12 Cheap Renovation Ideas Under $5,000 – Forbes Home
... simply want a change of pace, here are some easy home renovations that you can do for under $5,000. Estimated costs are based on the U.S. ...
painting walls
Bathrooms are a common priority for house remodels, and for good reason: no one wants to shower and get ready for the day in an unappealing space. Like with kitchen remodels, cheap ideas for bathroom remodels include replacing the backsplash, refacing cabinets and <anchor>painting walls</anchor>, but here are two additional ideas for an inexpensive renovation.
Best Type of Paint for Bathrooms – Forbes Home
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- What’S The Best Type Of Paint For Bathrooms?

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# What’s The Best Type Of Paint For Bathrooms?



Rachel is a home improvement writer and content editor. In addition to being a contributing writer at Forbes, she writes for small businesses and creative agencies. She uses her home improvement expertise to give homeowners the knowledge they need to furnish and care for their homes.



Corinne Tynan is a highly skilled contributing editor at Forbes Home, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas such as interior design and home improvement. With over 10 years of experience in writing, editing and SEO content strategy for digital properties, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, buybuy BABY, Harmon and Macy's, Corinne brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of all things related to enhancing and beautifying homes.



Rachel is a home improvement writer and content editor. In addition to being a contributing writer at Forbes, she writes for small businesses and creative agencies. She uses her home improvement expertise to give homeowners the knowledge they need to furnish and care for their homes.



Corinne Tynan is a highly skilled contributing editor at Forbes Home, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas such as interior design and home improvement. With over 10 years of experience in writing, editing and SEO content strategy for digital properties, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, buybuy BABY, Harmon and Macy's, Corinne brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of all things related to enhancing and beautifying homes.

Contributor,

Editor



Jacob Guttman General Construction, Home Improvement, Handyman Services

After working as general contractor for many years, Jacob Guttman discovered a gap in the construction and handyman business and decided to fill it. In 2016, he founded Nail It Handyman after noticing the lack of skilled professionals who were able to prioritize smaller handyman jobs instead of just larger projects. Jacob now maintains multiple home improvement contracting licenses for his business around the state of New York, from Yonkers to Rockland County.

His contracting businesses focuses primarily on residential handyman services. But Nail It Handyman also offer services for big-box stores such as Walmart, Target, Forever 21, the West Point Military Academy and more.

Professional Memberships:

- Licensed in five jurisdictions

- City of Yonkers, Home Improvement Contractor License

- New York City, Home Improvement Contractor License

- Rockland County of New York, Home Improvement Contractor License

Fact Checked



Jacob Guttman General Construction, Home Improvement, Handyman Services

After working as general contractor for many years, Jacob Guttman discovered a gap in the construction and handyman business and decided to fill it. In 2016, he founded Nail It Handyman after noticing the lack of skilled professionals who were able to prioritize smaller handyman jobs instead of just larger projects. Jacob now maintains multiple home improvement contracting licenses for his business around the state of New York, from Yonkers to Rockland County.

His contracting businesses focuses primarily on residential handyman services. But Nail It Handyman also offer services for big-box stores such as Walmart, Target, Forever 21, the West Point Military Academy and more.

Professional Memberships:

- Licensed in five jurisdictions

- City of Yonkers, Home Improvement Contractor License

- New York City, Home Improvement Contractor License

- Rockland County of New York, Home Improvement Contractor License

General Construction, Home Improvement, Handyman Services

Updated: May 17, 2023, 10:44am

We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

What’s The Best Type Of Paint For Bathrooms?

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Small local shops and big-box home improvement stores have a variety of paints for everything from sink faucets to bathroom walls. This guide will save you from feeling overwhelmed in the paint aisle while you collect supplies for your bathroom remodel or update.

The best type of paint for bathrooms is a satin, semi-gloss, or glossy finish with a mildew-resistant additive. Ideally, your chosen paint should last a while. However, if you’re set on a flat or matte finish, there are options for you too. Don’t forget to clean and prime walls before painting for the best results.

