How can I cover my flaking painted bathroom ceiling?

Jennifer Jolly
by Jennifer Jolly

My downstairs bathroom used to have a popcorn ceiling. After the popcorn began to flake and peel, I removed the rest of it and remudded,sanded and painted the ceiling. It looked fine for a short time but then this paint also began to crack up and flake. I was thinking of maybe just installing some type of covering over the ceiling that might look nice and also end this problem. Any suggestions? Thanks

  5 answers
  • Joy Elizabeth Joy Elizabeth on Jan 12, 2019

    I think bead board would look great for a bathroom ceiling, and it is super affordable. :)

    • Jennifer Jolly Jennifer Jolly on Jan 12, 2019

      Thanks very much. I’m not sure what bead board is but I’m going to figure it out

  • Carol Jackson Carol Jackson on Jan 12, 2019

    First, whats causing the paint to peel and crack. Moisture or prep? I would think that needs to be determined before going forward. Hopefully prime and paint would be your easiest option afterward.

    • Jennifer Jolly Jennifer Jolly on Jan 12, 2019

      I think it’s mostly because of the lack of ventilation with the hot showers taken in there

  • Janice Janice on Jan 12, 2019

    Hi Jennifer, how about purchasing some of those plastic panels made to look like the old-time tin ceilings? Would that fit into the style of your home? They are lightweight and come in various designs.

  • Jennifer Jolly Jennifer Jolly on Jan 12, 2019

    Hey thanks very much for the suggestions and I will check into it. I think much of the problem is the hot showers and moisture because the bathroom doesn’t have an outgoing vent. The ac vent comes in but it doesn’t have one of the fan lights like many bathrooms do.

  • Oliva Oliva on Jan 12, 2019

    Hi, Jennifer,

    Is it possible to have a good quality exhaust fan with a light installed that can be vented through your ceiling or wall (directly to the outside)?

    I fear that without a fan, your problem will contiue or worsen, due to heat and humidity's effect on your walls, ceiling, vanity, etc.

    Until you obtain an exhaust fan, avoid any bath linens that have been laundered with fabric softener, which substantially reduces absorbtion. If you want softer towels and currently use softener, switch to felted wool dryer balls, or use vinegar in your rinse cycle.