How to Paint a Bathroom Wall

There are many reasons to paint a bathroom wall---from just wanting to change the color to needing to paint because the old paint looks dingy and won't come clean or is peeling from the humidity in the bathroom. Before choosing a color for the bathroom wall, decide on the décor of the bathroom and how much change you want. Get paint card samples to match with the current colors or to take with you when choosing new accessories, so that you can be sure the color you choose will match.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Paint Brushes (small and medium)
• Paint Roller
• Paint Pan
• Paint Canvas
• Masking Tape

Instructions

1. Remove all accessories such as the shower curtain, toilet paper holders, towel racks and other wall hangings. Remove any carpets or throw rugs. Cover the floor with the painting canvas. If the bathroom has a window, open the window so that the paint odor is vented. For items that cannot be removed, such as mirrors, tape the edges, so as not to get paint on them. Flat mirrors can easily be removed prior to painting.

2. Tape off the baseboards, if they are going to be a different color. If not, just tape the edges of the floor. Tape around the edges of the ceiling where it meets the walls. Tape off the edges of the bathtub or shower, vanity and toilet. Make sure the tape is even with the wall and that it adheres well, so paint cannot get under the tape.

3. Use a paint brush in and around tight areas and areas that are against fixtures. Even with tape around the places you do not want painted, a roller could easily splatter the paint. A paintbrush also allows you to make sure you get close to the edge of the taped-off item, giving your paint job a professional look.
   Get into hard-to-reach areas, such as the wall behind the base of the toilet, with a paintbrush. Remove the tank to paint behind the tank. If you do not want to remove the tank, remove the tank cover, then paint as far down as you can reach with a small paint brush. If removing the tank, do not forget to shut the water off before you drain the water from the tank.

4. Paint the walls using the paint roller. Allow the paint to dry pursuant to the manufacturer's recommendation. Apply a second coat if wanted or needed. Allow the second coat to dry completely.

5. Remove the tape. Depending on how steady you are with a paint brush, you may want to retape the freshly painted walls so that you don't get the contrasting color for the baseboards on the wall. Paint the baseboards using a paint brush. If you have beveled baseboards, use a small artist's brush to do the top of the bevel. This will help keep the paint from making runs.

6. Replace all of the accessories and wall hangings once the paint is dry. Allow the window to remain open to get the bulk of the paint smell out. If you do not have a window, run the bathroom fan.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose at least a semi-gloss paint as it is easier to clean and wipe down. It also does not "soak up" as much humidity and steam as non-glossy paints. Remove tape from any taped areas as soon as you are finished painting. The sooner you remove the tape, the less likely the new paint will chip if you painted onto the tape.

• Do not use the bathroom until the paint is dry.