It takes more than simply choosing a paint color to go with your tiles to paint a bathroom ceiling. The key is to select paint that is appropriate for the particular difficulties presented by an area that is high in moisture. The high humidity, frequent temperature fluctuations, and sporadic water splashes in bathrooms can all have an impact on the longevity and aesthetics of your ceiling paint.
You need to choose paint for your bathroom ceiling that will not only look good but also last against peeling, mold, and mildew. Even in such a demanding space, the right decision can help maintain a clean and fresh appearance.
We’ll go over the various paint kinds that work well for bathroom ceilings in this guide so you can choose wisely and maintain the best-looking bathroom for many years to come.
Choosing paint
Oil coatings have long since been replaced by more contemporary materials that have positive qualities such as allowing surfaces to "breathe," not peeling off, not emitting harmful substances, and not being afraid of exposure to water or temperature changes.
Generally, cans with such compositions often say: bathroom paint, so you don’t even need to ask the store clerks what paint to use on the bathroom ceiling. This stamp guarantees that it is perfect for what you want.
Not only that, but a lot of other water-based paints with the labels "super washable" or "washable" as well. The type of binder, color, manufacturer, and cost vary.
Compound
As a point of reference. Every water-based paint is soluble in water, has almost no smell, and doesn’t contain any dangerous volatile compounds. Paint for bathroom ceilings may be based on silicone, polymer resins, or liquid glass. It forms a waterproof film on the surface after drying.
- Acrylic and latex paints. They have a very elastic structure, due to which they can cover small cracks on the surface up to 1 mm wide when applied in two layers. Easy to apply, dry quickly, form a dirt-resistant coating. The most popular among consumers, as they are relatively inexpensive.
- Silicone paints. Today, this is the best choice when deciding what to paint the ceiling in the bathroom, but silicone-based paint is very expensive. But the high cost is fully justified by its positive properties, such as vapor permeability, resistance to high humidity and sudden temperature changes, the ability to repel dirt and is easy to clean. At the same time, it can be applied to mineral plaster, old silicone or acrylic coatings without the need to remove them from the surface, covering wider cracks in two passes – up to 2 mm.
- Silicate paints. Do not have the elasticity of the two previous species, which will not allow them to get rid of small surface defects. But it will protect the ceiling in a damp room from the formation and development of mold. They do not require preliminary treatment with antiseptic agents for application.
Color
Since ceilings are the primary application for water-based paints, white paint is typically produced in large quantities. Some shades are available for less money, but not many of them. You can always add pigment to the paint to tint it yourself if you need something extra special.
Suggestions. Naturally, in order to ensure that all of the surfaces in the bathroom match, you must choose the wall color before painting the ceiling. Additionally, it is advisable to paint a test piece to ensure that the intended color matches the dried surface after adding the desired shade of paint.
These days, a lot of paint and varnish stores offer paint tinting services for no cost or at a very nominal cost. In this instance, the outcome will precisely match the palette tone you chose.
However, there won’t be a problem if paint and pigment cannot be mixed automatically. This can be completed on your own by thoroughly mixing the colorants into the main mass and adding them little by little. Since it is unlikely that you will be able to manually repeat the result with accuracy, the most important thing to do is tint the entire volume needed for painting the ceiling at one time.
Quality
Purchasing materials from unidentified manufacturers about whom it is impossible to obtain information is not something you should do.
You can choose different brands if you think the items from well-known brands like Tikkurila, Deluxe, Caparol, Tex, and others are too pricey. Just be sure to:
- Such a manufacturer really exists. Reputable companies will definitely have their own website on the Internet;
- Reviews of the materials are mostly positive;
- The seller can provide documents confirming the quality of the goods;
- The packaging contains instructions for using the paint, as well as the date of manufacture and expiration date.
Naturally, it’s preferable to purchase any materials from specialist retailers rather than open-air marketplaces. Since cheap paint will not last as long as high-quality paint and will require more to achieve the desired finish, the total cost will be much higher.
Painting the ceiling
Painting the ceiling won’t be tough if it’s level. If it needs to be leveled, mold removed, and joints and cracks sealed, problems could occur. However, you are welcome to perform this work on your own.
Surface preparation
Get the following supplies and tools ready:
- Narrow and wide spatula;
- Sandpaper;
- Stepladder;
- Work clothes;
- Wide brush;
- Primer with antifungal additives;
- Finishing putty.
Apply a primer to the ceiling after removing the previous coating with a wet sponge and spatula (see. We work out how to prime the ceiling step-by-step.
Putty the entire surface once it has dried (see. How to putty a ceiling with your hands), or partly if the flaws are small and not very noticeable.
Following the instructions on the package, the putty is diluted and applied with a wide spatula. A smaller spatula is then used to apply the solution, distributing it evenly along the blade. The website provides a thorough explanation of this procedure.
Sandpaper needs to be used to smooth the putty’s surface once it has dried (see. How to properly sand walls after puttying in order to eliminate drips and scratches and achieve the ideal level of smoothness. The ceiling is then primed once more.
Painting
Paint, water to thin it to the right consistency, a paint tray, a short-haired roller, and a small brush are needed for the main stage.
The first step in painting a bathroom ceiling by hand is to brush the area around the ceiling and any areas that are out of reach for a roller. Short strokes are required to avoid streaks, so you should try to prevent this from happening.
Using a roller, paint is applied to the main area by dipping it into the paint that has been poured into the tray and rolling it along the ribbed surface to remove any excess paint.
Two layers of paint are applied. The second is laid perpendicular to the first once it has dried.
Prioritizing moisture resistance and durability when selecting paint for a bathroom ceiling can help avoid mold growth and peeling. Keep an eye out for paints labeled especially for high-humidity areas, like paints for bathrooms and kitchens, which frequently have additives that resist mildew. Choose satin or semi-gloss finishes because they improve the look of the room and offer a good balance between cleaning ease and water resistance.
Paint Type | Pros and Cons |
Acrylic Paint | Pros: Water-resistant, easy to clean, quick-drying. Cons: May require multiple coats, prone to mold if not treated. |
Latex Paint | Pros: Durable, moisture-resistant, low odor. Cons: May peel over time in very humid conditions. |
Glossy Paint | Pros: Reflects light, easy to clean, moisture-resistant. Cons: Highlights imperfections, can be too shiny for some tastes. |
Matte Paint | Pros: Hides imperfections, less shiny. Cons: Not as easy to clean, can absorb moisture if not properly sealed. |
Water resistance, longevity, and ease of maintenance are all important considerations when selecting the paint for your bathroom ceiling. The importance of choosing a paint that can resist high humidity levels in bathrooms without peeling or growing mold cannot be overstated.
Bathroom-specific water-based acrylic paints are frequently the best option. They come in a variety of finishes and have good resistance to moisture, so you can get the exact look you want while still guaranteeing longevity.
The ultimate objective is to choose a paint that will protect your bathroom for a long time while also improving its appearance. You can make sure your bathroom ceiling lasts for many years by making an informed decision.