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.
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.
Satin paint is often a good paint for bathroom walls and ceilings. It does have some gloss to it, but not a large amount. Furthermore, it is durable and is able to withstand the steam and condensation that is emitted from showers/baths.
Normally, ceilings should be a flat paint, walls an eggshell paint, trim can be either satin or semi-gloss paint. But in bathrooms and kitchens, ceilings, walls and trim should be wither satin or semi-gloss.
Semi-gloss is also durable and can withstand heavy scrubbing. Because of this, semi-gloss is usually the most recommended paint finish for bathrooms, especially if you have a humid bathroom. High Gloss Finish A high gloss finish is the most durable and the easiest to clean.
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.
Although a flat finish is most popular, more ceiling paint finishes are available: Eggshell finish: After flat, eggshell finish is the next most popular ceiling paint finish. Eggshell paints offer a low sheen while still absorbing most light and hiding ceiling imperfections.
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.
Overall, we would recommend using an eggshell paint for a bathroom over a soft sheen paint, however this is completely up to you.
Mold spores love crevices that they can attach to, so a smooth surface is better. "We also advise a satin or semi-gloss finish," says de Paz. "They're less likely to trap mold and are easier to clean than flat or eggshell finishes."
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.
For example, what paint sheen for bathroom areas? A satin or semi-gloss sheen is ideal, as it can withstand moisture. Imperfections: If you're looking to cover or hide imperfections, flat or eggshell finishes are best.
Painting the walls and ceiling of a room the same color can create the illusion that the room is larger. The room looks taller since the paint blends from wall to ceiling without the obvious break at the seam. This trick works more when you opt for light colors. Think about the lighting in your room.
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.
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.
Bathroom ceilings require special attention due to their exposure to moisture and steam. To repel moisture and prevent mold growth, choose a paint with a higher sheen, such as semi-gloss or satin. Some manufacturers offer specific ceiling paints formulated for high-humidity areas.
Look for something that's both highly opaque and easily washable. Enter: Lick eggshell paint. The main benefit of the eggshell finish for bathroom ceilings is that the reflective sheen maintains its lustre, even after it's been exposed to moisture and splashes.
The soft sheen emulsion can be used on interior walls and ceilings.
Semi- and high-gloss finishes are the most popular and one of the best choices for bathroom walls, especially if there is a proper exhaust fan. Glossy finishes are mildew resistant, repelling moisture, thus reducing the risk of mold development.
Oil-based paint is known for its extreme durability over time and water resistance. However, it is not recommended to paint on bathroom walls due to harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the paint. Typically, using oil-based paint requires good ventilation, which is difficult to get in a standard bathroom.
Satin paint offers more durability with its higher gloss than eggshell paint. Satin finishes withstand frequent cleanings in bathrooms, kitchens, or other high-traffic areas. However, an eggshell finish hides imperfections better than satin.
Paints with a glossy sheen—like satin or semi-gloss—are best for humid rooms. Instead of absorbing moisture like matte or eggshell paint, they deflect it. Glossy paints can resist moisture because they have a more complex finish. Another benefit of using glossy paint is that it is easy to clean.
Flat paint is typically recommended for gyprock and fibro ceilings. Avoid flat paint in mould prone areas, woodwork or areas that will be regularly touched. The lower the sheen level the easier it is to hide imperfection. This is because flat paint reflects minimal light.
You can use a wall emulsion to paint ceilings, all interior wall emulsions are technically suitable for ceilings too but for the best finish, a flat matt paint on a ceiling gives the best overall look. It helps to hide any uneven areas or surface imperfections that are often highlighted by the light.
Favorite whites for ceilings include White Dove OC-17, Cloud White OC-130 and Decorator's White OC-149.