Paints with a glossy sheen—like satin or semi-gloss—are best for humid rooms. Instead of absorbing moisture like a matte or eggshell paint would, they deflect it. Glossy paints can resist moisture because they have a harder finish. An additional benefit of using glossy paint is that it is easy to clean.
Satin and semi-gloss paints have a higher sheen value, meaning it provides a harder finish that proves more moisture resistant. Along with the benefits of moisture resistance, satin and semi-gloss finishes are also very washable and scrubbable.
Mineral silicate finishes are extremely vapor permeable and allow moisture vapor to escape freely. And these finishes protect against damage from freeze thaw by keeping concrete dryer. Trapped moisture vapor can freeze and expand causing damage and spalling.
Satin paints contain mildewcide which prevents mold and mildew growth on walls. Satin finishes are moisture-resistant, making them suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. Satin is also preferable for exterior surfaces, including wood, concrete, and metal.
Set up fans to remove the humidity from the room or painting area. You can also place a dehumidifier in the room for an hour or two before starting. Paint at a different time during the day.
When painting over a damp patch, you should always use a specialist paint. Paints designed for damp often have properties that treat the problem as well and stop it from coming back. They also let moisture escape meaning there won't be a build-up of damp.
This is true with water and oil-based paints. For optimal results, the painting should be completed when relative humidity is between 40-50%. While too much humidity is damaging to paint, you still want some to reach a well-calibrated drying time. Avoid painting when the humidity is 85% or more.
Coo-Var Voted Best Anti Condensation Paint!
Satin paint has some sheen to it, and is an excellent choice for hardworking rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms. It stands up exceptionally well to scrubbing and regular cleaning. However, its glossiness highlights wall imperfections like cracks, divots or poorly patched areas.
Pros: A satin finish reflects more light than matte and stands up well to washing. Use in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, the kitchen and a kid's room as well as on trim and molding throughout the house. Cons: This finish does not hide imperfections in surface or application; any touch-ups will stand out.
For most applications we recommend the use of Beeck Mineral Paints as they are by far the most durable breathable paints. Want more information on Beeck?
Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite
The Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite is an affordable and simple kit that provides your walls with advanced protection against mold and mildew build-up.
Use a room fan
Grab a room fan to dry small damp spots. If the area that is wet is a small one, then it is possible to use a standing oscillating fan to try it out. Place one or more fans in front of the damp spot and turn them to their highest setting. This helps dry the wall and also gets moisture out of the air.
Semi-gloss is almost the same, but has more reflective qualities than satin paint, and can be slightly more durable. In general, the glossier the paint, the more durable it is, although some paints are designed specifically to be very durable, regardless of sheen.
When to Use Eggshell Paint. Eggshell is commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms, as it is durable and does not pick up dirt easily. If your walls have bumps or imperfections, an extra coat of eggshell can disguise them more easily than satin or high-gloss finishes.
Some types of damp-proof paint contain waterproofing agents that help create a barrier on the wall's surface, preventing moisture from penetrating. Other types of damp-proof paint contain materials that absorb moisture, helping draw it away from the wall's surface and into the air.
For paint that will provide decent durability without the reflectivity of high-gloss finishes, choose a satin finish. Cost: Eggshell paint is more cost-effective than satin paint. Homeowners looking to save at the paint store or repaint large areas are better off going with an eggshell finish.
Eggshell is the most commonly used sheen for interior walls. It is a good middle ground, having enough sheen so that it is easily washable, but not too much to where any wall imperfection will stand out. The look of the eggshell finish is quite attractive for interior painting projects.
With a little more sheen than flat paint, eggshell finish is a great choice for bedrooms due to its softness and low reflectivity. Eggshell paint has grown in popularity due to its versatility in a variety of rooms.
- Improve ventilation: Good ventilation is key for preventing condensation on internal walls. Make sure that your home is well-ventilated by opening windows and doors when possible, and using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. - Use a humidistat: A humidistat is a device that measures the humidity in the air.
Eggshell paint is more resistant to water damage and water stains than flat paints. If you don't mind the shine, semi-gloss and gloss paint do this job even better, but are not popular choices due to more cosmetic reasons. Eggshell paint is popular in kitchens for the same reasons that it is popular in bathrooms.
But even moisture can disrupt how paint dries. Specifically, when it comes to applying acrylic paint to stucco, moisture and a high alkalinity pH result in saponification. As you apply the paint, you'll start to see streaks or a spotty appearance.
What is condensation paint and does it work? Over the past few years, anti-condensation paint has gained popularity among homeowners. The paint slightly insulates the wall improving the surface temperature and the paint can also have a fungicide to stop mould growth germinating.
A 70-percent humidity level is the maximum level for most paints. At a 80- to 85-percent humidity level, the paint will not cure. Below a 40-percent humidity level is not recommended, either, since paint does need enough moisture to cure.