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Dealing with persistent black spots of mould and peeling paint in the bathroom is a common frustration for many UK homeowners. You spend a weekend redecorating, only for the damp to creep back in, undoing all your hard work. The constant cycle of cleaning and repainting is time-consuming and disheartening.
The key to a long-lasting, fresh finish lies in choosing the right materials from the start. A standard emulsion simply isn't designed to handle the high humidity, steam and condensation of a typical bathroom.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you find practical solutions for your home. This guide will walk you through the essential features to look for in a bathroom paint and highlight some of our top recommendations to help you achieve a clean, durable and mould-free finish.
Selecting the right paint can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Focusing on a few key characteristics will simplify your decision and ensure you get a product that performs well in a challenging environment.
The most critical feature for any bathroom paint is its ability to inhibit mould. Look for products specifically labelled as anti mould paint for bathrooms. These paints contain a fungicide that helps to protect the paint film from the growth of mould, keeping your walls and ceiling looking cleaner for longer. It is important to remember that this paint prevents new mould from forming on its surface; any existing mould must be thoroughly cleaned and treated before you begin painting.
The finish of the paint affects both its appearance and its durability.
Your bathroom paint needs to withstand daily exposure to steam from showers and baths. A quality steam resistant paint is formulated to create a durable barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the paint film. This helps to stop the paint from blistering, peeling or softening over time, ensuring your decorating efforts last.
Here are our recommendations for paints that are well-suited to the demands of a bathroom environment.
Why It Stands Out This paint is specifically formulated for the challenges of a bathroom. Its key feature is a mould resistant formulation which, according to independent laboratory testing cited by Dulux, protects the paint film against mould for five years. The soft sheen finish is exceptionally tough, providing excellent resistance to both moisture and steam. Furthermore, its Chromalock technology creates a protective layer that helps the white bathroom paint finish withstand the wear and tear of a busy household.
Pros
Who is it for? This is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable, long-lasting and low-maintenance paint for a family bathroom or any high-humidity area.
Why It Stands Out Crown's bathroom paint features Mouldguard+ technology to help protect the paint film from mould growth. It is also designed to resist steam and condensation effectively. A notable feature is its Breatheasy 99% solvent-free formulation, which is a consideration for those sensitive to paint fumes. The brand also highlights that its packaging is made from 100% recycled plastic.
Pros
Who is it for? A great option for individuals who prioritise a lower-solvent paint or are looking for a product with more sustainable packaging.
Why It Stands Out While not a specialist bathroom paint, this classic Dulux matt emulsion is a versatile and popular choice for general interior walls and ceilings. Its smooth, creamy consistency provides high opacity, meaning it covers well and helps to hide minor imperfections on walls. Its suitability for a bathroom depends on the conditions; it can perform well on the ceiling or in a larger, well-ventilated bathroom where condensation is less of an issue.
Pros
Who is it for? This paint is suitable for DIYers working on a budget or for use in well-ventilated bathrooms, particularly on ceilings that are not directly exposed to heavy steam or splashes.
While modern emulsions offer excellent performance for walls and ceilings, some projects, like painting bathroom trim, doors or cabinets, may benefit from a different type of finish. For areas that require an exceptionally hardwearing and water-resistant surface, traditional oil-based paints remain a durable option.
If you're considering a different type of finish for your project, you can explore our range of white oil paint for more options.
1. Can I just use normal paint in a bathroom? You can, but it is not advisable for areas with high humidity. Standard emulsions tend to absorb moisture, which can lead to the paint peeling, blistering and becoming a breeding ground for mould. A dedicated moisture resistant paint is a much better long-term investment for a bathroom.
2. How do I prepare my bathroom walls for anti-mould paint? Proper preparation is essential for a lasting finish. First, you must treat and remove all existing mould using a specialised mould and mildew cleaner, following the product's instructions carefully. Once treated, ensure the surface is clean, dry and free from any dust or grease. Fill any cracks or holes, sand them smooth and then you are ready to paint.
3. What is the best paint for a bathroom ceiling? The best paint for a bathroom ceiling is one that can handle rising steam and condensation. A specialist bathroom paint with mould and steam resistance, such as Dulux Easycare Bathroom, is an excellent choice. The soft sheen finish helps repel moisture, while a matt finish can also work well, especially if the room has good ventilation.