Is there anyone out there that actually likes to repaint a bathroom? After all, the spaces are cramped, the areas are difficult to get to and the light is usually quite poor. And then, last but certainly not least, there are the issues.......

          PLEASE - before you get started, make note of a few simple things or you will be tearing your hair out in the very room you're supposed to be fixing it. First of all, if this is a well-used bathroom in your home, there is probably someone madly spraying hairspray in there at least once a day. That being the case, you MUST wash the walls thoroughly before painting. Many times I've heard the story of people trying to paint a bathroom wall and why is the paint "separating" or "creeping" on the surface? The answer is most likely hairspray. The silicone that is contained in most brands is by nature a water repellant so, particularly if you're painting with latex paint, you will have problems right from the start. Wash the walls with a brand cleaner that rinses clean or you will end up with the same results the hairspray gave you. TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) is often recommended for jobs like this because it easily cuts through things like grease and hairspray but it must be noted that it may need several rinses to completely remove all the residue.

          Conversely, if water seepage (in your textured or painted ceiling) is actually a problem before you paint, you may find that an oil-based (or alkyd) paint is the answer. Before applying, be sure to cover over any set water stains by sealing them with a primer made for just such a job. Several brands are available in liquid and spray can form. Note: You may still see the stain through the primer but this is completely normal. The primer is meant to seal the stain behind it so the stain doesn't seep through, not hide it; hiding the stain is the job of the paint you apply over top.

          Interior wall paints are fairly forgiving nowadays and the old practice of "latex paint can't go on top of oil paint" is rarely observed anymore. If the existing paint has any shine, it is wise to lightly sand before painting, no matter what type of paint you choose. Once this is done, the walls can be dusted with either a lint free cloth or tack rag and you are ready to paint. Freshly painted bathrooms that have a tub or shower in them will need a few days before you can safely put them back into full use; when oil based paint is dry, it is completely cured and you can wipe down or wash the walls within a few days. Latex or water-based paints, however, require a full thirty days to cure and should not be washed before that time has passed. (The thirty day factor is important when wallpapering as well, but that will be in another guide.)

          When choosing a color for your bathroom, think about the close quarters and the light exposure. Warm colors generally work better than cool colors, especially if your own facial complexion is pale by nature. The mirror will reflect the wall color in your face so unless you want to appear jaundiced or flu-like when you get up in the morning, yellows or bright greens are probably not the best choice. This is not to say that you must paint your bathroom pink - please don't do that. It is simply to say that a warm beige is probably better than a greyish one, that cream colors are probably better than pale blues and that there are always exceptions to the rule so don't take this as being gospel. Just remember that a favorite color can still be a great color; it just may not be the best bathroom choice. 

          With a little planning and the answers to a few questions, you can be assured of great success with your bathroom painting project. Check out my other guides (as I submit them) for tips on picking the best application tools (a.k.a. brushes and rollers) and how to understand the importance between different paint finishes (a.k.a. shiny vs flat) and why some are better choices at different times.  

          Best of luck with your project and PLEASE VOTE YES if you found this helpful! Thank you!