Bathroom Paint – Which One to Choose and Why

Challenging Conditions

The bathroom is a space that requires special attention from professionals – not only in terms of aesthetics, but above all in terms of durability and resistance to demanding conditions. High humidity, steam, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to condensed water all place specific requirements on wall finishes. Choosing the wrong paint for a bathroom can lead to disappointing results – even the most beautiful colour won’t make up for peeling paint or mould growth after just a year.

In this article, you’ll find clear criteria to consider when selecting bathroom paint, as well as practical tips on how to guide your clients – helping them choose the right product while positioning yourself as a knowledgeable, reliable contractor.

1. Moisture and Steam Resistance

Moisture is the number one enemy of interior paints in bathrooms – and the most common cause of premature surface damage. Condensed steam, micro-condensation on cold walls, splashes, or persistently high humidity levels quickly degrade standard wall coatings. That’s why the most important feature of bathroom paint is a sealed, water-resistant film that doesn’t absorb moisture or delaminate over time.

The best options include:

• Latex paints (water-based dispersions with added latex) – These form a flexible, dense layer that resists water and doesn’t soften. Their elasticity allows them to absorb minor structural movement (e.g., near ceiling joints or corners). They’re ideal for areas with occasional high humidity, such as around sinks or in steam-heavy zones.

• Ceramic paints (enhanced with ceramic microspheres) – Even more durable than latex paints, with very low absorbency and high chemical resistance. They form a waterproof surface that withstands frequent cleaning with detergents. Perfect for shower enclosures or the wall above a bathtub, where contact with water is constant.
  

What happens if the paint isn’t moisture-resistant?

• Blistering and peeling, especially where steam or water accumulate over time

• Discoloration, stains, and greyish surface spots

• Moisture seeps into the plaster, increasing the risk of mould and mildew – even if the surface looks fine

• The paint may rub off or lose its finish when cleaned, even with a damp cloth
  

What to avoid:

• Cheap acrylic paints, often labelled “for interiors” or “universal”. While they may look fine initially, their moisture resistance is poor. Within a few months, repainting might be needed – or worse, damaged plaster may have to be removed.

• Highly absorbent emulsions, which act like sponges – trapping moisture inside the wall and accelerating surface degradation.
  

Best practice tip:

Always use paints specifically labelled “for damp rooms” or “for bathrooms”, preferably with hygienic certification (e.g., PZH in Poland) and verified moisture resistance parameters from the manufacturer. Pay attention to water absorption rate (g/m²) – the lower it is, the better the protection.

2. Washability and Scrub Resistance

In a bathroom, cleanliness is more than aesthetics – it’s about hygiene and daily comfort. That’s why wall paint must be easy to clean and resistant to repeated washing and scrubbing, without damaging the surface or causing colour loss.

In the UK, there’s no mandatory national standard specifically for scrub resistance in decorative paints. However, many manufacturers refer to international standards like ISO 11998 (scrub resistance) or adopt classifications similar to EN 13300, which remains a benchmark in product data sheets – even post-Brexit.

If a product references EN 13300, here’s how the classes typically break down:

• Class 1 – Highest resistance: Can withstand over 200 scrubbing cycles. Suitable for high-use, high-moisture areas like around sinks, baths, mirrors, or family bathrooms.

• Class 2 – Moderate resistance: Wipeable with a damp sponge. Less suitable for frequent scrubbing.

• Class 3 or below – Decorative use only. Best for dry, low-traffic spaces.
  

✅ Always check the manufacturer’s technical data sheet (TDS) – UK-based suppliers often include scrub resistance results, even if not officially tested under BS standards.

Benefits of a high-resistance (Class 1) paint:

• Allows cleaning with a damp cloth, sponge, or soft brush without damaging the surface.

• Resists discolouration from neutral detergents or accidental cleaning product contact.

• Maintains a fresh appearance for years – ideal for busy family homes.
  

Where washability really matters:

• Finger marks around light switches and towel rails

• Toothpaste or cosmetic splashes near basins and mirrors

• Soap or limescale build-up near tubs or showers

• Bath crayons, paints, or foam from kids
  

What to look for on the label or spec sheet:

• “Washable” or “Scrub-resistant”

• “Suitable for bathrooms or kitchens”

• Scrub resistance tested to ISO 11998 or classified under EN 13300 – Class 1

• Confirmed performance on wet walls or high-traffic zones
  

⚠️ Reminder: Not every “washable” paint is truly scrub-resistant. “Washable” often just means wipeable – only Class 1 (or paints tested to ISO 11998 with high cycle resistance) can handle repeated cleaning without wear.

