Bathroom paint: varieties, brands, choice
Available in a wide range of paints in modern stores, they are suitable for all surfaces. They are also actively used when decorating bathrooms. The main thing is to choose the right product, taking into account its features.
Types and features of application
Bathroom paints differ from products used in living rooms, bedrooms and other areas. The market of paints and varnishes offers a wide variety of moisture resistant compounds. Some of them have appeared on store shelves recently, others have been known to customers for a long time.
All products designed for bathroom wall painting share common characteristics. They are water-repellent compounds that retain their color and texture when exposed to moisture, steam, and temperature extremes. However, each species has special performance characteristics.
Water-based
Water-based paints are available in a wide variety. Often consumers choose it for the reason that some of its options can be attributed to the category of quick-drying coatings. The following types are widespread: latex, silicone, acrylic. Each of the compositions deserves special attention. Let's consider these products in more detail, and also dwell on the advantages and disadvantages of paints.
Latex
The latex used to make these formulations can be synthetic or natural. For natural products, rubber juice is used. It dissolves easily in water without forming rigid bonds.During the drying process, a strong film appears that is not afraid of water.
Product pros:
- easy cleaning;
- easy painting;
- lack of a pungent odor;
- abrasion resistance and durability.
It is allowed to mix the composition with colored pigments to create a special shade.
Minuses:
- high cost;
- before starting work, the surfaces must be coated with an antifungal compound;
- in rooms where the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, latex paint cannot be used.
- the film on the surface will highlight all the flaws of the walls, so they need to be carefully prepared.
Painting is carried out with a brush or roller. It is recommended to apply the composition in two layers. You should also prime the painted surfaces.
Despite the high cost, the composition has a low consumption, which saves money. Painted walls will retain the color saturation and integrity of the coating for many years. Painting with a latex compound will create a pleasant silk shine in the room.
Only the above product has this feature.
Silicone
Silicone composition is also included in the group of water-based paints. Its advantages are as follows:
- simple wash;
- long-term operation (up to 25 years in optimal conditions);
- due to excellent adhesion, the composition can be used for painting various surfaces: stone, wood, concrete, plastered walls and other options;
- odorless paint;
- it is not necessary to level the walls for work, the composition will hide small cracks and roughness;
- painting can be carried out both at low and high temperatures;
- special components in the composition will protect surfaces from mold and mildew;
- a strong film on the surface allows the walls and ceiling to breathe, it allows steam and air to pass through, but repels liquid;
- the product is resistant to direct sunlight.
The following are distinguished as disadvantages:
- the cost does not always suit buyers, however, given the service life, the costs are quite reasonable;
- the composition cannot be used to cover metal surfaces, due to its vapor permeability, the metal can rust;
- when designing reinforced concrete, special anti-corrosion compounds must be used.
You can use different sized brushes or rollers to apply paint. Pre-priming the surface will help reduce waste.
We recommend using a silicone based primer. Optimal working conditions are average humidity and temperatures not lower than 5 degrees Celsius. The surfaces must be dry and clean.
Acrylic
Acrylic paint (aka acrylate or polyacrylic) is a type of latex paint. The composition is based on acrylate synthetic rubber.
The advantages of this type of product are based on its features:
- in a safe composition there are no salts of heavy metals and other harmful components;
- lack of a strong and unpleasant odor, which completely disappears after drying;
- under the influence of ultraviolet light, the paint retains its color;
- excellent moisture resistance, the dried composition does not react with moisture and dampness;
- the paint layer allows steam to pass through without disrupting the gas exchange process;
- due to its resistance to high temperatures, the paint is suitable for baths and saunas;
- at low temperatures it can also be used;
- excellent adhesion and high abrasion resistance.
Among the disadvantages are the following:
- it will take a long time to dry completely;
- only acrylic compounds can be used on top of the paint; during the repair, you will have to completely remove the old coating;
- the dry residue is about 30%, which will cause the film to be thin.
