How to Paint a bathroom using Tikkurila
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the appearance of your bathroom. Bathrooms are primarily functional spaces, they can also be a great place to experiment with colour and design in your home.
Decorating a bathroom certainly comes with its challenges. This guide includes practical tips to help make redecorating a success!
What paint is suitable for a bathroom?
Bathrooms are high-traffic rooms, susceptible to humidity and moisture. The frequent exposure to water, steam and harsh cleaning products can be tough on paints used in this room. This means that choosing a moisture-resistant paint with mould-preventative agents is highly recommended to ensure long-term results. Additionally, bathroom paints must have a tough formula to withstand cleaning chemicals and regular scrubbing.
Tikkurila’s Luja range is a high-performance bathroom paint formulated to resist moisture while being easy to clean making it a perfect solution to condensation and humidity. Designed to provide an extremely durable film that can withstand repeated cleaning with even the harshest chemicals. (It’s even approved for use in hospitals, swimming pools, and distilleries!)
The bathroom paints have a M1 (Emission Classification of Building Materials) eco-label declaring that they are low emitting.
What paint finish is best for a bathroom?
Historically, bathrooms were painted using high-gloss paints. While they did little to combat mould, they did allow for walls to be wiped down easier. We’ve come a long way in the development of durable paints since then, meaning this is no longer an issue. The finish you select is now entirely up to personal taste! No matter what gloss level you choose, all of Luja's finishes are guaranteed to perform to the same high standard.
If mould is something you are having an issue with we also have anti Mould paint available perfect for combatting mould.
Tikkurila uses internationally recognised standards for gloss levels. The minimum is 0 with a matt surface and the maximum gloss is at 100. Our bathroom paint is available in three different sheen levels. Matt (Luja 7), Semi-Matt (Luja 20) and Semi Gloss (Luja 40).
Matt paints have a low gloss level between 5%-10% and are perfect for those who prefer a flat finish in their bathrooms. With almost no sheen, matt paints offer a beautiful velvety look with a strong depth of colour.
Semi-Matt paints (also known as eggshell paints) are slightly less flat than matt paints, with a gloss grade between 11 and 35%, creating a luxurious low lustre finish.
Semi-Gloss paints are a great choice for those who are looking for a glossy finish that isn't overly shiny. Semi-gloss paints vary in sheen level between 36 and 60%.
Tips for painting your bathroom
Bathroom walls should always be carefully prepped before painting as moisture can absorb into the topcoat causing bubbling and chipping.
If there’s one step you shouldn’t skip before painting your bathroom, it’s washing the walls. Start by cleaning all surfaces with an appropriate cleaning agent like Maalipesu and allow them to dry thoroughly. Conceal any cracks and holes with a suitable filler.
If the existing paint is peeling or flaking, make sure to remove these with sandpaper until you’re left with a smooth surface.
Do I need to use a primer?
By using a primer, you will help the paint bond to the wall, and prevent it from peeling in the future. For added protection from mould, opt for using a primer with mildewcide additives.
Apply one coat of a suitable primer and let it dry completely. Once the surface is dry, stir your paint before use and apply one coat with a roller, and a brush in smaller areas that are trickier to reach. Follow with a second coat once dry.