Painting walls in the bathroom (50 photos): features and beautiful colors

How to paint a bathroom

You can paint the walls in the bathroom in different ways. Some choose a combined finishing option - the shower stall or part of the wall near the bathtub is tiled, the rest is painted. In this case, the choice of paints is greater, since many can easily tolerate high humidity, but not all can withstand exposure to hot chlorinated water.

Only part of the walls can be painted in the bathroom

If you categorically do not like tiles, even in limited quantities, you can cheat - decorate the painted walls in the splash zone with glass or transparent polycarbonate sheets.

Painted bathroom walls can be protected with glass or polycarbonate panels

It is not necessary to cover all the walls completely

Designer approach))

Many people still have concerns about whether it is possible to hang a heated towel rail on a painted wall. The answer is yes, there are no restrictions and there will be no consequences either. Read more about what paints you can use to paint bathroom walls.

DIY bathroom walls: interesting painting design

After the characteristics and properties of paints have been studied, it is time to figure out what the bathroom will look like. The choice of design is the most important component when choosing paint.

Which color to choose

Color compositions for the bathroom today are not limited to light, blue or white shades. Both contrasting palettes of pearlescent paints and matte rich shades of purple, lilac, and blue are used. The main thing is to choose the right harmony of all elements in the interior.

Matte or glossy

Matte colors are created using water-based compositions; they give the room a slight muted tone, and the colors look saturated, “thick”.
Glossy colors are achieved through the use of varnish and individual compositions mixed with metallics. Such colors visually expand the space, giving it gloss and slight pomp. In 2020, designers recommend using a combination of painting techniques in one color, but using partial matte and gloss painting. This way the room will play with unusual tones, creating contrast and harmony.

Painting options

When choosing painting options, it is worth remembering that in small bathrooms it is better to use glossy shades of light coffee, pink, turquoise, azure or blue. Such combinations will help to visually hide the shortcomings of a small room. But for large rooms you can use combinations of dark and light. A highlighted dark wall against a background of a contrasting light shade looks unusual.

Using a large number of mirrors in the bathroom will help expand the room and play up the main shades.

Decorative painting methods

Decorative painting can be done either in a single color or with the use of additional decorative elements. For example, light walls with decoration or patterns on the corners look original. You can also play with stripes in painting, using a gradient or the “3x1” rule: 3 walls are plain and one is variegated.

Using Stencils: Ideas

Stencil designs are used for both puttying and painting. In the bathroom, stencil designs in the form of anchors, fish or algae are used. Geometric shapes applied using special flexible stencils look unusual. If you have time and desire to experiment, you can use three-dimensional drawings with plaster followed by painting.

Plain design options

Design in one color is a classic that never ceases to be relevant. At the same time, the most common painting option is white or blue walls. However, the use of dark shades of purple and azure is also acceptable if there are contrasting light objects in the bathroom.

Painting with several colors at once

Painting with several colors allows you to distribute the room into several functional spaces. For example, if the room has a combined bathroom and toilet, then in this way you can limit or express one part of the room. At the same time, the addition in the form of plaster or wooden horizontal moldings on the walls looks beautiful.

What paint can be used in the bathroom

Not all paints can be used for wet rooms, and in the case of a bathroom, high cleaning power is still required. The following types are suitable:

• Latex. One of the types of water-based paint. It forms a dense film on the surface, applies well, lasts a long time, but has a high price and requires ideal surface preparation.
• Water-based silicone or acrylic emulsion. These paints are a good choice for painting a bathroom. Medium price range, good resistance to water.
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  Waterproof bathroom paint can vary

• Alkyd enamel. It has a low price, good resistance to water, but is produced on the basis of organic solvents, and therefore has a strong odor. Another disadvantage is that a wall painted with alkyd enamel does not allow air to pass through.
• Oily. Everyone has long known bathroom paint, which is becoming less and less popular - it has a strong smell, does not last long (it begins to peel or swell).

Chlorinated rubber paint is often also recommended. Yes, it creates a waterproof coating, as it was developed for swimming pools. But it can only be used at temperatures not exceeding +27°C. It makes sense to use it in areas exposed to water splashes, since after drying the resulting film is more like rubber than paint and does not allow either water or air to pass through. But there is a high probability that the water will get warmer than necessary. It is not stated how this paint will behave or what it will begin to emit, but it is hardly worth the risk, since its cost is high and the results of application are doubtful.