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## Important Factors

Humidity is a threat to the look and performance of paint. Moisture, like steam from your shower, can seep between the wall and coat of paint, creating unwanted texture, bubbling and peeling.

Paints with a glossy finish are moisture-resistant because once cured, satin and gloss finishes form a hard coat that blocks out water, allowing it to drip to the floor rather than seep through to the drywall or wood. High-gloss and enamel paints look, feel and act more like glass or a dry-erase board. Low-sheen paints like flat or eggshell finishes are softer and absorb moisture.

Avoid products made for external use only, like masonry paint. While paints intended for basements and exterior walls are more waterproof, they may contain hazardous amounts of mildewcide or other additives that can cause respiratory problems. When in doubt, hire a professional painter to quickly, safely and effectively paint your bathroom.

## Best Bathroom Primers

Use a primer to bond the paint to the wall and prevent peeling. Sticky primers with mildewcide additives will protect your walls for years to come. Here are labels to look for in the primer aisle:

- KILZ Mold & Mildew Interior | Exterior Primer
- Zinsser Peel Stop White Triple Thick Interior/Exterior High Build Binding Primer
- BEHR White Acrylic Interior Kitchen, Bath, and Trim Stain-Blocking Primer and Sealer

A good primer is especially important if you want a low-sheen or no-gloss paint in the bathroom.

## Matte, Flat and Eggshell

Professional painters generally steer people away from flat, matte and eggshell finishes for bathroom projects because soft paints are prone to mildew in high humidity. They also aren’t as easy to clean, an important feature for bathroom walls.

However, matte walls add a soft dimension to an otherwise smooth and glossy room, giving it a luxurious, designer appeal.

Thankfully, paint technology has come a long way in recent years. There are matte, flat and eggshell bathroom paints made to resist mildew and make cleaning easier. Look for these labels if you’re set on a low-sheen color:

- Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa – Matte
- BEHR Ultra Scuff Defense Stain-Blocking Paint and Primer in One – Flat
- Zinsser Interior Perma White – Eggshell

Once these low-sheen paints have cured, you can clean your bathroom walls with soap, water and a smooth cloth.

### Pros

- Some products are durable and mildew-resistant

### Cons

- Susceptible to moisture
- Peeling when not properly primed
- Not all products are mildew-resistant

Eggshell, while sometimes used synonymously with satin, is slightly less suitable for bathrooms than satin due to its texture and shares many of the same qualities as flat and matte paints.

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## Satin

Satin sits between eggshell and gloss paints. It develops a slight protective coating making it a little easier to clean than no-sheen paints. Satin is a good choice for your bathroom if you want a softer-than-gloss texture with many benefits of a gloss finish. Look for these labels in the paint aisle:

- BEHR Premium Plus Satin Enamel Low Odor Interior Paint and Primer in One
- Zinsser Satin Perma-White White Tintable Interior Paint

### Pros

- Great for bathroom walls, ceiling or trim
- Relatively easy to clean

### Cons

- Not as easy to clean as semi-gloss and gloss

## Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss is one of the most versatile paint finishes because it is easy to clean and water-resistant, making it a great choice for your bathroom walls and trim. You have plenty of options when it comes to semi-gloss bathroom paints, such as:

- BEHR Premium Semi-Gloss Enamel Low Odor Interior Paint and Primer in One
- Zinsser Semi-Gloss Perma-White White Tintable Interior Paint
- PPG UltraLast Base 1 Semi-Gloss Interior Paint
- HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams Showcase Semi-Gloss

You can also use semi-gloss on your bathroom cabinets. Look for products like BEHR Premium’s Semi-Gloss Enamel Interior Cabinet and Trim Paint.

### Pros

- Great for bathroom walls
- Durability
- Dries quickly
- Easy to clean

### Cons

- Shows texture and imperfections

## Glossy and Full-Gloss

Glossy paints offer the most protection from moisture. Glossy finishes are the easiest to clean, making them perfect for bathroom cabinets and trim. Here are some great gloss paint options for your bathroom project:

- BEHR Premium Plus Hi-Gloss Enamel Interior/Exterior Paint
- Valspar Ultra High-Gloss Ultra White/Base A Enamel Tintable Interior Paint

For an editorial, metallic or almost wet look in your bathroom, choose a full-gloss paint, such as:

- Farrow & Ball’s Full Gloss Interior and Exterior Paint.
- PPG’s Metallic Interior Specialty Finish.

