Elena Rossi
Remodelling a bathroom can be a rewarding but complicated process. One of the most important steps is choosing the right wall covering. While wallpaper can be a good option if installed properly and with adequate ventilation, paint is often a more popular choice. Paint is more versatile than wallpaper, as it is easier to patch and re-paint when you want to change the colour. It is also more durable and long-lasting, especially in a humid environment like a bathroom. When choosing paint for your bathroom, it is important to select a high-quality, mildew-resistant paint with a semi-gloss or higher sheen to repel moisture effectively. Additionally, proper preparation and attention to detail are key to achieving great results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wallpaper vs Paint | Wallpaper can start coming off when the humidity is high. Use paint with one wall of paper since removing a whole room of paper is a pain. |
| Paint Quality | Buy better and more expensive paints with more solids for greater durability. |
| Paint Type | Go for higher gloss paint for drywall in the upper section of the shower or tub stall area. Use satin or eggshell paint sheens for drier areas of the bathroom. Avoid flat or matte sheens as they can develop water streaks. |
| Paint Color | Use light colors in small spaces like bathrooms. |
| Preparation | Remove items that can be removed easily. Remove obstruction like the toilet tank. Clean the walls to avoid paint peeling off. Tape off project borders and cover anything you don't want to paint. |
| Primer | Use a good primer, especially in areas with high humidity. Zinser is a good brand for priming and stain blocking. |
| Budget | Establish a reasonable budget and timeline for the remodel. |
| Professionals | Identify and hire professionals for technical work such as plumbing and electrical. |
| Timeline | Allow more time for each step if doing the work yourself. Account for delayed products. |
| Materials | Use quality brushes and rollers. Purdy is a good brand. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing paint over wallpaper
Remodelling a bathroom is a rewarding but complicated experience. It is a great way to refresh your space and breathe new life into it. While wallpaper can be a good option, paint is often a more versatile and durable choice for bathrooms.
Firstly, paint colours are less likely to go out of fashion. Wallpaper styles change frequently, and a dated wallpaper choice can be very obvious. Paint colours do change over time, but it is less likely that a particular paint shade will immediately give away the era in which it was popular.
Secondly, paint is easier to maintain and update. Wallpaper is impossible to patch, whereas plaster/drywall is easily patchable. Painting is mostly preparation, so repainting a wall that is already in good condition is a quick job. With wallpaper, you often have to redo an entire room if you want to change the style or fix a small section.
Thirdly, paint is often more durable in a bathroom setting. Water will eventually get on your walls, no matter how careful you are. Paint manufacturers sell specific bathroom paint with a better surface for resisting moisture and inhibiting mould. Even if you don't opt for a specialised bathroom paint, it is worth spending a little more on a quality brand with more solids, which will give greater protection. Higher gloss sheens also tend to repel moisture better than flatter sheens, although they do highlight imperfections in the wall.
Finally, paint provides more versatility in terms of style. If you want to create an elegant, modern look, matte finishes are now available in water-resistant formulas. If you prefer a more traditional, shiny bathroom, you can opt for a higher sheen.
In conclusion, while both wallpaper and paint can be good choices for a bathroom remodel, paint is often more practical and versatile. It is easier to maintain, provides better protection from water damage, and is less likely to go out of style.
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Selecting the right paint
Painting a bathroom requires careful consideration due to the small space, frequent use, and exposure to water. Choosing the right paint is crucial to achieving a durable and attractive finish. Here are some tips for selecting the right paint for your bathroom remodel:
- Consider the humidity and moisture levels: Bathrooms are wet places, and it is essential to choose paint that can withstand high humidity and moisture levels. Look for paint with mould-inhibiting agents and a moisture-resistant surface. Some manufacturers offer specific bathroom paint with these features.
- Select the appropriate sheen: The sheen, or finish, of the paint is important in a bathroom setting. Flat or matte sheens are not recommended for bathrooms as they can develop water streaks. Instead, opt for a higher gloss, satin, or semi-gloss finish, which will better repel moisture and debris. If you have drywall in the shower or tub area, a higher gloss paint is particularly suitable. For drier areas of the bathroom, satin or eggshell sheens are suitable.
- Lighten up: While darker colours may be appealing, they can make a small bathroom space feel too dark. Opt for lighter colours to brighten up the space.
- Choose a quality brand: Spending a little extra on a quality brand of paint can pay off. Cheaper paints may have fewer solids, resulting in reduced durability. Look for paints with a higher percentage of solids to form a protective layer on your walls.
- Calculate the amount needed: Determine the amount of paint required before starting your project to avoid running out halfway through.
- Prepare the walls: Ensure your walls are thoroughly cleaned and prepared before painting. Remove any soap scum and embedded substances, as they can interfere with the paint's adhesion. Consider using a mixture of household bleach and water or a mildew-removing cleanser to clean the walls.
- Primer: If you are painting over dark walls or unfinished walls, consider using a primer first. A mould-resistant primer can be especially beneficial in bathrooms.
- Tools: Invest in quality brushes and rollers for a smoother painting process and better results.
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Preparing the bathroom
Preparing your bathroom for remodelling involves several steps. First, establish a reasonable budget and timeline for your project. If you're doing the work yourself, be sure to allow more time for each step and account for potential delays. Identify and hire professionals for any technical work that is beyond your skill level, such as plumbing and electrical. Take accurate measurements and decide on the design, fixtures, and materials you will need. Choose a paint colour and purchase a high-quality paint that is mildew-resistant and suitable for humid environments.
