While the bathroom is often the smallest room in the house, the thought of repainting it can be daunting. A little bit of planning and a little bit of prep go a long way!
Remember the most important rule: Don't rush it.
Prepping the Bathroom:
Scrape or sand any imperfections. Use a scraper to remove any flaking paint or paint that's separated from the wall. Sand down any large bumps or raised spaces from nails, screws, anchors etc.
Vacuum, or dust the walls. A microfiber towel or an old t-shirt work great. Just be sure to use a cloth and not paper towel, because it will leave fibers on the walls.
Clean the walls. Make a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts warm water, or even simpler, squirt some dish soap into warm water and suds it up a bit. Give the walls a good scrub, be sure to remove as much grime as possible.
If you plan to do any patching or mudding, once the walls are squeaky clean you can start that step. While it can seem redundant to dust and clean the walls, just to do it again after repairing the walls, starting the patching or mudding process after the walls have been cleaned ensures the compound will be sticking to the wall, and not the layer of grime on top of it!
Once the drywall repairs are complete dust, vacuum and clean the walls again to prep for painting.
Okay, now your walls are squeaky clean and we're ready for everyone's favorite step: Taping!
Okay so taping is the worst, but it is truly a prime candidate for 'slow and steady wins the race.' Be sure to tape off any wall lights, shelving or mirrors that can't be easily removed.
Another important thing to do is remove the toilet tank, if needed. Most bathrooms will probably have the space you need to get a roller behind the toilet, but take a dry roller and double check! If you've got the room to paint behind the tank without difficulty, go for it, but remove the tank if there's no way you won't be making a huge mess!
Lastly, cover the tub, sink, toilet and anything else you aren't removing before painting.
We made it! It's time to paint the walls! But, what type of paint is best for bathrooms? What primer is best to use?
Primer - Primer is extremely important when repainting the bathroom, especially after doing repairs on the drywall. You want to be sure that the primer you choose is moisture-resistant and extra brownie points if the primer is specifically made for bathrooms. Using a moisture resistant primer will ensure the paint will not peel off due to steamy showers. Follow the manufacturers directions for applying the primer, and be sure to give it ample time to cure.
Paint - When choosing a paint finish for the bathroom satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss are your best options. They are easy to maintain and keep clean. If you're not a fan of super glossy walls, satin is the one for you, just be aware that it doesn't clean quite as easily as it's glossier counterparts. We recommend at least two coats of paint with at least two hours of dry time in between coats, but that dry time will vary so check the manufacturers instructions to be sure!
Hopefully, this article will put you at ease if you're planning to repaint your bathroom soon and remember to give us a call if you have any additional questions!
Happy Painting!