Bathroom Painting: Mould, Damp & Finishes

Bathrooms are the hardest room in the house to paint well. Steam, condensation and constant temperature changes push paint to its limits. We've painted hundreds of bathrooms in homes across Croydon, Purley, Kenley, Caterham, Warlingham and Redhill over the last 15 years, and the ones that fail are almost always the same: normal emulsion, no ventilation, and mould painted over instead of killed.

This guide covers how to paint a bathroom properly and keep it looking good.

Why Bathrooms Are Different

Bathrooms have:

• High humidity
• Steam that sits on walls and ceilings
• Less ventilation than other rooms
• Surfaces behind toilets and sinks that are hard to reach
• Constant use, so drying time can be limited

Standard emulsion often cannot cope. You need paint and prep designed for the conditions.

Best Paint Types for Bathrooms

Mould-resistant emulsion. Contains biocides that slow mould growth on walls and ceilings. Good for most bathroom walls.

Soft sheen or silk finishes. More moisture-resistant than matt emulsions and easier to wipe clean.

Eggshell on woodwork. Durable and wipeable for skirting boards, doors and window sills.

Tile paint. If tiles are in good condition but the colour is dated, specialist tile paint can refresh them without retiling.

How to Prep a Bathroom for Painting

Step 1: Remove old mould

Wash affected areas with a mould-killing solution. Do not just paint over it.

Step 2: Improve ventilation

Open windows, use an extractor fan and consider a dehumidifier. Without airflow, mould returns.

Step 3: Repair damage

Fill cracks, sand peeling areas and use a stain block primer over any water marks.

Step 4: Clean thoroughly

Grease, soap residue and dust stop paint sticking.

Step 5: Tape and protect

Mask tiles, fittings, mirrors and floors.

Step-by-Step Painting

1. Apply a primer/stain block where needed
2. Cut in around edges and fittings
3. Roll walls with mould-resistant emulsion
4. Apply a second coat once dry
5. Paint woodwork with eggshell or satin
6. Leave windows open during drying

Why We Use Mould-Resistant Paint First

We had a job in Caterham where the homeowner had repainted their bathroom three times in two years. Each time they used standard emulsion and each time the mould came back. We stripped it back, treated the mould, fitted a better extractor fan, primed the stains and used bathroom-grade paint. That was five years ago and it's still clean. The paint matters, but the prep matters more.

When to Call a Professional

• Mould keeps coming back
• Paint is peeling badly — our peeling paint repair guide explains the causes
• You cannot improve ventilation
• The room needs plaster repairs
• You want a perfect finish around tiles and fittings

Prevention Tips

• Run the extractor fan during showers and for 20 minutes after
• Keep the window open where possible
• Wipe condensation from walls and windows
• Use mould-resistant paint
• Re-seal baths and showers regularly

Common Bathroom Painting Mistakes

• Using ordinary emulsion
• Painting over mould
• Ignoring ventilation
• Not cleaning walls first
• Painting before the room is dry

Best Colours for Bathrooms

Bathrooms don't have to be white. Some of the best finishes we've used in Surrey homes include:

• Soft sage or muted green — calming and pairs well with brass or chrome
• Warm off-white — reflects light and feels clean without being sterile
• Pale blue — fresh and works well in south-facing bathrooms
• Charcoal or navy — works in larger bathrooms with good ventilation and plenty of light

The key is choosing moisture-resistant paint regardless of colour.

How Long Does a Bathroom Paint Job Last?

With proper prep and the right products, a professionally painted bathroom should look good for 5–7 years. In poorly ventilated bathrooms, that can drop to 2–3 years if mould isn't managed.

How We Paint a Bathroom

Our process for bathrooms:

1. Remove fittings, fixtures and anything that can be taken out
2. Treat existing mould with a fungicidal wash
3. Repair cracks, fill holes and sand peeling areas
4. Apply stain block primer where there are water marks
5. Cut in around tiles, fittings and edges
6. Roll two coats of bathroom-grade emulsion
7. Paint woodwork with durable eggshell or satin
8. Leave the room ventilated until fully dry

We also check the sealant around baths and showers. Old, cracked sealant is often the real source of moisture problems.

Should You Tile or Paint a Bathroom?

Tiles are more durable and waterproof, especially in shower areas. Paint is cheaper, quicker to change and works well in low-splash areas. Many customers choose tiles in the shower enclosure and paint everywhere else. It's a practical compromise.

Costs for Painting a Bathroom

These include labour, materials and VAT where applicable. The actual cost depends on size, condition and whether mould treatment is needed first — every job gets a bespoke quote, so get in touch for an exact figure. For broader pricing, see our cost to paint a room in Surrey guide.

Why We Don't Just Paint Over Mould

Painting over mould might hide it for a few weeks, but it always comes back. Mould needs to be killed at the source, which means proper cleaning, ventilation and sometimes repairing the underlying issue. We won't just paint over it because we know it won't last — and we'd rather do the job properly than give you a temporary fix.

Bathroom Paint vs Tile Paint

Bathroom paint is designed for walls and ceilings in humid conditions. Tile paint is a different product — harder, more water-resistant and designed to bond to glazed surfaces. Don't use ordinary emulsion on tiles and don't use tile paint on plasterboard.

If your tiles are dated but sound, tile paint can be a cost-effective refresh. If they're cracked, loose or the grout is failing, replacement is usually better.

Ventilation: The Most Overlooked Factor

No paint will survive in a constantly damp bathroom. We've seen customers spend £1,000 on a beautiful bathroom repaint, then wonder why it moulds within a year because they never use the extractor fan.

If your bathroom doesn't have an extractor fan, consider fitting one. If it does, use it — during showers and for 15–20 minutes after. It's the single biggest factor in how long your bathroom paint lasts. Weighing up doing it yourself? Our DIY vs professional painter guide will help you decide, and for local work see our Caterham painter and decorator page.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: September 2026. Based on 15+ years of painting and decorating homes in Surrey.