Are there any tips for painting a high humidity bathroom?

Patty
by Patty

I have a small bathroom and when the shower is used the humidity builds up and the walls actually drip water. I do have an exhaust fan in there. What type/brand of paint should I use ?


  11 answers
  • Recreated Designs Recreated Designs on Jan 27, 2020

    Hi Patty, there are some great paints out there now and some specifically made for bathrooms because of the moisture (and possible mold). Your local home improvement store should have a selection if you go and ask for one for a humid bathroom.

  • William William on Jan 27, 2020

    Kitchen and bathroom paint would be the best. Check to make sure the fan is exhausting properly or you may need a new higher cfm fan.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Jan 27, 2020

    I would for sure invest in better fan ... it doesn't seem to do a right job


  • Mr. BizBuzKit Mr. BizBuzKit on Jan 27, 2020

    If you have an exhaust fan that is operable but are getting high humidity levels, the exhaust system should be troubleshooted before thinking about paint. I had the same problem and it was an easy fix that involved replacing the small motor, accessible from below after removing the grille and light (if applicable). If this is done and the exhaust duct to outside is clear of any obstructions, ceiling and wall paint with satin finish would be sufficient. If you ignore the exhaust problem, you are leaving yourself open to a potential health hazard - MOLD. If you paint over surfaces that already contain mold, it does not necessarily mitigate the problem or even prevent it from spreading. If you are still interested in using a different type of paint that is more water repellent, semigloss would typically be used.

  • Annie Annie on Jan 27, 2020

    I really agree with the others that you need to find out why that fan isn't exhausting. This happened in a place I lived in. even though I could see where it vented to the outside. But stuck my head in the attic - they had put one of those kinky dryer vents in.


    And it was about 40 foot long, twisted as well. No wonder the fan wasn't venting. So poke your head in your attic to see what is going on.


    The fans work better with a short run of pipe that is not flexible.


    It could be a super easy fix. Then just go ahead and paint.

  • Lynn Goins Lynn Goins on Jan 28, 2020

    You can buy Kilz paint tinted in all kinds of colors. Kilz will prevent mildew and mold.


  • Cindy Cindy on Jan 28, 2020

    Hi Patty. It sounds like your exhaust fan is inadequate for the size of the bathroom. They are sold according to how many square feet are in the bathroom. Begin with a water-based primer-sealer-stain blocker. I recommend Kilz. It is designed for high humidity, moisture environments. Then use Satin paint. Good luck Patty.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Jan 28, 2020

    Semi gloss and use the fan on the ceiling spray kills spray for mold then paint it

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 01, 2020

    Hello Patty,

    If you don't have a window you can open and you are not able to replace your fan, maybe try cleaning it with the hose end of your hoover it could be blocked up!! Best wishes

  • Invest in mold killing primer. It'll help in the future!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 02, 2021

    Hi, Turn the temperature down and open a window if you have one, or invest in a stronger fan extractor.