Choosing the correct paint, paint sheen and color can be one of the toughest parts of a home project. Whether it is a large remodel or a simple face-lift for a room, choosing the right product can make a big difference. We’ll start our series on this topic with bathrooms.
What Type of Paint to Use
Brand
There are a number of paint brands available in the market. Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore are the two main brands we work with at Helix Painting. Both companies create great products and have price points to fit every budget.
Product
Once you have decided on a paint company, the product choice comes down to how much money you want to spend and how often you plan on repainting. Higher end products will generally last longer. We generally recommend Sherwin Williams SuperPaint and Benjamin Moore Ben as good mid-range products and Sherwin Williams Duration and Benjamin Moore Regal as good higher-end products. For those willing to pay an extra premium, paint companies are now creating products with additives to help repel moisture and resist model, such as Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa.
Sheen
After deciding on product, it is important to consider paint sheen. Bathrooms have a different environment than the rest of your house. They are smaller, fill with steam are likely to have water splashed on the walls. Bathroom walls need to be wiped down more often than other rooms. These differences impact what sheen is best for bathrooms. Paints come in several sheens:
- Eggshell is an easily wipeable, but does not do well in areas with much moisture.
- Satin has a slight gloss finished look, but is only recommended for low moisture environments, like a powder room.
- Sami-gloss repels most moisture well and is easily wiped down, making it a good fit for a bathroom.
- High-glass is excellent at repelling moisture and is easily wiped; however, it can show more imperfections when painted on large surfaces like a wall. It is best to only use high-gloss on trim or cabinets.