When selecting paint for your bathroom ceiling, you want something that is moisture-resistant with a durable finish that can survive steam, condensation and the frequent temperature changes that bathrooms bring. While you can use almost any variety of paint for your bedroom or living room ceilings, your bathroom is different. Constant humidity and poor ventilation can quickly turn the wrong paint choice into a peeling, patchy nightmare.
Choosing the right paint type, finish and application method means you can keep your bathroom ceiling looking fresher and newer for longer, as well as resist mould and dampness.
Why Bathroom Ceilings Need Special Paint
Bathrooms present unique challenges for ceiling paint, unlike the ceilings of other rooms in your home. If the wrong type of paint is used, then you can expect some or all of the following side effects:
- Peeling or flaking paint
- Water stains
- Mould and mildew
- Odours from trapped moisture
Therefore, it is important to select moisture-resistant paints which contain anti-microbial agents that help prevent mould and mildew. These types of paints also have stronger binders to adhere them to the ceiling better so that they are less likely to peel in damp conditions.
We advise you not to use regular ceiling paint in a bathroom, as bathroom-specific paints are moisture-resistant and have longer-lasting results.
Best Paint for Bathroom Ceilings
Best Paint for Steamy Bathrooms
Struggling with poor ventilation in your bathroom? Then you want to pick a paint that is specifically designed to withstand extreme moisture.
- Look for 100% acrylic latex paint which is flexible and moisture-tolerant
- Built-in mildew inhibitors
- Satin or semi-gloss finish for easy cleaning
By selecting a bathroom ceiling paint that is moisture-resistant, you will ensure that your steamy bathroom will not damage your bathroom ceiling.
Best Mould and Mildew-Resistant Paint
If your ceilings are prone to condensation, then look for the following things to help keep your ceiling hygienic:
- Anti-mould additives
- Washable finish for easy cleaning
- Good coverage in fewer coats
These tips will help you select a bathroom paint that will help you to keep your bathroom looking newer for longer by repelling moisture to prevent mould and discolouration.
Best Paint Finish for Bathroom Ceilings
Choosing the right finish of paint is important for both moisture resistance and aesthetic purposes:
- Semi-gloss: This is the best type of paint for moisture protection and also reflects the light well.
- Satin: While slightly less moisture resistant, stain paint offers a softer sheen and hides flaws better.
- Eggshell: This paint type is low sheen for a more subtle look but is less durable in steamy rooms
- Flat/Matt: We do not recommend this paint type unless you are using a specific moisture-resistant formula.
Therefore, when you select paint for your bathroom ceiling, semi-gloss will give you the best results for moisture protection.
Best Primer for Bathroom Ceilings
When choosing a primer, you want a high-quality one to prevent peeling and mould. Look for:
- Stain-blocking capability.
- Mould-resistant formulation.
- Excellent adhesion to old paint or bare plaster.
Best Paint for Flaky Bathroom Ceilings
If your ceiling paint is already peeling, slapping on a new coat of paint is not the best solution. Follow these steps to restore your ceiling:
- Scrape and sand away loose paint.
- Clean with a mild bleach solution to kill any mould spores.
- Apply a mould-resistant primer.
- Finish with a moisture-resistant topcoat.
Remember to never paint over peeling or flaking paint as it will just make your bathroom ceiling look worse and create a lot of additional work for you in the future.
Best Budget-Friendly Paint for Bathroom Ceilings
Here is our tip for a great choice of paint without overspending.
- Choose a bathroom-rated vinyl silk or acrylic paint from reputable brands like Crown, Dulux, or Leyland.
- Check for mould resistance even at lower price points.
While we want to help you by offering budget-friendly options, make sure you don’t just opt for leftover regular wall paint as it does not have the same protective qualities that bathroom ceiling specific paint does.
Best Paint for Easy Cleaning & Maintenance
Bathroom ceilings need cleaning the same as most of the surfaces of your home. Here is what to look for when selecting paint for your bathroom ceiling.
- Opt for washable paints, satin or semi-gloss finishes are best.
- Look for “scrubbable” ratings on the tin.
Best Paint for Bathroom Walls and Ceiling
Some paint types are designed to work on both your bathroom ceiling and walls, to give your bathroom paint an overall uniform look. The benefits of using paint like this include:
- Simplifies colour matching.
- Saves a lot of time when painting the entire bathroom.
- Often offers the same moisture protection on all surfaces.
Paint that is designed for both your walls and ceiling is also a great, cost-effective option when you are doing up your bathroom.
Key Features to Look For in Bathroom Ceiling Paint
Here are some key features to look for when selecting bathroom ceiling paint:
- Mould & mildew resistance.
- Moisture & humidity protection.
- Washable or scrubbable finish.
- Strong adhesion to prevent peeling.
- Quick-drying & low-odour for limited ventilation spaces.
Want more inspiration to transform your bathroom ceiling? Check out our blog, 25 Bathroom Ceiling Ideas to Transform your Bathroom. These ideas will help you think outside of the box and transform your bathroom into something unique to your home.
How to Choose Your Bathroom Ceiling Colour
There are so many different colours of bathroom paint you can select. Here are some things to consider when picking yours:
- Small bathrooms: lighter shades like white or pale blue make the space feel bigger.
- Large bathrooms: deeper tones add intimacy and warmth.
- Matching or contrasting colours: play around with matching your colours or testing contrasting colours. Matching colours can create a seamless design, while pops of colour can be used for feature walls or ceilings to make the space look more dynamic.
We have a whole host of ideas and inspiration for you when you are picking bathroom colours. Your bathroom doesn’t have to be boring; it can become a beautiful oasis of colour and personality. Check out our blog, 13 Bathroom Colour Ideas to Transform your Space to get started.
How to Apply Bathroom Ceiling Paint for Long-Lasting Results
Follow these tips for applying bathroom paint to your ceiling:
- Prep the surface: Ensure surfaces are clean and all mould is removed, and peeling areas have been sanded smooth.
- Prime: Remember to choose a mould-resistant primer.
- Apply your choice of paint in thin, even coats.
- Ensure you have adequate ventilation during and after painting to aid drying.
When to Repaint or Refresh Your Bathroom Ceiling
There are some telltale signs that your bathroom ceiling needs a little TLC:
- Paint is peeling.
- Discolouration or water stains in the paint.
- Mould sports are forming.
Ideally, your bathroom will probably need a paint refresh every 3-5 years, depending on the quality of the paint you have used and how high-traffic an area your bathroom is.
What to remember
When you are choosing the right paint for your bathroom ceiling, remember it comes down to three main things:
- Moisture resistance,
- Mould Protection.
- Durable finish.
By pairing a mould-resistant primer with a bathroom-specific paint, you’ll protect your ceiling, keep it looking fresh, and avoid costly touch-ups for years.