Pro tip:

If the client prefers a matt finish, opt for scrub-resistant matt emulsions – many modern UK products (e.g. Dulux Easycare, Crown Clean Extreme, Tikkurila Luja) offer Class 1 resistance with elegant, low-sheen looks. Perfect for bathrooms where gloss is undesirable but performance is critical.

3. Anti-Mould and Mildew Protection

Bathroom moisture isn’t just a cosmetic concern – it can pose serious health risks. Mould and mildew thrive in damp spaces with poor ventilation – especially corners, areas behind bathtubs and washing machines, ceilings above showers, or wall sections hidden behind furniture.

These are the spots where, just a few months after renovation, you may notice:

• Black mildew spots

• Whitish salt efflorescence

• Musty odours

• And in time – health issues like allergies, respiratory problems, or headaches
  

That’s why biocidal additives in bathroom paint are essential – they actively prevent the growth of fungi, mould, and bacteria.

How do anti-mould paints work?

They contain active substances that suppress the development of:

• Fungal spores

• Bacteria

• Mould and algae
  

Once the paint dries, it forms a moisture-resistant film that not only repels water but also combats microorganisms before they can spread. High-quality products offer long-term protection (up to 5 years), safeguarding walls throughout the entire usage period.

What your client should understand:

• Not all “bathroom paints” contain biocides. Moisture resistance alone isn’t enough – without anti-mould agents, the surface may still look good while microbes silently grow underneath.

• Products with hygienic certifications (like Poland’s PZH) and mould-resistant labels are tested and proven. Showing these documents builds trust and reinforces your expertise.

• Using cheap paints in high-risk zones is a false economy. If mould appears after a year, the contractor may be blamed – and bear the cost of remediation.
  

Practical tip: Divide the bathroom into risk zones:

• Wet zone (shower, bathtub, near trays) – use paint with maximum biological protection and resistance to direct water contact.

• Moist zone (walls behind washing machines, near sinks) – use paint with strong vapour resistance and antifungal additives.

• Dry zone (above doors, ceiling near windows) – decorative paint may suffice, if ventilation is good and condensation risk is low.

4. Adhesion and Vapour Permeability

When choosing paint for a bathroom, it’s not just about water resistance or scrub class – equally important are technical parameters that support how the wall “breathes”. This is especially true in older buildings or where ventilation is less than ideal. In such cases, vapour-permeable (breathable) paints are the right solution – they allow moisture to escape while maintaining a durable finish.

Why does vapour permeability matter?

In high-humidity spaces, water vapour penetrates the wall structure. If it becomes trapped under the paint film, it can:

• cause blistering and peeling,

• lead to stains – especially near ceiling joints,

• result in salt efflorescence and damp patches,

• eventually promote mould growth beneath the surface.

Breathable paints (also known as diffusion-open) allow water vapour to naturally pass through the wall. This lets the wall dry out, preserving its structural integrity. It’s especially important in bathrooms with natural (gravity) ventilation, where steam isn’t extracted immediately.

Note: Paint can be both moisture-resistant and vapour-permeable – these properties do not contradict each other. The best products combine both.

How to recognise a good breathable paint?

Look for this technical specification on the packaging or data sheet:

• Sd value (diffusion-equivalent air layer thickness) – the lower the number, the more breathable the paint. Good bathroom paints have Sd ≤ 0.5 m.

Example:

• Sd = 0.2 m – very high breathability, ideal for humid rooms

• Sd > 1 m – low vapour permeability, better suited for dry zones

What about adhesion?

Adhesion is fundamental to a lasting and visually appealing finish. Bathrooms often involve:

• old, uneven plasterwork,

• leftover traces from previous paints,

• flexible structures (e.g. suspended ceilings).

A high-adhesion paint won't flake, crack at joins, or chip from minor impact (like hitting it with a mop or towel).

Why adhesion matters:

• Ensures the coating lasts for years – even with frequent cleaning

• Helps prevent cracks in corners and expansion joints

• Minimises the risk of callbacks due to flaking or peeling

Pro tip before painting:

Even the best paint will fail on poorly prepared walls. Always ensure the surface is:

• primed,

• dry,

• free of dust or old paint residue.