The combination of tiles and paint in the bathroom is beautiful and practical

As you can see, there is a choice, but there is no ideal option. Every place has its downsides. In general, any serious manufacturer has bathroom paint, and often more than one. If there is no direct indication that it is intended for the bathroom and kitchen, then it is written “washable” and “waterproof” or “moisture resistant.” When choosing, pay attention to the number of brush passes (should also be written). This figure is measured in thousands and the larger it is, the better. The minimum for walls is 3000 passes, but most good compositions exceed this figure many times over. For example, Livna “PS-285” can withstand 20,000 passes with a soft brush. That is, in terms of characteristics it is close to Tikkurila, but costs several times less.

Reviews

User reviews can help you determine which odorless bathroom paint to choose. For example, the paint “Dulux Dazzling White” for the kitchen and bathroom is characterized by users as follows:

• Olga. The paint quality is good. Dries quickly, there is almost no smell. The ceiling in the kitchen needed to be painted. I chose this brand intuitively because I heard flattering reviews about it. To paint the walls, I added color. The paint color is really white, even snow white. If you paint a large area at once, the smell is noticeable, but quickly dissipates. I used a roller for the job - painting the ceiling was convenient and quick. The only drawback of the paint is that it is too expensive.
• Alexandra. I was choosing paint for the interior decoration of a country house. I bought the paint on the advice of friends. The store was confused by the high price. But the seller praised the paint from all sides, so I chose it. Now I know for sure - I didn’t make a mistake. The color is somewhat silky, and the ceiling is easy to clean.
• Eugene. We were renovating the kitchen, so I decided to choose white paint color. I thought about taking such a composition so as not to update it for several years. I chose Dulux Dazzling White. I was surprised how thick the paint is. Lays down smoothly and has almost no odor. And it dries very quickly. The only thing that was a little disappointing was that the price was a bit high.

As you can see, reviews about this product are more often positive. This is explained by the high demands placed on modern paints and varnishes.

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Paint for painting on walls

Latex paint: characteristics

Latex can be natural or synthetic. Latex paints are made on the basis of natural latex - the juice of rubber plants. These particles are dissolved in water and do not form rigid bonds. As the water dries, an elastic, waterproof film forms on the surface. Its advantages are:

• Easy to apply.
• Dries quickly.
• Almost odorless.
• Abrasion resistant coating.
• Durable.
• Easy to clean.
• Can be tinted with various pigments.

The paint is applied with a roller or brush. For normal staining, it is advisable to apply 2 layers. To reduce paint consumption, it is advisable to pre-prime the surface.

Some brands of latex bathroom paint

There are also disadvantages:

• In order for the paint to look good, the walls need to be perfectly prepared - a thin film will highlight all the imperfections.
• Not suitable for unheated rooms. Lower temperature threshold +10°C.
• Before painting, the walls must be treated with antifungal compounds.
• High price.

Mostly, latex bathroom paint is not purchased because of the high price. If you look at the price per liter, it is. But we must take into account that the consumption of this paint is very small, so you will need to buy a small amount. The second point that must be taken into account is that the painted surface does not change its appearance for a long time. Literally nothing has happened to her for years. So “expensive” is relative.

One more thing: if you want to have a “silky” shine on your bathroom walls, you need latex paint. No other product gives this effect.

Decorative painting methods

There are several ways to decoratively paint walls, allowing you to fully express your creative abilities and realize the most daring creative ideas.

• Changing the surface texture by applying acrylic paint over glass wallpaper.

The embossed surface of glass wallpaper “withstands” several layers of paint without losing the design

The simplest and most convenient way. The pattern remains the same, but its texture and color scheme change. It looks interesting and unusual.

• Painting over decorative plaster or combining them.

This method of wall decoration is ideal for decorating a bathroom in a classic style.

The combination of decorative plaster with coloring materials creates a unique, bright and harmonious ensemble. Most often, moisture-repellent plaster, which contains silicate, is used to create a bathroom interior. This type of plaster is durable and has a long service life: from 30 to 50 years; is completely unaffected by water and completely harmless to health. Plasters based on mineral compounds or acrylic materials are also used.

