How do I prep and paint bathroom walls?

Lil darlin
by Lil darlin

when he steam from my showers make the bathroom walls sweat. I dont trust my vent so I usually try to crack the window. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem? I am wanting to repaint my bathroom so i know i probably need to clean the walls which im not sure how or what to use to clean them because its like yellow residue from the sweating. Would vinegar and water work? Do i need to use a certain paint when it comes to painting bathrooms?


  12 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Jan 31, 2020

    Vinegar would definitely work to first initially clean and YES they do make paint and primer that is specific for bathrooms that fights mold and moisture that would work great

  • Em Em on Jan 31, 2020

    Any good cleaner will work to wash the walls if you are painting over. Just rinse to make sure paint will stick well.

    Satin is more durable and shinier than eggshell and is ideal for a bathroom. It's also easy to clean. Use it for the walls, ceiling, and even the trim, because many satin finishes are tougher than they once were. Semi-gloss is even tougher and a cinch to clean.

  • When you head to the paint store tell them you are painting a bathroom and they will help you get the correct type/

  • Jeremy Hoffpauir Jeremy Hoffpauir on Jan 31, 2020

    Using a quality primer is the key.


    Simply apply this primer: https://amzn.to/2tfrMkH


    Followed by satin or semi-gloss paint.


    You should consider a small dehumidifier for the bathroom. I use this one and it works well: https://amzn.to/2OjUXuq


    Hope this Helps! Jeremy - https://pahjodesigns.com

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Jan 31, 2020

    I would use Young Living's Thieves cleaner--we use it to clean our bathroom walls

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jan 31, 2020

    TSP is what I used on my sweating bathroom walls, as the previous owners were smokers.

    I would use a high gloss scrub able (as in squeegee-able) latex enamel paint for kitchens & bath cabinets.

    It will cost $3 more a gallon and will be like tile to wipe down, after you prime it with mold-blocking primer & apply 2 full coats.


    Upgrade your bath exhaust fan to a minimum of 70 CFM, which is current “code”. They start at $35 and for $70 you can get an Energy Star low-Sones unit.

  • Bushra Bushra on Jan 31, 2020

    You should use satin paint in bathroom as bathroom is a frequently usable place. Satin doesn't get moist fast.

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Jan 31, 2020

    I second everything that lifestyle homes recommended. That's exactly what I would do. Replace the fan first. This is critical because you will end up with mold issues if you dont.

  • Malicity D'Obscura Malicity D'Obscura on Feb 01, 2020

    Great suggestions above. Also, Big Box as well as paint shops sell a packet of anti-mould additive, that you can stir into the paint. If I remember right, they cost less than $5 bucks, so why not?!

  • Sharon Sharon on Feb 06, 2020

    I would wash the walls with a car sponge and lemon ammonia in hot water or Dollar Tree Awesome Orange in the half gallon. Best paint for bathrooms is semi-gloss kitchen and bath paint.

  • Spend up and get a primer designed for mold killing. It'll help in the future!

  • 17335038 17335038 on Apr 02, 2020

    Good point by Lifestyle Homes.

    Replace the existing bathroom exhaust fan with a new one that is efficient and is rated for a room the sq footage of your bathroom. There is no point in spending time and money on painting, if there is no mechanical force to remove the moisture in the room. As well, a quality new fan will be far more quiet when running compared with the old one.