
Kitchen and bathroom paint are formulated differently from regular paints, with extra ingredients to make the finish more durable and hard-wearing. Kitchen paint is designed to be grease-resistant, while bathroom paint is moisture and steam-resistant and protected against mould. However, some people argue that kitchen and bathroom paint is not necessary and that regular paint is just as effective at resisting stains and holding up to scrubbing. Ultimately, the decision of which type of paint to use depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the space being painted.
Differences between kitchen and bathroom paint
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Kitchen paint is designed to be grease-resistant. Bathroom paint is designed to be moisture- and steam-resistant and to prevent mould. |
| Finish | Kitchen paint has a sheen or matt finish. Bathroom paint has a flatter finish than silk but is not as flat as matt. |
| Performance | Kitchen and bathroom paints are more resistant to mildew than regular paints. Regular paints are better at hiding in one coat and don't show signs of gloss change when cleaned. |
| Cost | Kitchen and bathroom paints are more expensive than regular paints. |
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What You'll Learn

Kitchen paint is matt and grease-resistant
Kitchen paint is often chosen for its durability and ease of cleaning. For example, Dulux Diamond Matt has been described as "tougher and easier to clean" than standard Dulux Matt. Similarly, Crown Kitchen Paint is an antibacterial formula that can kill 99% of household germs.
While kitchen paint can be used in bathrooms, bathroom paint should not be used in kitchens. This is because bathroom paint is designed to be moisture and steam-resistant and protected against mould, but it is not grease-resistant.
It is worth noting that some people believe that kitchen and bathroom paint is simply a marketing strategy and that regular paint can be used in these rooms without any issues. However, others have found that regular paint is not as effective at resisting mould and mildew, especially in humid environments.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use kitchen or bathroom paint comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the space being painted.
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Bathroom paint is moisture-resistant
Moisture-resistant paint is designed to repel moisture, which means that it can withstand high levels of humidity without absorbing water. This is important in bathrooms, where there is often a lot of moisture in the air due to hot showers and baths.
The moisture-resistant quality of bathroom paint also makes it easier to clean. Because the paint does not absorb water, it can be wiped down without causing damage. This is especially useful in bathrooms, where there may be soap scum, toothpaste splatters, and other grime that needs to be cleaned off the walls.
In addition to being moisture-resistant, bathroom paint often contains anti-mould and fungicide properties. For example, Dulux bathroom paint is protected against mould for up to 5 years. This is an important feature as mould and fungus can be harmful to health and can cause respiratory problems.
Some people may choose to use kitchen paint in their bathrooms as it can also cope with moisture. Kitchen paint is designed to resist grease splatters and stains, which means it can also withstand moisture and be easily cleaned. However, bathroom paint is specifically designed for the high levels of moisture and humidity present in bathrooms, so it may be a better choice if you are looking for a paint that will last for many years.
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Kitchen and bathroom paints are more hard-wearing
Kitchen and bathroom paints are formulated to be more hard-wearing than regular paints. They are designed to withstand the specific conditions of these rooms, which are prone to higher levels of moisture, condensation, grease, and grime. These paints are often marketed as being moisture-resistant or having anti-mould properties, making them more durable in humid environments.
For example, Dulux's bathroom paint is formulated to be moisture and steam-resistant and protected against mould for up to 5 years. On the other hand, their kitchen paint is designed with a grease-resistant, matt finish. Crown offers a kitchen paint with an antibacterial formula that can kill 99% of household germs.
The hard-wearing nature of kitchen and bathroom paints also comes into play when it comes to cleaning. These paints are designed to be scrubbed and wiped down without damaging the paint or affecting its appearance. They are more resistant to staining and can handle grease splashes, splash marks, and general day-to-day spills.
While some people opt for standard paints in these rooms and achieve satisfactory results, kitchen and bathroom paints offer specialised protection. They are formulated to resist mildew and mould growth, which can be a common issue in these spaces due to the presence of moisture and condensation.
In summary, kitchen and bathroom paints are designed to be more hard-wearing than regular paints. They offer additional protection against moisture, mould, grease, and stains, making them ideal for high-use, humid environments. While standard paints can be used, kitchen and bathroom-specific paints provide an extra layer of durability tailored to these spaces.
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Kitchen and bathroom paints are mildew-resistant
For example, Dulux's bathroom paint is moisture and steam resistant and is protected against mould for 5 years. On the other hand, their kitchen paint is matt and grease-resistant. Crown offers a combined kitchen and bathroom paint that includes anti-mould and fungicide properties, as well as a grease inhibitor.
While some people opt for regular paint in their kitchens and bathrooms, the specific paints for these rooms can be beneficial in certain circumstances. If your kitchen or bathroom is particularly humid, it may be wise to choose a paint designed for these environments. Additionally, if you're looking for a paint that can be scrubbed and wiped down without issues, kitchen and bathroom paints are a better choice.
However, it's worth noting that regular paints can also perform well in kitchens and bathrooms, depending on the specific conditions. Proper ventilation and moisture management can help reduce the risk of mould and mildew, making regular paint a viable option. Ultimately, the decision between regular paint and kitchen/bathroom paint depends on factors such as humidity, ventilation, and the level of wear and tear expected in the room.
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Specialist paints are available in ready-mixed colours
Kitchen and bathroom paints are available in specialist formulas and come in their own section of ready-mixed colours. These paints can also be mixed to order by brands like Valspar and Dulux, based on a colour card or your own reference. These specialist paints have extra ingredients in the mix to make the finish more durable, given that kitchens and bathrooms are more prone to splash marks, spills, and grime.
For example, Crown Kitchen Paint Green matt emulsion is made using an antibacterial formula that can kill 99% of household germs found on surfaces. It is available in 16 shades and can be used on walls, ceilings, wood, and metal.
Dulux's bathroom paint is moisture and steam-resistant and is protected against mould for 5 years, whereas its kitchen paint is matt and grease-resistant. B&Q also does a range of durable paints that can be scrubbed down if needed and still provide a nice finish.
While kitchen and bathroom paints are designed to be more hard-wearing and resistant to mould and mildew, some people argue that standard paints can be just as effective. Standard paints can provide very good mildew resistance, and unless your kitchen or bathroom is particularly humid, they may be a more cost-effective option.
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Frequently asked questions
Kitchen paint is matt and grease-resistant, whereas bathroom paint is moisture and steam-resistant and is protected against mould for up to 5 years. Kitchen paint can also cope with moisture, so it can be used in bathrooms too.
Kitchen paint is designed to resist grease splashes and stains. However, some people opt for regular paint, which can also be effective.
Bathroom paint is designed to resist mould and moisture. Regular paint can be used, but it may not be as effective in humid bathrooms.
Some recommended brands for kitchen and bathroom paint include Dulux, B&Q, Crown, and Zinsser.











































