathroom. Remove any items that could get in the way or get splattered with paint, such as shower curtains, towels, and toilet paper holders. Cover the toilet, sink, and tub with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect them from paint splatters. Use painter’s tape to cover the edges of any fixtures or trim you don’t want to paint.
Next, clean the walls thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or mildew. Use a mixture of warm water and mild soap to scrub the walls with a sponge or cloth. Rinse the walls with clean water and let them dry completely. If there is any mildew present, use a mildew cleaner to remove it.
Step 2: Repair Any Damage
If there are any holes, cracks, or other damage on the walls, you need to repair them before painting. Use a spackling compound to fill any holes or cracks, and let it dry completely. Sand the spackled areas with fine-grit sandpaper until they are smooth and even with the surrounding wall surface. If the walls are very damaged or uneven, consider hiring a professional to skim coat the walls with drywall compound to create a smooth surface.
Step 3: Prime the Walls
Priming the walls is an important step in the painting process, especially in a bathroom where moisture can be an issue. A high-quality primer will help seal the walls, prevent moisture from seeping in, and provide a good base for the paint to adhere to.
Use a paintbrush or roller to apply primer to the walls. Work in small sections, starting at the top and working your way down. Be sure to cover all areas evenly, and smooth out any drips or runs. Let the primer dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Paint the Walls
Once the primer is dry, it’s time to paint the walls. Choose a high-quality bathroom paint that is specifically designed to resist moisture and mildew. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are best for bathrooms, as they are easy to clean and resist moisture.
Start by cutting in around the edges of the room with a paintbrush. Then, use a paint roller to cover the rest of the walls, working in small sections. Apply two coats of paint, letting the first coat dry completely before applying the second coat. Be sure to smooth out any drips or runs as you go.
Step 5: Paint the Ceiling
If you plan to paint the ceiling, wait until the walls are completely dry before starting. Use a paintbrush to cut in around the edges of the ceiling, then use a paint roller to cover the rest of the ceiling in small sections. Apply two coats of paint, letting the first coat dry completely before applying the second coat.
Step 6: Clean Up
After you have finished painting, clean up the room. Remove the drop cloths or plastic sheeting from the floor and fixtures, and carefully remove the painter’s tape from any trim or fixtures you covered. Clean your brushes, rollers, and other tools with soap and water, and let them dry completely before storing them away.