🖌️ Bathroom Paint Calculator

Best Paint for Bathrooms

Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, so choosing the right paint finish and formulation is critical for a long-lasting result.

Finish Matters

• Satin or semi-gloss finish is essential — these sheens resist moisture, mildew, and are easy to wipe clean. Satin offers a soft luster; semi-gloss is more reflective and slightly more durable in wet areas.
• Avoid flat/matte finishes in bathrooms — they absorb moisture and are prone to mildew growth and staining.

Bathroom-Specific Formulations

• Look for "bathroom paint" or "kitchen & bath" labels — these formulations contain mildewcide additives that actively resist mold and mildew growth.
• Use primer on bare drywall or when making a dramatic color change (dark to light). A moisture-blocking primer adds an extra layer of protection.

Ceiling Paint

• Use bathroom ceiling paint with anti-mildew properties — bathroom ceilings are exposed to rising steam and are a common spot for mold.
• Flat finish is acceptable for the ceiling as long as you use a mildew-resistant formulation.

Bathroom Painting Tips

• Run the exhaust fan while painting and for 24 hours after — proper ventilation speeds drying and prevents moisture from getting trapped under the fresh paint.
• Don't paint over mold — treat any visible mold with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 3 parts water) and let it dry completely before priming and painting.
• Remove towel bars, mirrors, and light fixtures before you start. It's faster and produces cleaner results than trying to tape around them.
• Use painter's tape on tile edges, fixtures, and the ceiling line — bathrooms have more surfaces to mask than a typical room. Press the tape edges firmly to prevent bleed-through.
• Paint the ceiling first, then the walls — this way, any ceiling drips can be rolled over when you do the walls.
• Allow extra drying time — bathroom humidity slows paint curing. Wait at least 4 hours between coats (or longer in humid conditions).

Bathroom Paint Cost

Bathroom-specific paint costs a bit more than standard wall paint due to mildewcide additives and moisture-resistant formulations.

Cost Per Gallon

• Premium bathroom paint: $30–50 per gallon (brands like Behr Ultra, Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa, Sherwin-Williams Emerald)
• Mid-range bathroom paint: $25–35 per gallon

Typical Project Costs

• Average small bathroom (8x5): ~1 gallon for walls + ceiling = $30–50
• Average master bath (10x8): ~1.5–2 gallons = $45–100
• Half bath / powder room (5x4): ~1 quart to 1 gallon = $15–50

Budget Tip

You can use regular satin or semi-gloss paint instead of specialty bathroom paint if your bathroom has good ventilation (a functioning exhaust fan). The key is the sheen — satin and semi-gloss inherently resist moisture better than flat finishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sheen should I use in a bathroom?

Satin is the minimum recommended sheen for bathroom walls. It resists moisture and is easy to clean. For areas directly around the shower or tub, semi-gloss is even better — it provides the highest moisture resistance of any common wall finish. Avoid flat and matte finishes in bathrooms.

Do I need special bathroom paint?

Mildew-resistant bathroom paint is recommended, especially for bathrooms with poor ventilation or no exhaust fan. These paints contain mildewcide additives that prevent mold growth. However, a good-quality satin or semi-gloss paint will perform well in bathrooms with proper ventilation and an exhaust fan.

How much paint for a small bathroom?

A standard small bathroom (8x5 feet, 8-foot ceilings) has about 208 sq ft of wall area plus a 40 sq ft ceiling. After subtracting a door, window, and tub surround, you need roughly 1 gallon of paint for 2 coats. If you're only painting the walls (not the ceiling), a single gallon is more than enough.

Can I paint over bathroom tile?

Yes, with proper preparation. Sand the tile lightly with 220-grit sandpaper to create grip, clean thoroughly, then apply a bonding primer designed for glossy surfaces. Finish with 2 coats of semi-gloss paint. This works best on wall tile that doesn't get direct water contact — don't paint tile inside the shower or on the floor.