Semi-
Semi-Gloss or Satin Finish: A semi-gloss or satin finish is ideal for bathroom ceilings because it resists moisture better than flat paint and is easier to clean.
Best Paint for Bathroom Ceilings
A satin finish is fine for a powder room ceiling because the space has less moisture and humidity. But a humid bathroom with a steamy shower requires a more durable and moisture-resistant semi-gloss finish.
The best specialty paint for your bathroom ceiling is acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is not only highly resistant to water, mold, and mildew, but it also dries faster and often contains no VOCs. This paint is less odorous, making it easier to be around while waiting to dry.
Drywall is a common bathroom ceiling material, but when it comes to areas with high moisture, like showers, greenboard is the better option. Greenboard's core has a wax-like substance that repels water, making it more resistant to moisture than regular drywall.
Painted plaster ceilings are the most common type found in UK homes. They look bright and light which is perfect for smaller bathrooms. White ceilings enhance the feeling of space and will make a small room feel bigger. We have an article with small bathroom design tips here.
Due to the high levels of humidity and condensation that both kitchens and bathrooms are subjected to, they become prone to paint cracking, peeling and mildew. In order to avoid these problems, painting with a satin or semi-gloss paint is recommended.
Before applying the paint, make sure to prime the ceiling. This will help the paint adhere better and provide a more even finish. Use a roller with an extension pole to reach the ceiling easily.
Eggshell and Satin Sheen
Eggshell and satin sheens are recommended for a bathroom doesn't get too much use — like a powder room or guest bathroom.
Experts recommend choosing either satin or semi-gloss finish for your bathroom interior because of their durability and wash-ability. However, take note that satin looks best in bathrooms with low moisture and humidity while semi-gloss works well for spaces with high humidity and moisture.
Protect Your Bathroom Ceilings
Haymes Paint recommends the use of Low Sheen or Semi Gloss finishes for these areas.
A water-based primer-sealer-stainblocker specially designed for residential surfaces in high humidity, moisture and temperature environments, KILZ® Kitchen & Bath Primer ensures a mildew resistant primer coat, essential for almost any bathroom renovation.
Polished Chrome: The Classic and Timeless Favorite
Polished chrome has been a staple in bathrooms for decades, thanks to its bright, reflective surface that adds a touch of elegance and cleanliness to any space. It's like the little black dress of bathroom fixtures: simple, timeless, and always appropriate.
The most popular type of ceiling texture is the knockdown texture. The knockdown texture is modern and helps conceal minor imperfections in the ceiling. It also adds an appearance of extra dimension to a room. What are alternatives to drywall ceilings?
Benjamin Moore's Aura Bath & Spa is the perfect paint option for moisture-prone areas like your bathroom. Its matte finish resists mildew, mold, and stains, making it the ideal pick for a bathroom with high humidity levels. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors that'll help you achieve a luxe spa-like look.
Satin is more durable and shinier than eggshell and is ideal for a bathroom. It's also easy to clean. Use it for the walls, ceiling, and even the trim, because many satin finishes are tougher than they once were. Semi-gloss is even tougher and a cinch to clean.
For bathrooms, you are better off choosing green, blue, or purple ceiling boards. Green Board. As its name implies, it has a green covering that makes it moisture resistant, compared to regular drywall.
Oil/Alkyd. Good adhesion, excellent durability and stain resistance make Sherwin-Williams oil/alkyd-based paints excellent choices for trim in high-traffic rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
The best paint for your bathroom ceiling is always going to be 100% acrylic, water-based latex paint. There are many to choose from and they come in many different finishes. We always recommend a semi-gloss for extra protection from humidity and moisture.
Eggshell Paint
These emulsion paints can be used in high-condensation rooms, which is why they are an often popular choice for use in bathrooms. In terms of finish, it is somewhere between matt and a silk finish. To be exact, it has the same amount of sheen as an egg, which is where it gets the name.
PVC ceiling cladding is the perfect finish for your bathroom. This offers a simple, no fuss solution for covering and protecting your bathroom or wetroom ceiling. While also creating the perfect visual effect of minimalism and cleanliness.
Vapor barriers should only be used in areas where there is water or moisture such as kitchens and bathrooms. The interior kitchens and bathrooms specifically need a vapor barrier installed during the building process.
If you want to paint the ceiling in your bathroom, this should be the first step. Just as with the wall later on, two coats are usually recommended so the final result will have an evenly applied look.