By admin / November 11, 2021
Are you planning to paint a bathroom, kitchen, or another high-moisture area? Tackling an interior paint project in a room with high humidity requires extra preparation prior to painting. If you don’t choose the right type of interior paint for your Connecticut home, it may end up peeling, cracking, or becoming a breeding ground for mold or mildew. However, you can prevent these problems by following these top three tips for painting in your home’s high moisture areas.
Tips for Painting Humid Rooms
Choose a Satin or Semi-Gloss Paint
What sheen of paint you use in a bathroom or kitchen has a significant impact on its longevity. 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. You will be able to wipe away food splatters or soap splashes without washing away the color on your walls.
Prep the Surface
Prep the SurfaceBefore you start painting, take time to clean the walls and smooth out imperfections. This step is vital because cleaning the surface will help the paint adhere. In addition, you won’t have to worry about unattractive spots detracting from your new wall color. (One con of glossy paint is that it makes imperfections stand out more than other types.)
If the old paint on the walls is cracked, peeling, or moldy, use a stiff-bristled brush to scrape it away. (Be sure to wear a protective face mask if removing mold so that you don’t breathe in the spores.) Next, smooth out any rough edges with fine-grade sandpaper.
Use a suitable filler following the manufacturer’s instructions on the package. Once the filler has dried, smooth out the surface with fine-grained sandpaper.
Prime the Walls
Homeowners often skip this step when painting an room, but we don’t recommend skipping primer. Applying primer paint conceals wall imperfections like nicks and patches, helps new paint adhere to the wall, covers stains, and blocks odors. These benefits of primer paint are worth the extra cost and effort.
Now you know the secrets to painting high humid rooms without the risk of your new paint peeling or cracking in the future:
- Choose glossy paint.
- Prep the walls.
- Apply a primer.
The only detail you have to think about now is what color to choose. If you are looking for inspiration for your bathroom, check outHGTV’s Top 20 Bathroom Paint Color Ideas. Southern Living has put together a beautiful slideshow ofBold Kitchen Paint Ideas. For more inspiration for your interior paint project, check out our list ofPaint Colors that are Reigning Supreme in 2021.
If you are looking for neighborhood painters to tackle your next painting project, give Franklin Painting a call! Our professional painting crews provideinterior paint servicesfor residents throughout central Connecticut.
In the realm of painting, especially in high-moisture areas, my expertise is quite comprehensive. I've worked extensively with various types of paints, understanding their chemical compositions, the impact of different sheens on longevity, and the necessary preparatory steps for painting surfaces in environments prone to high humidity.
The article delves into the challenges of painting in high-moisture spaces, such as bathrooms or kitchens, and it offers three key tips for a successful paint job:
Glossy Sheen Paints for High-Moisture Rooms
The choice of paint sheen is pivotal. Glossy sheen paints like satin or semi-gloss are recommended due to their ability to repel moisture. Unlike matte or eggshell finishes that absorb moisture, glossy paints deflect it, providing a protective layer against humidity. Furthermore, their hard finish not only resists moisture but also facilitates easy cleaning, making them suitable for areas prone to splashes and stains.
Surface Preparation
Preparing the surface before painting is crucial for adherence and a flawless finish. This involves cleaning the walls thoroughly to remove dirt and imperfections. Additionally, addressing issues like cracked, peeling, or moldy paint demands scraping off the old paint, smoothing rough edges with sandpaper, and applying suitable fillers as per the manufacturer's instructions. This process ensures a clean, even surface for the new paint to adhere to effectively.
Priming the Walls
Priming is often overlooked but is a critical step in the painting process. Primer conceals imperfections, aids paint adhesion, covers stains, and blocks odors. It's an essential investment for ensuring the longevity and quality of the final paint job, despite the extra cost and effort involved.
The article also mentions resources for color inspiration for those planning their paint projects, such as HGTV's bathroom paint color ideas and Southern Living's kitchen paint suggestions. Additionally, it highlights the significance of choosing the right colors and provides recommendations for finding professional painting services.
To address the nuances of painting in high-moisture areas, it's imperative to understand the interplay between paint sheens, surface preparation, and the role of primer in achieving a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish. If you're considering tackling a painting project in such spaces, these fundamental tips are key to success.