• Decorative painting using masking tape.

Painting tape is used to limit individual areas that are painted in different colors. This coloring technique is suitable for creating both simple and complex geometric patterns.

This method allows you to apply various geometric lines: circles, squares, strict graphic patterns. The lines come out smooth and do not blur. It is done as follows: first we paint the surface, then, on the place where the line is supposed to be drawn, apply masking tape. On top of it, in an additional layer, paint of a different color or shade is applied. After it dries, the tape is removed. The transition of colors, depending on the style used, can be made sharp or smooth.

• Decorative finishing of the bathroom using stencil painting also looks no less impressive.

The technology is very simple - first the wall is covered with a base layer of paint, and then the desired decorative pattern is applied through a stencil.

You can use store-bought or homemade stencils made of plastic or linoleum.

• The use of paints with a relief texture of the material.

You can create any texture on relief paint using a hard brush.

Beautiful, durable, moisture and mechanical impact resistant material. An additional advantage of using this type of dye is that it helps level the surface. The disadvantage is a significantly higher cost. It is applied with special brushes or a paint roller, allowing you to create original, effective patterns and designs.

• Other original ways.

Acrylate (acrylic or polyacrylic)

Acrylate is one of the types of latex paint. One of the types of synthetic rubbers is used as a base - acrylate, which is why the composition got its name. The properties of acrylic paint for the bathroom can be called optimal:

• A weak and unstable odor when drying and its complete absence after.
• Moisture resistance. When water hits a dry surface, nothing happens. Dried acrylic does not dissolve and does not enter into any reactions.
• Vapor permeability. The dried composition does not interfere with gas exchange.
• Good adhesion (adhesion to the surface to be painted).
• Can be used at high and low temperatures. If you are looking for waterproof bath paint, this is a good choice.
• Does not fade when exposed to ultraviolet light.
• High abrasion resistance. Anti-vandal coatings are made from acrylic paints.
• Safety. Does not contain heavy metal salts or organic solvents.
• No noticeable odor.

If you need a bright and deep color, acrylic paint for the bathroom is your choice. Moreover, this color lasts for a very long period of time. An additional bonus is the versatility of the composition: it can be applied to concrete, metal, glass, stone, plastic, brick, plaster.

Acrylic paint for the bathroom is a wonderful solution to the problem

The disadvantages of acrylic paint are also worth knowing:

• Long drying time.
• Low dry residue (about 30%), which means that the film is thin and requires good surface preparation.
• Only acrylic paint goes on top of acrylic paint. If you want to change it, you will have to completely remove it.

Overall, acrylic bathroom paint is a good choice. Painted bathroom walls will retain their color for a long time.

Preparing for coloring

Before painting, certain preparatory measures should be carried out. They are very important. Even latex compositions for the bathroom cannot hide various unevenness of the walls. Because of this, the finishing process becomes significantly more complicated.

The procedure is divided into several stages:

• First, the old coating is removed. For this purpose you need to have a grinder and a flexible disk. Solvents, a sander, and a scraper are used as additional tools.
• You can remove dust with warm water.
• All wall defects that are found are covered with acrylic-based putty.
• If fungus is detected, the wall is treated with bleach.
• After preparation, the wall is treated with a primer. It is usually applied in 2 layers.

Each stage of preparation requires certain attention, so the instructions must be followed strictly.

Silicone water dispersion

Silicone paint, as well as latex and acrylic, are water-based compositions. This means that it is also odorless and applies well. However, it has its own characteristics. Here are its advantages:

• Good adhesion. Can be applied to concrete, putty, brick, wood, stone, etc.
• Does not require an ideal surface, hides roughness and small cracks.
• Can be used at high and low temperatures.
• The film repels water, but allows steam and gas to pass through. That is, walls or ceilings coated with silicone paint “breathe.”
• Prevents the development of fungi and microorganisms.
• Easy to clean.
• Tolerates exposure to sunlight well.
• Long service life (up to 25 years).

If you need paint for your bathroom so that the walls and ceiling “breathe”, choose silicone paint. It is good in problem areas where there is mold or mildew.

