Q&A for How to Paint a Bathroom

Pick a satin or semi-gloss paint that's labeled as mildew-resistant. Satin and semi-gloss paint are both durable and easy to clean. Additionally, there's a lot of moisture in the bathroom, so you want the paint to resist mildew.

First, take anything out of the room you can, and cover whatever's left with drop cloths or painter's tape. Once everything's covered, make any repairs, like filling nail holes and cracks or recaulking the tub and base trim. From there, you can get into the painting—start with the ceiling, then paint your door frames and doors, then walls, then the base trim.

It’s usually a good idea, especially since the high humidity levels in a bathroom can make it harder for paint to go on evenly. Look for a primer that contains an anti-fungal compound to help reduce problems with mold and mildew.

Look for a glossy or satin-finish paint that’s resistant to dampness. You can also find paints that are designed to resist mold for bathrooms and other high-humidity areas.

Yes, vinegar is good for removing grease, old adhesive material, and stubborn grime. Mix up a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar and use it to wipe down the walls before priming and painting them.

Most paints dry to the touch in 24 hours unless the label on the can indicates otherwise. That said, it is recommended that you do not hang pictures, let animals rub on, or lean anything against any new paint for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days). It is well worth the extra two days to avoid messing up your nice paint job.

It is generally a good idea to do so, but some paints specifically say you don't have to, so you could take your chances. It will look better if you do. Just be sure to clean the walls afterwards with a lightly damp rag before doing the first coat of primer! You don't want all that dust in your paint.

Masking. There is no more important step in painting. A careful masking job will not only make the finished job look great, but it will make the actual painting job easier as well. For a clean line around grout on a sink/shower, use blue painter's tape and slowly apply it to the grout line by pressing it firmly onto the grout where it meets the sink/shower. These types of joints are rarely straight, so you might have to work in small pieces to get the best line. Be sure to begin at one side/end and overlap as you go. This will make the removal easier -- grab the first piece and slowly lift the entire line (a little at a time) at an angle away from the edge. Remove before the paint dries!

Use bleach to scrub the ceiling and walls, then let it dry and paint over it with KILZ.

Keep with light colours, darker colours will bring the room in. Mirrors are a perfect way to make a room look bigger, they reflect light and the room itself.

Scrape away the peeling paint until the edge of the paint is flat or smooth with the wall, then paint right over.

You should apply your bead of caulk beforehand so it can get painted the same color.