In what order do you paint a bathroom?

Author: Haven Cruickshank  |  Last update: Sunday, November 2, 2025

  1. Step #1: Choose Your Paint Product and Sheen.
  2. Step #2: Clean Your Bathroom Walls.
  3. Step #3: Prep Your Space.
  4. Step #4: Paint Your Bathroom Walls.
  5. Step #5: Let Dry and Repeat.

In what order do you finish a bathroom?

Starting a bathroom remodel can feel overwhelming, but tackling the project in the right sequence makes the process manageable and successful. By focusing first on the wet area, then moving on to the flooring, toilet, and vanity, and finishing with accessories and ventilation, you can achieve a seamless renovation.

When painting, which is the correct order?

Start with the ceiling

We recommend you start your decorating project at the top and work your way down. Taking this approach will allow you to avoid dripping any paint onto freshly painted areas. Before you start painting, clean your ceiling, fill any holes or cracks and sand it.

What order do professional painters paint a room?

First coat to walls, undercoat woodwork, second coat to walls, top coat to woodwork.

How do you prep a bathroom wall for painting?

Clean the walls

Over time, it's common for soap scum to accumulate on your bathroom walls, leaving behind yellowish, greasy-looking streaks. To get rid of these marks, use a mixture of one-part TSP to four-parts water. Then, wipe down your walls with warm water and let them dry completely before painting.

5 Quick Tips to Paint a Bathroom with The Idaho Painter -- by Home Repair Tutor

Do you caulk or paint first in the bathroom?

Caulk and Patch Before Painting

Before painting, examine all the joints around the bathroom and make sure to recaulk any areas that need to be redone. Make sure you use the correct type of caulk, something that is waterproof and paintable.

Should bathroom paint be flat or semi-gloss?

The glossier it is, the easier it is to clean. A glossy finish makes your bathroom more moisture-repellent, preventing molds and mildew from building up on your bathroom wall. Semi-gloss is also durable and can withstand heavy scrubbing.

What sequence should I paint my room?

To achieve the best results, the best order to paint a room is as follows:
  • Calculate the amount of paint you need and prepare the surfaces.
  • Paint the ceiling.
  • Paint the walls.
  • Paint the woodwork.

Should I paint baseboards or walls first?

Do you paint walls or trim first? From a professional point of view, with interior painting, it makes the most sense to paint your trim first, then ceilings, and then your walls. It's much easier and faster to tape off trim than to tape off your walls.

How many coats of paint do professional painters do?

Another question we get asked a lot from DIY painters and other contractors is, “how many coats of paint do I need when painting the interior or exterior of a home. The general rule is that you should use two coats of paint.

What is the correct sequence of painting?

Paint the Ceiling First

Cut-in the ceiling to walls or crown molding. Keep the brush wet and avoid working with a dry brush. If the adjacent surfaces (walls or crown molding) are to be painted, overlap the ceiling paint onto that surface. Be sure to feather out any brush marks before they dry.

What is the 1 3 rule in painting?

The rule of thirds means that the subject isn't centered; rather, the main focal point can be to one side or at the top or bottom of the image. It's a tool to help artists draw the viewer's eye into the composition, rather than just glancing at the center.

Is it okay to cut-in one day and paint the next?

Key Takeaways: Cut-in and painting on the same day are recommended for the best results. Wait for the trim to dry completely before painting to avoid an uneven finish.

In what order should I paint my bathroom?

  1. Step #1: Choose Your Paint Product and Sheen.
  2. Step #2: Clean Your Bathroom Walls.
  3. Step #3: Prep Your Space.
  4. Step #4: Paint Your Bathroom Walls.
  5. Step #5: Let Dry and Repeat.

How to do bathroom step by step?

How to Remodel a Bathroom in 7 Steps
  1. Remove Bathroom Fixtures. ...
  2. Install the New Shower or Tub. ...
  3. Lay the New Flooring. ...
  4. Hang Drywall and Start Painting. ...
  5. Install Cabinets and Vanity. ...
  6. Update Lighting. ...
  7. Hook Up the Plumbing.

What adds the most value to a bathroom?

5 High Value Bathroom Renovation Ideas That Pay Off
  1. Replace the Bathtub. If you want to make your bathroom more luxurious, install a spa-like tub. ...
  2. Adding Floor and Wall Tiles. Changing the tiles in your bathroom is a great way to improve the style. ...
  3. Prioritize Ventilation. ...
  4. Lighting with a Purpose. ...
  5. Install Double Vanities.

In what order do you paint the interior of a house?

The Best Order to Paint a Room
  1. Ceilings. Paint a 2-inch wide strip on the ceiling where it meets the wall. ...
  2. Walls. Paint a 2-inch strip along ceiling, floor and woodwork with a brush. ...
  3. Woodwork. Paint all trim around doors, windows, ceilings and floor.
  4. Floor. Start in a corner diagonally opposite the room exit.

Do you caulk or paint first?

The answer may surprise you, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. In general, caulk should be applied before painting if the caulk line will be visible once the paint job is complete.

Do you drywall the ceiling or walls first?

Hang the Ceiling First

This makes it much easier to manage and attach the panels since you will not have to fumble around with the screws, measuring tape, and so on. Screws for drywall lids should be placed no closer than 16” from the wall. This allows the drywall to have a bit of flexibility to prevent ceiling cracks.

What is sequence painting?

Sequence is a captivating artwork created using acrylic paint and mirrors on stretched canvas. This piece explores the interplay between color and reflection, inviting viewers to engage with the dynamic relationship between the artwork and its surroundings.

How to paint a room step by step?

  1. Step #1: Make a Plan.
  2. Step #2: Prep the Walls.
  3. Step #3: Clean the Walls.
  4. Step #4: Paint the Ceiling.
  5. Step #5: Paint Any Trim, Molding or Baseboards.
  6. Step #6: Paint the Walls.
  7. Step #7: Let Dry and Apply Second Coat.

What order should you do paint by numbers?

We suggest starting on the smallest areas of the canvas first. Hot tip – toothpicks work really well for filling in teeny tiny areas! Then move to the big areas later. Another good tip is to start at the top of the canvas and work your way down.

What is the best option for bathroom paint?

Semi-gloss and high-gloss paints are two of the most commonly chosen bathroom options due to the durable, shiny finish that can endure moisture and be easily cleaned. Stain-resistant and can take quite a bit of cleaning by wiping or scrubbing, these paints are ideal for bathrooms and other high-traffic areas.

How long does it typically take for paint to dry between coats?

There's rarely an issue with waiting too long between coats of standard house paint. While it's typical to recoat within 4-12 hours, some projects allow weeks or even months between coats without any problems. For instance, on larger builds, painters often wait until other trades finish before applying the final coat.

How to paint around a toilet?

The easiest hack for painting behind a toilet -- just put a trash can over the toilet tank and run a roller behind it. Depending on how close your toilet is to the wall you might need to use a smaller roller. But this is LITERALLY the easiest way to paint behind a toilet without getting paint all over the porcelain.

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