Silicone bathroom paints are a good choice

There are also disadvantages:

• Price. Not the cheapest paint. But looking at the service life, you understand that the costs are justified.
• It is not advisable to use this paint on metal: it is vapor-permeable, which causes the metal to quickly rust. When painting reinforced concrete, measures are required to protect the reinforcement - impregnation with anti-corrosion compounds.

Silicone paint is applied like any water-based paint, with a roller or brush. To reduce the consumption of an expensive composition, it is advisable to pre-prime the surface. The primer should also be silicone based. Work begins at above-zero temperatures (usually above +5°C) and normal humidity. The composition must be applied to clean, dry walls or ceilings.

How to remove old paint

You can find many recommendations regarding the use of various tools for removing old coatings. It is most effective to choose the following:

• Special chemicals applied to the wall being treated. Each chemical element has a rather specific smell, so when cleaning the bathroom you need to use a mask.

• Curling iron or hair dryer. This method of removing old coating is quite traumatic. In addition, the heated surface becomes a source of toxic fumes.
• Electromechanical method. When choosing this method, use a grinder or drill. Each of these devices is equipped with a nozzle. To ensure the highest quality result, it is necessary to select a special brush of the required level of rigidity. It is with the help of such a product that the old coating will be removed as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, this method is “dusty” and noisy.

Knowing these features of removing old wall coverings and their further processing, you can easily decorate your bathroom with odorless paint.

Alkyd enamel

This type of paint can be used not only for the bathroom, but also for exterior or interior work. The main disadvantage is the strong odor during application and drying, since the solvent is white spirit. Domestic alkyd enamels are often toxic, so you need to work in a ventilated area and, better yet, wear a gas mask. The composition may also include a filler (very finely ground stone chips or sand), a pigment to give color, and there may be antibacterial or antiseptic additives.

Advantages of alkyd enamels:

• High film strength.
• Resistance to aggressive environments.
• Short drying time.
• Low price.
• Good adhesion.
• Does not turn yellow or crack.
• Wide temperature range of application.

When choosing, it is better to opt for imported products. The price differs significantly, but so does the quality. The most important thing is that imported alkyd enamel smells much less and is definitely non-toxic.

Alkyd enamel - not bad for everyone, but has a strong “smell”

The disadvantages have mostly already been stated: odor and toxicity, but there are also some unpleasant aspects:

• The surface coated with alkyd paint does not allow air and steam to pass through, so the ventilation system in the bathroom must be effective.
• To prevent fungus from appearing in the bathroom, preliminary protection of the base is necessary.

Alkyd enamel has two forms of release: standard - in cans, and also in aerosols. Aerosols are more versatile - they can be applied to any surface, they are also easier to paint hard-to-reach places, but they are more expensive.

Rating of the best bathroom paints for 2020

Latex

2nd place: Dulux Acryl Matt

An economical latex-based paint that is highly environmentally friendly. As standard, it has a bright white color, which can be diluted with colored pigments. Intended for painting interiors of rooms with high humidity. Has a deep matte gloss level.

Dulux Acryl Matt

Advantages:

• Increased packaging size;
• Reasonable price;
• Color variation is achieved by adding impurities.

Flaws:

• Extremely short durability.

1st place: BELINKA LATEX B3

This color mixture has a transparent initial base, which means variability in the selection of colors and application of the mixture as a second layer. It has very good washability properties. Positioned as high-strength interior paint for rooms with constant humidity. Gloss level – matte.

BELINKA LATEX B3

Advantages:

• Excellent washable base;
• Increased safety margin;
• Environmental friendliness;

Flaws:

• Paint only for tinting.

Acrylate

2nd place: Z19 WATERPROOF super white

This paintwork material is highly durable and multifunctional - equally good for painting both dry rooms and bathrooms with high humidity. It is worth mentioning separately its great vapor permeability and excellent hiding power. Excellent resistance to condensation. For decorative purposes, by adding pigments, the paint can take on the desired color.

Z19 WATERPROOF super white

Advantages:

• Multifunctionality;
• Environmental friendliness;
• Easy application process.

Flaws:

• Large-sized packaging.

1st place: Pufas Gold Star 2

Another example of versatility - suitable for all types of premises. It has earned particular popularity among consumers due to its low mixture consumption per square meter. Allows application of two layers. Designed for finishing walls and ceilings. You can paint using different tools: from a roller to a brush and a spray gun.