In addition to the bright color, which retains its saturation from year to year, the composition is universal and suitable for various surfaces: plastic, stone, plaster.
Chlorinated rubber
This type of paint will be a great alternative to ceramic tiles or stylish mosaics. The composition combines practicality and reliability.
Positive aspects of the product:
- direct rays will not harm the paint layer;
- the integrity of the moisture-resistant coating will not be violated even with frequent contact with water;
- there are no toxic impurities and other hazardous elements in the composition.
The following characteristics were noted as disadvantages:
- before painting, you must carefully prepare the walls;
- if old paint remains on the surface, it must be completely removed;
- the use of chlorinated rubber paint will cost a large amount for the reason that the composition should be applied in at least three layers. In this case, the color will be bright and attractive;
- use only special solvents for removal.
Alkyd enamel
This composition is used not only for painting bathrooms. It is also chosen for exterior and interior decoration. When painting walls indoors, it is recommended to use a respirator.
Advantages of paint:
- good adhesion;
- fast drying time;
- the film that forms on the surface is strong and strong;
- affordable cost;
- resistance to aggressive environment;
- the color remains for a long time;
- the integrity of the coating is maintained from year to year;
- the temperature range of using the composition is wide.
Minuses:
- a strong and pungent odor is indicated as the main drawback;
- this type of paint is best used in rooms with an effective ventilation system for the reason that alkyd compounds do not allow steam to pass through;
- in order to avoid the formation of fungus, the walls must be treated with protective compounds.
On the market, alkyd enamels are presented in two forms: in cans or aerosols. The second option is widespread due to more convenient storage and application.
Oil
Oil formulations are made on the basis of synthetic oils and drying oils. Paints based on the second element are more expensive, but they are considered to be of higher quality. Manufacturers also use crushed minerals to create rich and beautiful colors. Stir the product thoroughly before painting, as color particles settle to the bottom.
Advantages of paint:
- affordable cost;
- excellent adhesion on different surfaces, the paint is suitable for painting wood and metal;
- after drying, forms a reliable waterproof coating.
Negative sides of paint:
- strong odor due to the presence of organic solvents in the composition;
- it will take at least 6 hours to completely dry, all this time the room is filled with an unpleasant odor;
- the brightness of the color disappears under the influence of direct sunlight;
- over time, a yellow tint may appear:
- with frequent high humidity, the paint may begin to lose its elasticity;
- the choice of colors is small due to the fact that mineral pigments are used to create the shade.
Currently, oil formulations are used less and less. This option is chosen when you need to quickly refresh a small bathroom without spending a lot of money.
Colors and textures
If the designer has made a choice in favor of a paint and varnish material for decorating a bathroom, it is necessary to choose the desired shade in the texture of the material.
When choosing a color scheme, you need to focus on the following factors:
- the style of the room to be painted;
- room size;
- tenants' preferences.
The selected shade will harmoniously fit into the interior if it is combined with the color of the plumbing. A perfectly matched tone is able to hide design flaws, uneven walls and emphasize the merits. Also, with the help of color, you can visually expand the room or raise the ceiling.
When decorating small bathrooms, they are mainly used bright hues... They will make the room as spacious and free as possible. Pastel colors are widespread.They are considered universal and have a soothing effect on the emotional state.
These shades are great combined with other tones and look appropriate in various stylistic directions.
Experts strongly recommend leveling the walls before painting with light paint.
If you need to cover small roughness, use textured compositions. They will also help to decorate and diversify the decor, focusing on certain details.
The larger the size of the room, the wider the possibilities of the decorator. On the basis of a spacious bathroom, any creative idea can be realized: a play of contrasts, decoration with small or large patterns, a variety of textures and much more. In modern styles, the decor looks original using geometric patterns.
Remember that dark surfaces are considered to be soiled. They clearly show handprints, water stains and cosmetics. In this case, you need to choose the most reliable paint with excellent abrasion resistance.
