Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to tackle a new project or just looking to refresh your space, painting is the perfect solution. So, is silk paint a good choice?
Silk paint can be used for bathrooms. It’s a mid-sheen paint that will give the walls a slightly glossy finish while also providing durability and washability. Silk paint is also moisture resistant, which is ideal for high-humidity areas like bathrooms.
In this article, you will learn:
- The pros and cons of using silk paint
- How silk compares to other finishes
- Whether you should use a primer
4 Benefits of Using Silk Paint in Your Bathroom
Silk paint is one of the best paint finishes for bathrooms. Here is a list of the 4 reasons why.
Durability and water resistance
Silk paints are highly durable and water-resistant, making them ideal for bathrooms. Since they are resistant to moisture, they won’t peel or blister when exposed to steam or water splashes.
The durability of silk paints also means that they will last longer than other paints before needing to be repainted.
Mold and mildew resistance
It will stand up to high humidity and provide superior resistance against mold and mildew, which can damage walls in wet, moist climates.
Easy cleaning and maintenance
Silk paints are very easy to clean and maintain. Unlike other types of paint, which require regular scrubbing or wiping, all you need to do with silk paints is wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge.
Additionally, silk paints are less likely to show signs of wear and tear over time, like scuff marks or scratches, making them a great choice if you want your walls to look new and fresh all year round.
Luxurious Finish
Finally, one of the biggest benefits of using silk paint in your bathroom is that it provides a luxurious finish that will make your bathroom look more expensive.
The smooth finish of the paint helps reflect light around the room, which can help make small spaces look bigger while creating an elegant atmosphere at the same time.
3 Drawbacks of Using Silk Paint in Your Bathroom
Despite its many benefits, there are some disadvantages to using silk paint.
Imperfections can show through
One of the biggest drawbacks to using silk paint in a bathroom is that any imperfections in your walls, such as bumps or cracks, can be easily seen.
This means you’ll need to take extra care when painting so that any blemishes on your wall are fully covered and don’t show through.
High cost
Another potential downside to using silk paint in your bathroom is that it can be quite expensive. This might not be such a problem if you’re only painting one or two walls, but the costs can quickly add up if you’re planning on doing an entire bathroom makeover.
Brush strokes are evident
Finally, silk paints can sometimes leave visible brush strokes if not applied correctly. If you’re not experienced with painting, it’s best to hire a professional who can apply the paint evenly and without leaving any marks behind.
How Does Silk Paint Compare to Other Finishes?
High-gloss
In terms of appearance, high-gloss paints have a more reflective finish than silk paints. Durability-wise, both high-gloss and silk paints are tough and durable.
However, using high-gloss paint in bathrooms has a slight edge in this department as they are water and stain resistant and can stand up better against scrubbing or hard cleaning agents. This makes it perfect for bathrooms.
When it comes to maintenance, both types of paint are relatively easy to clean since each has been formulated with washability in mind. The higher sheen level on high-gloss makes them slightly easier to keep clean than silk paints.
Semi-gloss
The appearance of semi-gloss paint on bathroom walls falls between satin and high-gloss finishes in terms of reflectivity, typically registering at 35-70%.
Semi-gloss is more durable than silk as it is highly resistant to moisture and scratches while offering an easy cleanup with a damp sponge or cloth. Because of this, it is also a good option for bathrooms.
Touching up is hard on both semi-gloss and silk. Paint will have difficulty blending in, especially if you paint over a darker color.
Satin
Using satin paint in your bathroom will provide a subtle sheen that creates a glossy look without looking overly shiny. Its strength and durability make it the perfect choice to withstand humidity and moisture, making it incredibly resilient in any environment.
Cleaning and maintaining satin paint is also relatively easy, requiring only a damp cloth or sponge to remove dirt or marks.
It may require some extra elbow grease if set-in stains are present. Touching up with the original shade can be difficult once the paint has dried, so make sure you have extra paint on hand.
Although this may be the case, silk paint still holds its own against satin. Thanks to its higher sheen level, it offers more protection from dirt, grime, and moisture. In addition, cleaning is made much simpler with this option.
Flat, matte, and eggshell
Flat, matte, and eggshell paints are popular choices for interior walls due to their ability to absorb light and cover imperfections. However, they are not recommended for bathrooms.
These low-sheen paints lack moisture, mold, and mildew resistance and are usually not washable, making them difficult to keep clean. These factors are very important in a busy bathroom.
In comparison, silk paints have a much higher sheen level, making them more resistant to moisture and dirt. This makes them a better choice for bathrooms.
Bathrooms Need a Special Primer
Bathrooms need a special primer to protect the walls from mildew and other moisture-related damage. When choosing a primer for your bathroom, look for one specifically designed for high-humidity areas, as these are much more resistant to water damage.
Additionally, be sure to use a primer, even if the paint you’re using is all-in-one paint and primer. The primer adds an extra layer of protection, which can help to ensure that no water sneaks through past the paintwork.
If you choose a low-sheen or no-gloss finish in your bathroom, primer is even more important as it ensures that the paint adheres properly and won’t peel or chip away over time due to humidity or dampness.
Furthermore, primers with anti-mold properties are also available, which are great for bathrooms as they have additional protection against fungus growth. So make sure you use a quality primer as part of your painting project for your bathroom walls.