### Pros

- Great for bathroom cabinets
- Long-lasting
- Moisture resistant
- Easy to clean

### Cons

- Visible water droplets on the wall
- Long curing time
- Shows texture and imperfections

## Bathroom Hardware

If you’re repainting bathroom fixtures and hardware, look for rust-resistant paints. Metallic finishes may provide slightly more protection than matte finishes. Use a lacquer top-coat to help it last. Here are some labels to look for in the spray paint aisle:

- KILZ Original Oil-Based Interior Primer Spray, Sealer and Stain Blocker
- Rust-Oleum Universal Flat Spray Paint
- Rust-Oleum 2X Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover Flat Spray
- Plutonium Clear Coat Gloss Spray Paint

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## Colors

For the most natural reflection, choose a neutral color like white for bathroom walls. This will show stains easily, but it is one of the most popular choices for many reasons. Soft neutrals and pinks cast natural ambient light around the space and give you a healthy glow in the mirror.

Leave bold colors for painted cabinets. Select a desaturated color, like a foggy gray or sage green for a modern-looking bathroom.

## What to Consider When Choosing the Best Paint for Bathrooms

Due to the moisture in the air from your showers and baths, choosing a paint color for your bathroom is an important decision. So, before selecting the perfect bathroom paint color, there are additional factors to consider, such as:

### Wall Color Affect Mirror Reflections

When selecting a paint color for your bathroom, you may not initially think about your mirror’s reflection as you shop. After all, light-colored or neutral walls can optimize the brightness and clarity of your mirror’s reflection because they reflect more light. In contrast, dark paint colors will absorb more light, resulting in a less vibrant reflection. Warm colors can cast a warm glow, while cooler colors can cast a cooler tone, affecting the reflection that you’ll see in the mirror.

### Mold and Mildew Resistance

Common problems in bathrooms are mold and mildew due to the moisture and humidity in these areas. Therefore, selecting a paint with mold and mildew resistance properties can prevent the growth of these fungi and protect the painted surfaces from damage. You can ensure that your bathroom remains clean, hygienic and free from the harmful effects of mold and mildew.

### Prevent Peeling

Paint peeling in your bathroom can be caused by several factors, including high humidity levels, improper surface preparation and using low-quality paint. To prevent paint peeling, make sure that you use a primer that is compatible with both the existing paint and the new coat of paint. For example, if you’re using oil-based paint on top of latex paint, you’ll need to use an oil-based primer for the best results.

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## More from  Home Improvement

Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.

Forbes Home adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

Rachel is a home improvement writer and content editor. In addition to being a contributing writer at Forbes, she writes for small businesses and creative agencies. She uses her home improvement expertise to give homeowners the knowledge they need to furnish and care for their homes.

Corinne Tynan is a highly skilled contributing editor at Forbes Home, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas such as interior design and home improvement. With over 10 years of experience in writing, editing and SEO content strategy for digital properties, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, buybuy BABY, Harmon and Macy's, Corinne brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of all things related to enhancing and beautifying homes.

Jacob Guttman General Construction, Home Improvement, Handyman Services

After working as general contractor for many years, Jacob Guttman discovered a gap in the construction and handyman business and decided to fill it. In 2016, he founded Nail It Handyman after noticing the lack of skilled professionals who were able to prioritize smaller handyman jobs instead of just larger projects. Jacob now maintains multiple home improvement contracting licenses for his business around the state of New York, from Yonkers to Rockland County.

His contracting businesses focuses primarily on residential handyman services. But Nail It Handyman also offer services for big-box stores such as Walmart, Target, Forever 21, the West Point Military Academy and more.

Professional Memberships:

- Licensed in five jurisdictions

- City of Yonkers, Home Improvement Contractor License

- New York City, Home Improvement Contractor License

- Rockland County of New York, Home Improvement Contractor License

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