Pufas Gold Star 2

Advantages:

• Low consumption per square meter;
• Multifunctionality;
• Has a deep matte gloss.

Flaws:

• Again, only large packaging.

Silicone

2nd place: Goodhim SILICONE

This siliconized sample is intended for painting mineral and absorbent surfaces. It is often used as a finishing material. It copes well with high humidity and tolerates temperature changes well. It has a long service life and does not crack or soften over time. Has an increased degree of adhesion.

Goodhim SILICONE

Advantages:

• Good price/quality ratio;
• Excellent adhesion to various materials;
• Ability to withstand temperature fluctuations.

Flaws:

• Not identified (for its segment).

1st place: Caparol Capasilan

High-quality interior material based on silicone resins. It is characterized by ease of application and does not leave streaks. The composition does not use solvents, so it is immediately ready for use. Gloss level – mineral matte. Has good adhesion.

Caparol Capasilan

Advantages:

• Application occurs without streaks;
• Adheses well to various materials;
• Can be used as a repair coating for plaster.

Flaws:

• It takes a long time to dry.

Alkyd

2nd place: Hammerite smooth

This paint is specially designed for finishing metal surfaces located in bathrooms. Can be applied directly to the rust layer. It goes on sale in several colors at once: from white and black to yellow and red. Has improved anti-corrosion properties.

Hammerite smooth

Advantages:

• A very budget option;
• Possibility of application to areas with rust;
• Increased heat resistance (up to +80 degrees Celsius).

Flaws:

• Small packaging volume (0.5 liters).

1st place: Stainless steel RAL 1028

The composition uses a modern “3 in 1” formula, when upon the first application the active components remove rust, while simultaneously forming a stable protective layer and applying wear-resistant enamel. Successfully resists exposure to ultraviolet radiation and high humidity. As a result, an even semi-gloss protective film is formed.

Stainless steel RAL 1028

Advantages:

• Alkyd base using polyurethane components;
• Has increased hiding power;
• Guaranteed service life 8 years.

Flaws:

• Not detected (for its segment).

Oily

2nd place: Krafor MA-15

The paint does not have an unpleasant odor and is intended for painting individual elements of the bathroom. Adheses quite well to both wooden and metal surfaces. In the field of application, the applied layer has a pleasant glossy level of gloss.

Krafor MA-15

Advantages:

• Budget sample;
• Effective degree of gloss;
• Washable.

Flaws:

• Fragility.

1st place: Cossack M-15

The material is intended for rooms with low humidity levels. Used for processing cornices, wooden floors, doors in saunas. Characterized by a slight odor during painting. The thinner includes turpentine and white spirit.

Cossack M-15

Advantages:

• Cheapness;
• Well suited for wooden cladding of saunas and baths;
• Suitable for external and internal work.

Flaws:

• Small packaging capacity.

Oil paint

Oil paints are made from drying oil or synthetic oils. Compositions based on drying oil are considered the best, but they are more expensive. Minerals ground into flour are added to the base, which are responsible for the color of the coating. These particles are insoluble, and since they are heavier than oils, they settle to the bottom. Therefore, before use and during operation, the paint must be mixed. Advantages of this type of paint:

• Low price.
• Waterproof coating.
• Fits well on a properly prepared surface.
• Good adhesion.
• Can be used to color metal and wood.

If you need inexpensive paint for your bathroom, this is your option. One has only to take into account that the service life of such coatings is very short: bubbles quickly form in places of direct contact with water, the paint begins to crack and peel.

Oil paints are the cheapest, but not the best option.

Disadvantages of oil paint:

• The composition contains organic solvents, so the smell is strong and persistent until drying.
• Vapors may be toxic.
• Fewer colors due to the use of only mineral pigments.
• Long drying time - at least 6 hours. Throughout this time, the paint “smells.”
• After some time, the paint changes color (a yellow tint is added). It fades quickly in the sun.
• In humid areas it cracks and peels.

The combination of these qualities leads to the fact that oil paints are used less and less. Even the low price does not help, so you have to update the coating almost every year. In this case, the normal appearance is maintained for a few months. In general, this is the most unsuccessful paint for the bathroom of all those described.