Your bathroom paint should have good mildew-inhibiting properties. But unlike the latex-acrylic paints you might use for most of your interior spaces, bathroom paint can cost a bit more. And with various options available, making a solid choice can be tricky. So, should you use eggshell paint in your bathroom?
You can use eggshell paint in your bathroom since it has good moisture resistance and an attractive, slight sheen. Its sheen and sleek texture make it good at hiding imperfections on your bathroom walls. Moreover, you can clean eggshell paint easily with just soap, water, and a soft cloth.
Let’s face it — most people focus on color more than sheen when choosing interior paint. But just like your preferred color, the sheen of your paint will affect the look and mood of your spaces, including bathrooms. With that in mind, let’s explore why eggshell paint can be a great option for your bathroom.
What Is Eggshell Paint?
Eggshell paint is a special paint finish that resembles the surface of an eggshell, hence the name. Its sheen (gloss) is less than that of silk or satin but much more than that of matte emulsion paint.
Eggshell paint reflects more light than matte paint, and it produces a low luster, which gives your walls a soft glow. Since it has a slight gloss, you can maintain it more easily than flat or matte paint. It’s easier to clean and will stay cleaner for longer.
Good quality eggshell paint is resistant to mold and mildew and durable as well. But if you choose a substandard brand, it will peel off easily and be more susceptible to moisture damage.
Can You Use Eggshell Paint in The Bathroom?
Most people prefer to use eggshell paint in secondary bathrooms or powder rooms that don’t get a lot of use. They reason that it’s not as durable as other types of paint and may attract mold and mildew.
However, eggshell paint can add a good texture to your bathroom walls, with a little light surface that creates an impressive ambiance. It’s a good choice for bathroom walls that are bumpy or warped. This is because its mild sheen and sleek texture easily hide imperfections.
While eggshell paint can give you an admirably low sheen, it’s important you purchase a good quality brand meant for bathrooms. You can’t go wrong with the Zinsser Perma-White Mold and Mildew-Proof Eggshell Paint (on Amazon).
Ordinary eggshell paint meant for other interior spaces won’t repel moisture well and will attract mildew.
Is Eggshell Paint Moisture Resistant?
Eggshell paint is more resistant to moisture and will hold out well against water splashes and soapy stains than flat paints. For this reason, you can use it on walls near sinks, showers, and toilets where water can splash often.
Moreover, eggshell paint won’t get dirty easily, unlike flat paint. If you take a closer look at eggshell paint, you’ll notice more rounded edges, and therein lies the magic. On the other hand, flat paint has sharp, jagged edges that can easily hold dirt particles.
What’s the Best Type of Paint for a Bathroom?
The best type of paint for your bathroom is a semi-gloss, satin, or glossy finish with an additive to prevent mildew growth.
Remember, humidity is the single biggest threat to the look and performance of your bathroom paint. The steam from your shower or water splashes from your bathtub can seep between the wall and coat of your paint, causing unsightly texture, peeling, and bubbling.
While you might want to opt for low-sheen flat finishes, they’re softer and aren’t as good at blocking out moisture. Also, avoid paints meant exclusively for outside spaces, like basements and exterior walls.
They could be more waterproof, but they often contain unhealthy amounts of mildewcide and other additives that could lead to respiratory problems.
If you’re not sure what to go for, hire a professional painter to safely paint your bathroom with the right paint. Let’s take a more detailed look at the best paints for your bathroom:
Glossy Paints
Glossy paints have the best moisture resistance and are easier to clean, making them the perfect choice for your bathroom cabinets and trim. They look, feel and act just like glass or a dry-erase board. Once cured, they form a hard coat that prevents water from seeping through, forcing it to drip to the floor.
If you want a great gloss paint option for your bathroom, you can work with Majic Paints High Gloss Paint (on Amazon). But if you prefer a metallic finish that makes your bathroom appear almost wet, go for a full gloss paint like Modern Masters Metallic Paint (on Amazon).
Semi-Gloss Paints
Semi-gloss is another versatile finish with good moisture resistance. It’s easy to clean and works well on bathroom walls, trims, and cabinets.
Look for a high-performance brand like the Zinsser Semi-Gloss Perma-White Interior Paint (on Amazon). Home improvement experts also recommend BEHR Premium Plus Interior Semi-gloss Enamel Paint (also on Amazon).
Satin Paint
Satin lies somewhere between eggshell and gloss paint in terms of its sheen. It’s an excellent choice for your bathroom if you prefer a softer than gloss texture with lots of the benefits of a glossy coat. Its protective coating is much easier to clean than no-sheen paints.
If you want value for your money, look for renowned labels like Zinsser Perma-White Interior Water-Based Satin Paint (on Amazon).
For best results, use a primer to bond the paint to your bathroom walls and avoid peeling. A good primer especially comes in handy if you’ve decided to use low-sheen paint in your bathroom. Sticky primers with additives that kill mildew will protect your bathroom walls for many years.
One of the most trusted primer options for bathroom finishes is the Kilz Mold and Mildew Interior and Exterior Primer (on Amazon).