Choosing the right bathroom paint isn’t just about colour. It’s about durability, moisture resistance, and finish. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything I recommend to homeowners looking for a long-lasting, beautiful bathroom paint job.
We’ll cover paint quality, finishes, colours, prep tips, and whether primers are still necessary. I’ll also compare some of the top paint brands and help you avoid common pitfalls.
If you’re planning a full bathroom reno, make sure to check out how to plan a bathroom renovation and average cost of bathroom renovation in Toronto.
The #1 Rule: Always Choose High-Quality Paint
The most important factor when painting a bathroom is quality. Cheap paints won’t hold up to steam, moisture, and repeated cleaning.
At Raakss Reno, we always recommend Benjamin Moore for its superior coverage, durability, and mildew resistance. Some brands like Behr or Sherwin-Williams may seem fine on the surface, but they often require multiple coats, have lower hiding power, and tend to wear out faster in a high-moisture environment like your bathroom.
Do You Still Need “Bathroom-Specific” Paints?
Short answer: Not necessarily.
Old-school bathroom paints were often just glossy to make them wipeable. But today’s high-end paints — like Benjamin Moore — don’t require high gloss for durability.
As long as you choose a high-quality paint with mildew resistance, you don’t need to buy a can labeled “bathroom paint.” The tech has caught up.
| Paint Feature | Old Method (Outdated) | Modern Paints (Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| Wipeability | Gloss finish required | Achieved through advanced formulas |
| Mildew Resistance | Special add-ons required | Built-in in many high-end products |
| Durability | Needed frequent repainting | Long-lasting even in damp conditions |
| Primer Required? | Yes, separate primer | Often included in the paint formula |
What About Primers?
Primers used to be essential, but with today’s modern paints, they’re often unnecessary — unless you’re painting brand-new drywall. Most premium paints already include primer/sealers.
Here’s when you should use a separate primer:
You’re painting raw, unsealed drywall
You’re drastically changing colour (e.g., dark red to light grey)
You’re painting over glossy or oil-based paint
For repainting or minor colour changes, two coats of premium paint is typically all you need.
Finish Matters: Flat vs. Semi-Gloss in Bathrooms
Many homeowners still think high-gloss is tougher — but that’s no longer true.
Gloss highlights every flaw. In bathrooms, where wall surfaces are rarely perfect, this can make even the best paint job look bumpy.
Here’s how we guide clients:
| Surface | Recommended Finish | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Walls | Flat or Eggshell | Hides imperfections, soft visual texture |
| Ceilings | Flat | Minimizes visual flaws in uneven areas |
| Baseboards & Trim | Semi-Gloss | Easier to clean, adds visual contrast |
Benjamin Moore vs. Other Brands
From real-world experience, Benjamin Moore outperforms Behr and Sherwin-Williams in almost every area that matters for a bathroom.
| Brand | Coverage | Durability | Mold/Mildew Resistance | Needs Multiple Coats? | Hides Defects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | Excellent | Excellent | Yes | Rarely | Yes |
| Behr | Poor | Moderate | Limited | Often | No |
| Sherwin-Williams | Moderate | Moderate | Limited | Usually | No |
Bathroom Colour Tips That Actually Work
Colour is personal — there’s no right or wrong — but there are smart ways to make your space feel fresh and uncluttered.
Here’s what I recommend:
Light colours (off-whites, light greys, soft blues) make the space feel bigger.
Let the tile and vanity stand out — walls are not the focal point.
Contrast is key. If your shower and floors are white, a light olive or muted sage on the wall can add depth without overpowering the space.
Pro tip:
When choosing colour swatches, always go two shades lighter than the sample you love. Once the full wall is painted, the colour will appear darker than the small patch sample.
Prep Work is Everything
You can buy the best paint in the world, but if your surface isn’t prepped properly, it won’t look right.
Before painting:
Patch every hole and dent
Sand down rough spots
Clean the surface thoroughly
Even Benjamin Moore can’t hide a screw hole if the surface isn’t prepped. A smooth base = flawless finish.
Real Bathroom Paint Mistakes I See All the Time
Skipping wall prep: Leads to uneven texture and visible flaws
Using high-gloss on imperfect walls: Magnifies every defect
Choosing trendy colours without contrast: Makes the room feel flat or washed out
Over-relying on primer: Wastes time and money if your paint already has a built-in sealer
Want More Bathroom Renovation Tips?
Check out these helpful resources:
Your Bathroom Deserves the Best
When it comes to painting your bathroom, the old rules no longer apply. You don’t need gloss for durability, and you don’t always need primer — but you do need good prep and premium paint.
Our go-to choice is Benjamin Moore, and we strongly encourage you to avoid cutting corners on coverage and finishes. Your bathroom walls might not be the stars of the show, but they should quietly support the tile and vanity choices you worked hard to choose.
Thinking of renovating? Get in touch with us and we’ll help guide your entire renovation journey from start to finish.