Matte formulations
Today matte paints are in great demand. These common compounds, which are universal, are suitable for bridging irregularities in walls and ceilings. Matte paint looks great in any design. Due to the lack of a mirror effect, all minor errors are overlapped.
In most cases matte paint is applied in one layer... A high-quality composition will look attractive even with this application. Dirt stands out on the matte surface, some of which cannot be removed with a damp cloth. In this case, you will have to update the damaged area.
Glossy texture
The smooth surface of the glossy paint reflects light. Such compounds are often used to make the room as spacious as possible. A whimsical play of glitter will add expressiveness to the design. Also glossy compositions great for classic styles.
Such formulations are easier to clean. They are easier to clean from various contaminants. Use glossy paints on perfectly aligned surfaces.
The mirrored surface will accentuate bumps, chips, depressions and other irregularities.
Textured products
We should also mention textured paints. Their main purpose is to transform the interior and hide minor surface imperfections. In most cases, the formulations are made on the basis of acrylic. This type of paint is uneven on the walls. The special granulating effect will stand out visibly against both glossy and matte backgrounds.
Textured paint has many features:
- the composition fits easily, so you can paint yourself, without the help of specialists;
- overlapping irregularities;
- the composition uses special components that prevent the development of fungus and mold;
- high-quality paints have excellent resistance to external influences and are safe from an environmental point of view.
Manufacturers overview
The market of paints and varnishes is full of imported and domestic products. Several hundred brands can be found in major repair shops. It is difficult for inexperienced buyers to choose among the wide variety of manufacturers, given that new brands are entering the market.
Among the wide variety, there are manufacturers who are leading the way.
- Dulux. Today the products of this brand are sold all over the world. It can be found at any building supplies store. The manufacturer has developed the Dulux Realife Kitchen & Bathroom product line especially for bathroom decoration.
- Jobi. The company from Germany took the leading position almost as soon as it appeared on the market. Manufacturers managed to combine high quality and affordable cost in their products. It has excellent durability and is easy to clean from stains.
- Tikkurila. This trade mark from Finland is known in many countries. Russian buyers also highly appreciated the quality and wide range of products. The manufacturer has developed a special product for painting bathrooms - the Luja painting system. They include paints and primers with increased moisture resistance.
Which paint to choose?
The modern market is full of a wide variety of products that differ in quality, composition, cost and various characteristics.
To choose the right paint for your bathroom, you must follow the instructions.
- The composition must be waterproof. Regular paint will not work. Bathroom wall compounds are designed to withstand heat and humidity.
- If the room does not have equipped ventilation or windows, it is better to buy an odorless composition. This paint is an ideal choice if there are small children in the house.
- For home painting, it is recommended to use an aerosol product. It is great for covering flawed walls and hard-to-reach areas.
- Washing paint is the best choice if there are many people living in the house. In this case, stains will appear on the painted surfaces, which will have to be removed often.
- Regardless of which brand you prefer, you need quality paint. Check that there are no toxic and hazardous elements in the composition.
- If you are going to use a pipe coating compound, determine if the compound is suitable for coating the material from which they are made (plastic or metal).
- Calculate the required amount of product in advance. It is recommended to cover the area around the sink and bathtub in several layers.
If you are going to use paint not only for walls, but also for the ceiling, make sure that the composition is suitable for this.
Examples in the interior
Let's summarize the article with visual examples of decorating bathrooms with paints.
- For the bathroom, a matte turquoise paint was chosen. The shade gives the interior freshness and originality.
- Matte black paint is the perfect backdrop for white bathroom fixtures and furnishings. This style is recommended for spacious rooms.
- The glossy golden surface is ideal for classic decor.
- Textured paint in a rich crimson color creates an expressive decor in the room.
- Pleasant pastel colors create a warm and comfortable atmosphere in the room.
- A delicate light shade fills the room with light. This color is suitable for both classic and modern interior styles.
- In this case, the designers used two colors, creating an expressive contrasting combination. The duet of gray and yellow tones will perfectly fit into modern decor.
For tips on painting bathrooms, see below.