Ordinary emulsion applied to a bathroom or kitchen wall will start to peel, blister or grow mould within a year or two in most UK homes. The problem is not the colour — it is the formulation. Kitchens and bathrooms are steam-generating environments, and the paint you use needs to cope with repeated cycles of humidity, condensation and cleaning. This guide explains what to look for, what the different product types actually mean, and how to make a lasting choice.
Why Standard Emulsion Fails in Wet Rooms
Standard matt emulsion is formulated for dry, stable environments. It is microporous (which is great for breathability in living rooms) but also absorbs moisture. In a bathroom or kitchen, that moisture works its way into the paint film, breaks the bond with the substrate, and creates the conditions for mould spores — always present in indoor air — to take hold. The result is the familiar dark spotting around extractor fans, on ceilings above showers, and in the corners above worktops.
The fix is a paint with:
- A higher sheen level (satin, semi-gloss or gloss) — smooth surfaces repel moisture more effectively than flat ones
- Anti-mould / fungicidal additives — biocides incorporated into the paint film that inhibit mould growth at the surface
- A tougher, more washable binder — typically an acrylic or vinyl-acrylic formulation that resists scrubbing and detergents
Sheen Levels Explained
| Sheen Level | Approx. Light Reflectance | Best Use in Wet Rooms |
|---|---|---|
| Matt / Flat | 0–5% | Avoid in bathrooms and kitchens |
| Soft sheen / Silk | 10–20% | Acceptable in a well-ventilated kitchen |
| Eggshell | 10–25% | Good for kitchen and bathroom walls |
| Satin | 25–45% | Recommended for bathrooms and shower rooms |
| Semi-gloss | 45–70% | Ideal for tiles, woodwork and ceilings in very steamy rooms |
| Gloss | 70–90%+ | Woodwork only (doors, skirting, architrave) |
The higher the sheen, the easier the surface is to wipe down and the less moisture it absorbs — but high-sheen paints also highlight surface imperfections. In a bathroom where the plaster is not perfectly smooth, a satin or eggshell with good moisture-resistance is often the best compromise between performance and appearance.
Types of Kitchen and Bathroom Paint
Dedicated bathroom / kitchen emulsion — products marketed specifically for wet rooms. These are typically satin-finish, contain anti-mould biocides and have a tougher acrylic binder. They are the most straightforward choice for most homeowners. Expect to pay £15–£25 per 2.5-litre tin from DIY multiples; premium products from specialist paint brands run £30–£45 for 2.5 litres.
Eggshell — traditionally oil-based, now widely available in water-based (acrylic) formulations. Acrylic eggshell is tougher than standard emulsion, has good moisture resistance, and dries faster than oil-based. It works well on both walls and woodwork in kitchens and bathrooms. Cost: £18–£40 per 2.5 litres.
Satinwood — similar to eggshell but with a slightly higher sheen; primarily marketed for woodwork but can be used on walls for a more reflective finish. Good in smaller, darker bathrooms where light reflection helps.
Anti-condensation paint — a specialist category that uses a thermal insulating filler to keep the paint surface fractionally warmer than ambient air, reducing the point at which condensation forms. It is not a substitute for proper ventilation, but it can help on problem surfaces like cold external walls and ceilings. Cost: £20–£35 per 2.5 litres.
Tile paint — formulated to bond to ceramic tiles without the need for a specialist primer. Useful for refreshing existing tiles without the disruption of re-tiling. Results vary significantly with preparation; the surface must be perfectly clean and degreased. Durability is 3–6 years with careful use. Cost: £15–£30 per 500 ml kit (the smaller volume reflects the thinner coats needed).
Coverage and How Much to Buy
Most bathroom and kitchen paints cover 10–13 m² per litre at the recommended spread rate (two coats). For a typical UK bathroom of around 6 m² of wall area (not counting the door and window), a 2.5-litre tin will comfortably do two coats and leave some for touching up.
For a typical kitchen — say 20–25 m² of wall area — buy 5 litres. In colourful or very dark shades, budget for a third coat.
Surface Preparation: The Step Most People Skip
The best bathroom paint in the world will not last on poorly prepared surfaces. Before painting:
- Treat any existing mould — apply a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach, 4 parts water) or a proprietary mould remover. Leave for at least 30 minutes and wipe off. Do not paint over mould.
- Clean thoroughly — walls in kitchens accumulate grease; use a sugar soap solution and rinse well. Allow to dry fully (24–48 hours in a bathroom).
- Fill any cracks or holes — use a fine surface filler; let it dry and sand smooth.
- Apply a fungicidal primer if there has been significant mould — this provides an additional barrier before your topcoats.
In a completely newly plastered room, the plaster must cure for at least four weeks before painting. Apply a mist coat first (emulsion thinned 10% with water) to seal the porous surface before full-coat application.
Ventilation: The Cause Paint Cannot Fix
No paint, however well formulated, will permanently solve a bathroom mould problem if the underlying cause is inadequate ventilation. Building Regulations Approved Document F requires:
- Bathrooms: intermittent extract ventilation at 15 litres/second (l/s) or continuous ventilation at 8 l/s
- Kitchens: extract at 30 l/s adjacent to the hob, or 60 l/s for a cooker hood
If your bathroom fan is not achieving these rates — or has no fan at all — the right solution is a new or upgraded extractor before spending money on premium paint. A decent intermittent bathroom fan costs £30–£80; installation by an electrician typically adds £80–£150.
Cost Comparison Summary
| Product Type | Typical Price (2.5 L) | Durability in Wet Rooms |
|---|---|---|
| Standard matt emulsion | £8–£15 | 1–2 years |
| Specialist bathroom / kitchen paint | £15–£25 | 4–7 years |
| Premium anti-mould paint | £30–£45 | 5–8 years |
| Acrylic eggshell | £18–£40 | 4–8 years |
| Anti-condensation paint | £20–£35 | 3–6 years |
| Tile paint | £15–£30 (500 ml) | 3–6 years |
The price difference between a standard tin and a specialist product is modest — often £10–£15 — but the payback in reduced maintenance and a better-looking room over several years makes specialist bathroom and kitchen paint the clear choice.
Tips from the Trade
- Apply in thin coats: bathroom paints are often higher in binder solids and can show brush marks if applied too thickly. Thin coats, lightly cross-hatched, give a smoother finish.
- Use a mini foam roller on walls: speeds application and gives a consistent finish with less stippling than a brush.
- Allow proper drying time between coats: most bathroom paints specify a minimum of 2–4 hours between coats. Rushing this in a humid room can trap moisture under the film and cause adhesion failure.
- Ventilate during painting: open windows and run the extract fan; VOC levels in specialist paints are generally low but ventilation while drying helps the paint film harden properly.
A good bathroom or kitchen paint job, on properly prepared surfaces, should last five to eight years before needing a refresh — well worth the modest additional investment over a standard tin.
