Types of Paint for Bathrooms
Painting bathrooms is different than painting any other room in the house. This is because the bathroom has a high moisture level, which can really tax even the best paint job. Choosing the right paint for the bathroom will allow you to achieve the look that you want and provide for easy maintenance.
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Types
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When you shop for paint you may be overwhelmed by all of the options because, depending on where you go, there can be several aisles of paint that all look virtually the same. If you want to keep it simple, you can always just buy kitchen and bathroom paint. This is paint that has been specially formulated for use in high moisture areas and is also easy to clean, which is a concern not only in bathrooms but the kitchen as well.
If you don't find a kitchen and bathroom paint that you want to use, you definitely need to choose a mildew-resistant paint. These paints have properties in them that will work to stop the growth of any and all mildew on the paint. Many paint manufacturers offer mildew-resistant paint.
When you are choosing paint for your bathroom you also want to consider the sheen of the paint. Paint ranges from a flat sheet to high gloss sheen. A flat sheen is not recommended for use in the bathroom because it is very hard to clean and shows stains very easily. Satin and semi-gloss sheens are generally recommended for use in the bathroom.
Function
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The function of bathroom paint is two-fold. First and foremost the paint is used to beautify the space to meet your personal needs and tastes. Paint is also used to seal the drywall so that moisture cannot get through and cause a problem with mold and mildew. While many people see paint only as a way to add color, it serves to protect your home as well.
Oil vs. Acrylic
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When you start shopping for bathroom paint you will quickly find that you can choose oil-based paint or acrylic-based paint. In the past, only oil-based paint was used in bathrooms and kitchens, but this is not always the case anymore. Improvements in paints in the last 10 to 20 years include additives and finishes in acrylic paints that make them just as effective as oils for sealing drywall in moist environments. Also, you can clean acrylic paint with soap and water, whereas with oils you have to use paint thinner. Nowadays you don't need to use oil-based paints unless you have a preference. However, due to the fumes associated with the oil paints and the more complicated clean-up, more and more people are choosing to use acrylic paint.
Costs
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You may find that paint made especially for the bathroom is a dollar or two more expensive per gallon than your other paints, but the extra cost is worth it. It is this extra cost that is going to help you prevent the growth of mildew and mold in the bathroom that could easily spread to other areas of the house. Generally speaking, oil-based paints are also more expensive than acrylic-based paints by up to a dollar or two per gallon, but this will vary depending on location and brand of paint.
Technique
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The risks of using paint in the bathroom are the same as those associated with painting in any room of the house. A room should be well ventilated to avoid inhaling the toxic fumes; this is especially true if you are going to be using oil-based paint. Open windows and turn on the exhaust fan; leave it running until the paint dries.
You may want to tape off the areas around the ceiling and the doors to avoid getting paint on areas where you do not want it. If you do not want to use tape you can also use an angled paintbrush that will allow you to carefully cut in without the use of tape. Cover floors, counters and fixtures with drop cloths.
If you are changing colors or covering up a dark or bright color, use a primer. This will help to cover the old paint and will also help protect further from the growth of mold and mildew. If you are covering the existing paint with a darker color you may not need a primer.
Start painting by "cutting in" at the edges of one wall with a paintbrush and then work in 3-foot sections from top to bottom with a paint roller. If you use this method to work around the room you'll find that you can achieve professional results in less time than you might think.
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