Poor adhesion is often due to surface issues – not the paint. Use a primer appropriate for the substrate (porous, dusty, difficult) and allow full drying time after any repair work.

How to advise your client?

A good tradesperson isn’t just a decorator – they’re a trusted advisor. Most clients only care about colour and finish, but the responsibility for long-term durability falls on the installer.

This is your moment – even before the paint is purchased – to show that you’re not just someone with a roller, but a professional who prevents problems before they occur.

Ask your client:

Does the bathroom have a window?
Natural ventilation and sunlight are a huge plus. For windowless rooms, prioritise anti-mould and breathable paints.

What kind of ventilation is in place – mechanical or gravity?
For gravity systems, breathable paint is crucial. In modern bathrooms with mechanical extraction or heat recovery systems (MVHR), tighter finishes can be used.

How heavily is the bathroom used?
In busy households, opt for Class 1 scrub resistance. In guest bathrooms or low-use spaces, a Class 2 washable finish may suffice.

What type of wall finish do they prefer – matte, satin, eggshell?
Each finish reflects light differently and shows imperfections to a varying degree. Matte is subtle and forgiving; satin adds elegance and durability. Note: matte paints are now available in washable Class 1 versions.

Would they accept different paints for different zones?
This matters on tight budgets. Using high-end paint in wet areas and decorative finishes elsewhere saves cost without compromising on performance where it’s needed most.

Example of a practical approach:

• Shower enclosure: ceramic paint, anti-mould, Class 1 scrub-resistant

• Wall behind washing machine and near basin: washable latex paint, mid-sheen

• Wall opposite the door, above mirror: decorative deep-matte finish
  

This method ensures a professional result – technically sound and visually appealing – while keeping the client’s budget in check.

Small Choice, Big Impact

At first glance, choosing paint might seem like a minor detail. For many clients, it's often an afterthought – overshadowed by bigger decisions like tiles, taps, or bathroom furniture.
But for a professional, it’s a detail that stays with the user long after the grout has dried or the new mirror is hung.

Because the client might forget:

• which grout colour they chose,

• the exact model of the tiles,

• or even how much the shower enclosure cost.
  

But if the paint starts to:

• peel or flake,

• lift off the wall,

• fade or discolour,

• or worse – develop black mould patches...
  

...they will remember. And chances are, they won’t blame the brand – they’ll blame the person who recommended and applied it.

On the flip side – the right paint, durable, washable, and clean-looking – becomes your silent ally.
You won’t be called back for touch-ups, and a satisfied client often turns into your next referral.

That’s why it pays to ask a few extra questions, explain the differences, and help the client understand that good paint isn’t just a cost – it’s an investment.
And you – as the contractor – aren’t just applying paint.
You’re taking responsibility for a result that should last for years.

📌Discover more construction and finishing tipsch

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Is every latex paint suitable for bathrooms?
No. Not all latex paints are resistant to moisture or mould. For bathrooms, always choose products specifically labelled as “suitable for wet rooms” or certified for high humidity areas.

What’s the difference between ceramic paint and latex paint?
Ceramic paint offers lower water absorption, higher scrub resistance, and better colour durability. It's ideal for high-moisture zones like showers and bath surrounds.

How can I tell if a paint has anti-mould properties?
Check the packaging and technical data sheet. Look for mentions of biocidal additives or certifications confirming mould resistance – such as those from independent hygiene institutes.

Should I use different paints for different bathroom zones?
Yes. Use the most durable paint in wet areas and more decorative or cost-effective options elsewhere. This balances budget and performance without compromising where it matters most.

What scrub resistance class should bathroom paint have?
At minimum, look for Class 2 (EN 13300), but Class 1 is strongly recommended – it resists wet scrubbing and won’t degrade with routine cleaning.

Does bathroom paint need to be breathable?
In bathrooms with natural or passive ventilation – absolutely. Breathable (vapour-permeable) paints help manage moisture, reducing the risk of stains and hidden mould growth.

When should bathroom paint be selected during a renovation?
Ideally during the planning stage. Paint choice depends on how the bathroom will be used, the ventilation system, and the wall finish – not just after tiles are installed.