What Is The Best Paint For Shower Walls?

Published on Monday November 28, 2022

If you’re planning on painting your shower, it’s important to choose the right type of paint for shower walls. After all, showers are constantly exposed to water and high humidity levels, so you need a paint that can withstand those conditions. Here’s a look at some of the best paints for shower walls, as well as a few tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

Types of Paint for Shower Walls

There are two main types of paint that are suitable for shower walls: oil-based paint and latex paint. Oil-based paint is more durable and resistant to moisture, but it’s also more difficult to apply and clean up. Latex paint is easier to work with, but isn’t quite as durable as oil-based paint.

Paint Primer and Sealant

If you’re painting over existing paint, make sure to sand down the surface and prime it before applying the new paint. Some people may choose to skip primer or choose a paint and primer in one to cut costs. However, doing so can drastically affect your results.

Primer seals porous surfaces, creating an even base layer that is easier for the new paint to stick to. This will help the new paint adhere better and last longer. It also allows your new coat of paint to cover any stains made on the shower’s old paint. If you’re choosing lighter paint for your shower walls, primer is necessary to prevent the existing darker color from bleeding through.

If you’re painting over an old coat of paint, apply a primer specific to the type of paint it is. For example, if your old coat is oil-based, you’ll need to use a primer designed for an oil-based paint before painting with a latex-based paint.

After applying your new paint, use rubber paint for the shower walls to seal its new color. Applying a rubberized coating ensures your new paint job is waterproof. This step is especially important if your shower has tiles.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paints are typically the best at repelling water, but take longer to dry. It also has a strong odor, so be sure to keep the bathroom ventilated if you use this paint for your shower walls. If your bathroom doesn’t have windows or a powerful fan, oil-based paint may not be the best choice.

The cleanup process can be a bit tedious, as it requires you to use solvents and paint thinner. Also, when the time comes to paint again, you will have to use more oil-based paint because latex does not adhere well to oil.

Latex-Based Paint

Latex paint is easier to work with and clean up than oil-based paint. Many consider latex paint to be the best paint for shower walls thanks to its ability to stick to the shower’s surface, long-lasting color, and quick dry time. The more glossy the paint, the better it will be at repelling water — which is obviously important for a shower.

Which is the Best Paint for My Shower Walls?

In the past, oil-based paints were the standard for home improvement projects. Nowadays, most people prefer latex paints because they are easier to apply, pose fewer environmental hazards, dry faster, and are extremely durable.

Should I Use Semi-Gloss or Gloss Paint for My Shower Walls?

This depends on what you need the paint to do. For example, glossy paints easily show surface flaws, so you’ll need to sand your ceilings thoroughly before applying this type of paint. If you aren’t able to sand it, stick to semi-gloss.

Choosing a Paint Color

The color you choose for your shower walls is entirely up to you. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making your selection. First, consider the overall style of your bathroom. If you want the shower to blend in with the rest of the room, choose a color that’s similar to the colors used elsewhere in the bathroom.

If you want the shower to be a focal point, then go ahead and choose a bolder color. Just make sure that the color you choose is one that you’ll still be happy with a few years down the road; you don’t want to grow tired of it too quickly.

Create Your Dream Bathroom with Long Baths

With these tips in mind, choosing the best paint for your shower walls should be a breeze. If you’re still not satisfied with your shower, it might be time to consider upgrading it. Long Baths provides free estimates for shower and/or bathtub remodeling.

Our team of professionals will guide you through the many options we have available. Then, after you’ve made your selections, we’ll install your new tub or shower within one day. Yes, it’s really that easy! Contact us to get started today.