Shower Enclosures / Bathrooms

Painting these areas is basically the same as any other with just a few additional points:

· Ceilings

Exposure to damp conditions in bathrooms, and shower enclosures particularly, means that mould and mildew are more likely to appear than anywhere else.

If this is a problem, a specialist paint like Zinsser Perma-White™ contains anti mould and mildew additives and is better suited to ceilings in particular than standard emulsion paints.

It is available in several different finishes and is also tintable.

You must clean-off any mould or mildew initially using a mild bleach solution before applying any paint and you must ensure that the area has adequate ventilation – either a window or an extractor-fan otherwise the problem will recur!

If mould and mildew are not a problem then the ceiling can be painted using conventional ceiling emulsion. I would suggest a two coat approach with a primer/sealer such as E-B™ added to the first coat. This will help the paint adhere to the ceiling.

Alternatively – and an approach I prefer – use an acrylic eggshell emulsion which will repel condensation better than normal ceiling emulsion.

Depending on the brand, acrylic eggshell emulsion can be much thicker and considerably more sticky than normal emulsion paints and can therefore potentially pose a problem. You will need to use a SHORT-PILE Roller to apply it. A longer-pile roller tends to provide too much suction and will very possibly pull off the paint you have just applied giving an uneven and unsightly surface finish in areas. Do not attempt to re-roll as this will make it worse! Finish off with a light touch of the roller. If you do get this problem allow the paint to dry competely and the lightly sand the affected area. Re-roll as necessary to achieve the desired finish.

· Masking Tiled Areas

When painting the ceiling of a tiled-area - typically shower-enclosures and bathrooms it is a major time-saver to apply masking tape to the tiles to protect them from overpainting. However! it is vital that you don’t just stretch the tape across the tiles because the grouting join between each tile provides a gap where paint can drip.

Apply masking tape across the first tile then press the tape into the grout making sure there is no gap. Continue on. When paint is dry peel-off carefully.

maskingtape grouting

· Masking off beading around tiles

Unsightly overpaint spoils the finished look in many bathrooms. Take a minute to apply masking-tape and you’ll get a sharp finish.

· Protecting the bath

In general, normal drop-cloths are too heavy to drape over a bath; they keep falling off under their own weight. Use lightweight plastic drop-sheets instead.

· Protecting the toilet and cistern

If it is possible, remove the lid on the cistern do so and apply masking-tape around the edges. If not; apply masking-tape carefully around the edges – not forgetting to get right underneath! Mask off the large waste-pipe as well!

Cover the cistern and the seat with drop cloths.

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It can be difficult to shape a large drop-cloth around the back and sides of a toilet. Use old heavy towels, smaller pieces of heavy drop cloth or use plastic sacks.

· Protecting the sink

If painting up to the edge of a sink apply masking-tape carefully around the edges – not forgetting underneath! Cover with a lightweight drop-cloth.

· Protecting the Shower Tray

Place a drop-cloth in the shower tray when using a ladder to apply masking tape and when painting. Lean the ladder against the wall and remember to mind the upper shower rail which can be awkward to work around.

· Protecting the Shower Head and Controls

Don’t forget to cover these – especially if they are chrome or brass. Paint spatters will spoil their appearance if you don’t protect them. Simply tape a lightweight dropsheet to the tiles and let it cover all the fitments in one go.

bathroom shower head mask