When it comes to choosing which type of paint is best for the job, you want something that will withstand the daily wear and tear but still look beautiful. So, is high-gloss paint good for bathrooms?
High-gloss paint is one of the best options for bathrooms due to its superior durability. It can handle more moisture and humidity than any other finish, making it ideal for bathrooms. It is also easy to clean, so any splashes or stains won’t be an issue.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- The pros and cons of using high-gloss paint
- How high-gloss compares to other finishes
- Whether or not you should use a primer
5 Benefits of Using High-Gloss Paint in Your Bathroom
High-gloss is one of the best paint finishes for bathrooms. Here is a list of the 5 reasons why.
Durability and easy maintenance
One of the main advantages of high-gloss paint is its durability and ease of maintenance. It stands up well to scuffs, dents, and dings. The glossy finish also helps to repel dirt, which makes it easy to keep your bathroom clean.
As a bonus, this layer makes cleaning easier since spills can be wiped off with a damp cloth rather than scrubbed away with soap and water.
In addition, you won’t need to worry about fingerprints or smudges on your walls since they will be easily wiped away with no extra effort required.
Brightens up your space
High-gloss paints are known for their bright, reflective properties, which can make any room look bigger and brighter. This makes them especially well suited for bathrooms as they help bring light into small spaces.
In addition, their glossy finish will make colors appear vibrant, so you can really make the most out of your chosen color palette without worrying about dull tones or muddled shades.
Long-lasting results
High-gloss paints are designed to last for years with minimal touch-ups required. This means that once you apply this type of paint to your walls, you won’t have to worry about needing to repaint as often as with other types of paint.
You may still need to touch up areas that receive heavy use from time to time, but overall you can expect long-lasting results from this type of paint job.
Resistance to mold and mildew
Another advantage of using high-gloss paint in bathrooms is its resistance to mold and mildew. This type of paint forms an impermeable layer that prevents moisture from seeping through, making it less susceptible to these kinds of problems.
As long as you make sure to keep the walls clean and free of any water buildup, you can ensure that your bathroom will remain mold and mildew-free.
Compliments any style
High-gloss paint is incredibly versatile, so it can be used to suit any style or aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for something modern and sleek or a classic traditional look, high-gloss paint can help complete the look of your bathroom.
3 Drawbacks of Using High-Gloss Paint in Your Bathroom
Despite its many benefits, there are some disadvantages to using a high-gloss paint.
Can be expensive
One of the main drawbacks of high-gloss paint is its cost. It can be significantly more expensive than other types of paints, so you may need to stretch your budget if you want to use this type of finish in your bathroom.
Difficult to touch up
High-gloss paint can also be difficult to touch up since its reflective finish will make any repairs stand out. If you do need to patch up a section of your bathroom, it’s best to hire a professional for the job since they can better match the paint and ensure that the result is seamless.
Lighting appeal
While high-gloss paint can make a space look brighter, its reflective properties can also be too much in certain areas. In particular, if you have single-source lighting in your bathroom, it could create glare that is both uncomfortable and unappealing.
How Does High-Gloss Paint Compare to Other Finishes?
High-gloss paint is one of the most durable and low-maintenance options for bathroom walls, but it’s not the only option. Let’s look at how it compares to other finishes.
Semi-gloss
Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are popular choices in bathroom design due to their durability and stylish look. While both provide a glossy sheen, they differ in terms of texture and light reflection.
Semi-gloss is a more mid-sheen. High-gloss, on the other hand, is a more dramatic finish that creates an intensely reflective surface that can make a room appear larger than it actually is.
Both finishes are easy to clean and resist mildew, but using semi-gloss paint in your bathroom will be a more forgiving option when it comes to touch-ups since its sheen isn’t as dramatic. However, it’s worth noting that semi-gloss can still be prone to showing imperfections.
However, high-gloss paints tend to be more durable and long lasting, making them a great choice if you are looking for a finish that will last. It also tends to be more reflective, which can be a turn-off for some homeowners.
Satin
Satin has less sheen than semi-gloss. Its finish is more subtle and muted, making it a good choice for someone who doesn’t want an overly glossy look in their bathroom. High gloss, on the other hand, has an intense sheen.
Although satin is a popular choice for bathrooms, it doesn’t stand up to moisture as well as glossier finishes. It is prone to mildew and water spots, so you may need to repaint more frequently if you choose a satin finish.
While satin is able to withstand scrubbing, it may still show signs of wear and tear over time. High-gloss is a much more durable finish and will stay looking new longer if properly maintained.
Flat, matte, and eggshell
Flat, matte, and eggshell finishes are all popular options for painting walls due to their ability to hide imperfections and offer a smooth texture. However, this is not the case for bathrooms.
These finishes are not designed to withstand water vapor, so they can be prone to flaking and peeling. High-gloss paint is much more resistant to moisture than these other finishes and won’t show signs of wear as quickly.
Although they cost less, these finishes are not the best choice for bathrooms. However, they may still be used for ceilings, provided that the ceiling is not exposed to too much moisture.
Bathrooms Need a Special Primer
Before you start painting your bathroom, you need to make sure a primer is applied. A high-quality primer will create an even coat for the paint, as well as protect it from things like peeling and mildew.
An added benefit of primers with mildewcide additives is that they offer extra protection against water damage over time.
It’s also important to note that even if you’re using all-in-one paint and primer, it’s still recommended to use a special application of primer first.
