5 Useful Tips to Paint a Kitchen or a Bathroom

Although kitchens and bathrooms are two distinct rooms with very different features, they both require a specific type of paint. Learn more about why regular paint isn't appropriate for these rooms: 

Why use special paint for kitchens and bathrooms?

Kitchens and bathrooms are both very humid. The walls and surfaces in these rooms often come into contact with water and water vapour. Therefore, although conventional paint can be used on the walls, we recommend using paint that is specifically made for kitchens and bathrooms.

This type of paint is water-based; generally, it's a 100% acrylic latex paint. Many different colours, shades and finishes are available. It covers surfaces very well in addition to being resistant to dirt, humidity and frequent cleanings. Inside the paint, manufacturers include agents which protect against the proliferation of mould, as well as other water-related damage.

For the reasons cited above, kitchen and bathroom paint tends to last longer than regular paint and it will be much more resistant when used in those two rooms.

How to apply kitchen and bathroom paint

Always apply this paint on a clean surface. If needed, prime the walls and surfaces before you start painting. Certain types of paint can be applied to tiles, which is great if you're looking to give an easy makeover to your kitchen. 

Also, thanks to the paint's anti-fungal properties, the tiles will be better protected against mould. When applying this paint, you will need a roller for large surfaces, brushes for edges and corners, as well as a paint tray.

Anyone can complete this type of job but if you're looking for top results, it's better to hire a professional painter. This rings especially true in the kitchen, where painting mistakes, such as staining cabinets, could affect the value of your house.

Kitchen and bathroom paint can cost about $20 to $25 per litre (approx. 45$ for a 3.7L format which is commonly found in home renovation stores). It is usually made for both bathrooms and kitchens, but a few brands sell them individually. However, the composition remains the same.

5 tips for a kitchen or bathroom painting project

1) Select the right products and gather the necessary information

Head to your favourite hardware store to choose your products. Depending on your needs, you will have to get primer and paint, as well as products to fix holes. You will, of course, have to choose from the selection available on site, following the advice of experts working at the store. 

Do not forget to choose products that are suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Be sure to evaluate whether you will need a different paint for the ceiling (usually a matte finish). In terms of equipment, see what you already have on hand and complete your kit with additional tools (brushes, sand blocks, seals, tape, etc.).

2) Adequately prepare for the painting project

As with any painting project, it is important to prepare the room adequately before painting. Often, in kitchens and bathrooms, there are pieces of furniture and objects that cannot be moved. 

You will have to work around these elements, without damaging them with paint. During this step, take the time to protect cabinets, countertops, backsplash, mirrors, doors and anything else you do not expect to cover with paint.

To protect the floor, it is recommended that you use a cotton tarpaulin because they adhere better to the ground and absorb the paint, thus avoiding many potential problems. 

The preparation stage also includes cleaning the room and repairing all damage, which increases the chances of achieving satisfactory results.

3) Follow the steps to get good results

Once you have prepared the room, it is now time to move on to the painting process. Be careful, however, not to rush the work! It is important to complete the steps following a certain logic. For example, if a primer needs to be applied, you will have to allow enough time for it to dry. 

After that is done, start painting by applying the product to the room's mouldings and on the ceiling. After each step, it is important to respect the drying time so that the paint is homogenous.

4) Painting bathroom or kitchen cabinets

Do you plan on painting your cabinets to renew their look? Again, you will need to use the right product and be thorough. Check out the following article for step-by-step instructions: How to paint kitchen cabinets.

5) Maintaining the paint throughout the years

If you have chosen the right paint, you will notice that the walls will be easy to maintain and resistant to repeated cleanings. However, after a few years, you may notice some imperfections. This does not mean that you will have to repaint the entire room. 

As a matter of fact, you could simply keep a small amount of the paint you originally bought and use it to make corrections. Sometimes a new layer could also help refresh the room, but in general, with a good product, you will not need to do this often.

Here are a few articles about paint that may be useful for your project:

• 5 ways to remodel your bathroom using paint

• 10 best kitchen paint colours

• Paint and wall covering guide

• How many coats of paint are necessary?

To see examples of bathroom renovation projects completed by RenoQuotes.com contractors, check out "10 examples of beautiful bathroom renovation projects". 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET A GENERAL IDEA OF HOW MUCH YOUR PAINTING PROJECT WILL COST? Test our cost estimator which calculates according to the room dimension and the number of colours.