Before painting, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the walls. Mix a solution of household bleach and water in a ratio of three parts water to one part bleach, or use a household cleanser designed to kill mildew. Wash the walls with this solution and then wipe them down with a rag. Allow the walls to dry completely before proceeding.
Next, you'll need to prepare the space. Start by removing any objects and accessories that are not fixed in place, such as mirrors, towel racks, and light switch plates. Cover anything you don't want to paint, including the toilet and the floor, with plastic sheeting. Spread a drop cloth on the floor to catch any paint drips. Use painter's tape to mask off any areas you don't want to paint, such as the ceiling, door frames, and vanity cabinet.
If your bathroom has drywall, it is recommended to paint it before installing the toilet, tub, tile, sink, and vanity. This will reduce the risk of splatter on new fixtures and flooring. If your toilet tank is flush against the wall and obstructing your painting, you can carefully remove it by turning off the water supply, flushing the toilet, and using a couple of old towels to catch any spills.
Finally, when it comes to tools, invest in quality brushes and rollers. Purdy is a well-known brand that offers durable and effective products. You'll also need a paint tray, painter's masking film, and blue painter's tape for trimming. If you need to fill in any spots on the wall, you'll need spackle, drywall sandpaper, and a rag.
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Painting the bathroom
Planning and Preparation:
Firstly, establish a reasonable budget and timeline for your project. Identify the professionals you may need to hire for technical work such as plumbing and electrical. Take accurate measurements and decide on the design, fixtures, and tiles.
Choose the Right Paint:
Select a high-quality, mildew-resistant paint designed for bathrooms. These paints have mold-inhibiting agents and a better surface for resisting moisture. You can choose between a modern matte finish, such as Aura® Bath & Spa, or a higher sheen finish, like Benjamin Moore's Kitchen & Bath paint. Consider using a primer, such as Zinser's mold-resistant primer, especially if your bathroom has high humidity or inadequate ventilation.
Prepare the Walls:
Thoroughly clean your bathroom walls with a mixture of household bleach and water (three parts water to one part bleach) or a mildew-removing cleanser. Allow the walls to dry completely before painting. Tape off your project borders, including the ceiling, door, and vanity cabinet. Cover anything you don't want to paint, such as the toilet and floor, with plastic sheeting, and use a drop cloth to protect the floor.
Painting Process:
Start by using a paintbrush to cut in the borders of your project, then switch to a roller and paint tray for larger areas. Work from the top down, starting with the ceiling. If you have drywall in the upper section of the shower or tub area, use higher-gloss paint; for drier areas, satin or eggshell paint sheens are recommended. Avoid flat or matte sheens as they can develop water streaks.
Final Steps:
Ensure your paint is completely dry before applying a second coat if needed. Allow your freshly painted walls to dry completely after your final coat. Reinstall any fixtures or accessories you removed, such as switch and outlet plates, mirrors, and towel racks.
By following these steps and choosing the right materials, you can achieve a durable and attractive finish in your bathroom remodel.
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Removing the toilet tank
Before you begin remodelling your bathroom, it is important to know that this task involves a lot of steps and preparation. Removing the toilet tank is one of the first steps you can take. It may sound messy and difficult, but it is not. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove a toilet tank:
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
The first step to removing your toilet tank is to turn off the water supply by closing the shut-off valve, which is usually located on the wall behind the toilet but can sometimes be found on the floor.
Step 2: Drain the toilet tank and bowl
Once the water supply is turned off, flush the toilet as many times as needed to empty the tank and bowl. You can also hold down the flush lever to drain the tank completely. Make sure to use rubber gloves for this process. You can use a sponge or an absorbent cloth to remove any remaining water from the bowl and tank.
Step 3: Disconnect the hose
Now that the water is off and the toilet is empty, it is safe to remove the hose connecting the tank to the water supply. A pair of pliers will make this job easier. You can disconnect the hose from the reservoir or the wall. However, disconnecting it from the wall will save you time when installing a new tank.
Step 4: Remove the mounting bolts
With the hose disconnected, focus on the bolts that fasten the tank to the seat. These are located underneath the rear of the unit. There should be a set of mounting bolts, one on each side, securing the tank. Remove the nuts first, and then fully remove the bolts from the tank. You may need to use a screwdriver to hold the bolt from the interior of the tank while removing the nuts.
Step 5: Lift and place the tank on a towel
After removing the bolts, carefully lift the tank off the bowl and place it on a towel to prevent any scratches on your floor.
Step 6: Dispose of the old tank responsibly
Once the tank is removed, you will need to dispose of it properly. Check with your local trash collection company to see if they accept bulk items. If not, take the tank to your nearest waste collection facility.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use a high-quality, mildew-resistant paint with a satin or semi-gloss finish. Some paint manufacturers sell what they call "bathroom paint", which has mould-inhibiting agents and a better surface for resisting moisture.
Calculate the amount of paint needed for your room. You don't want to run out of paint halfway through the project.
You will need a paintbrush, roller, paint tray, painter's tape, and a drop cloth. If you are painting the ceiling, you may need a smaller roller. It is also recommended to use quality brushes and rollers, such as the Purdy brand.
If you are using a self-priming paint, such as Benjamin Moore's paints, you do not need to use a primer. Otherwise, you may need to prime the walls if you are painting over a dark colour or if the walls are unfinished.
Before painting, thoroughly clean the walls with a mixture of household bleach and water or a household cleanser designed to kill mildew. Then, wipe down the walls with a rag and allow them to dry completely.
