What’s the Best Paint for High-Humidity Areas Like Kitchens and Bathrooms?

What’s the Best Paint for High-Humidity Areas Like Kitchens and Bathrooms?

Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most hardworking rooms in any home. They’re exposed to constant changes in temperature, high humidity, steam, grease, and splashes—all of which can wreak havoc on your walls and ceilings if the wrong type of paint is used. If you’re planning a makeover in one of these spaces, you’ve probably asked yourself: what’s the best paint to withstand damp, humidity, and daily wear without peeling or moulding?

Let’s explore what makes paint suitable for moisture-rich rooms and highlight the best products you can use to get a clean, long-lasting finish.

Why Regular Paint Doesn’t Cut It in Damp Rooms

Most standard interior wall paints (especially matt emulsions) aren't designed to handle constant moisture. In areas where steam from hot showers or cooking builds up regularly, poor-quality or inappropriate paint can begin to peel, bubble, or crack over time, condensation can lead to:

• Peeling or bubbling paint

• Mould or mildew growth

• Discolouration or staining

• Premature wear and tear

To avoid costly rework or health concerns from mould spores, it’s important to choose paint that’s specifically formulated to resist moisture and stay fresh-looking, even in the most demanding areas of your home. To prevent these issues, you need a specialist paint with moisture resistance, washability, and anti-mould properties.

What Features to Look For in Kitchen & Bathroom Paint

When shopping for kitchen or bathroom paint, it’s important to look beyond colour and finish. The best paint for these spaces should include features that go the extra mile in protecting your surfaces and maintaining hygiene. When choosing paint for humid environments, look for these key features:

• Moisture & Steam Resistance: Keeps paint from peeling or flaking due to water vapour.
• Mould & Mildew Protection: Especially important in bathrooms and poorly ventilated kitchens.
• Washable & Scrubbable Finish: Great for cleaning food splashes, soap marks, and everyday grime.
• Durable & Long-Lasting: You don’t want to repaint every year.

Bathrooms, on the other hand, need paint that can endure regular steam and occasional water splashes without deteriorating.

Do You Need a Primer First?

If you’re painting over previously stained walls or surfaces that have suffered from mould or water damage, applying a primer or stain blocker is a smart move. These products help seal the surface, prevent stains from bleeding through, and provide a solid base for your topcoat to adhere to.

At Colour Supplies, we recommend options like Dulux Trade Stain Block Primer, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer, or Ronseal One Coat Stain Block. These can be used on walls and ceilings before applying your chosen bathroom or kitchen paint, especially if you're working with porous or previously damaged areas.

Tips for a Successful Paint Job in Humid Areas

Before you crack open a paint tin, proper preparation is key—especially in humid rooms. Start by cleaning the walls thoroughly with a sugar soap solution or a mild detergent to remove any grease, soap scum, or residue. If mould is present, treat it with a fungicidal wash and ensure the area is completely dry before painting.

Ventilation is just as important as paint choice. Open windows, turn on extractor fans, and consider using a dehumidifier while painting and for a few days afterward. Always follow the manufacturer’s drying times between coats. Most bathroom and kitchen paints require at least two coats to achieve full durability and moisture protection.