Bathrooms work harder than almost any other room in the home. Steam, moisture, mould and everyday grime can all affect the surface, so you’ll need to give your bathroom a little extra attention before reaching for the paintbrush.
It might be tempting to skip straight to the colour, but don’t do it! Correct prep helps your paint adhere properly, creates a smoother finish and reduces the risk of peeling or flaking later. Follow these steps to prepare your bathroom walls and ceiling for a fresh new look.
What You’ll Need:
How To Do It:
Step 1: Clear
Remove towels, bathmats, toiletries and anything else that could get in your way. Take down removable fittings and accessories, such as towel rails, hooks and mirrors, where practical.
Next, cover the vanity, bath, shower screen, toilet and floor with masking film or drop sheets. A little time spent protecting the room now can save you a big clean-up later.
Expert Tip - Keep screws and small fittings together in labelled containers or resealable bags. This will make putting the bathroom back together much easier.
Step 2: Inspect
Inspect the walls and ceiling for water stains, bubbling paint, soft plaster or recurring mould. These can be signs of a leak, condensation problem or poor ventilation.
If you find an active leak, repair the source before painting. Covering water damage with a fresh coat of paint won’t fix the problem and the stain or surface damage may quickly return. If the surface feels soft, damp or badly damaged, speak to a qualified professional before continuing.
Step 3: Remove Mould
Where mould is present, treat the affected walls and ceiling with Selleys Rapid Mould Killer. Scrub the surface thoroughly, then allow it to dry completely.
Step 4: Clean
Wash the walls, ceiling and floors thoroughly with Selleys Sugar Soap. It’s important to remove all dirt and grime for the tiled surfaces before painting. Allow the clean surfaces to dry fully before moving on.
Step 5: Repair
Use a paint scraper to remove peeling, bubbling or flaking paint from the walls and ceiling. Work carefully around the damaged area until only firmly adhered paint remains.
Fill small holes, dents and cracks in tiles a hard epoxy-based filler like Selleys Knead-It Aqua. For regular walls, use Selleys Spakfilla Rapid.
Step 6: Sand
Once the repairs are complete and dry, sand the repaired areas with 120 grit sandpaper until they are smooth and level with the surrounding surface. Then lightly sand the remaining surfaces.
For tiled surfaces, use 400 grit sandpaper. Once the sanding is done, wipe away any excess dust with a cloth.
Step 7: Remove Silicone
Inspect the silicone around painted edges, tiles, the vanity and other fixtures. If it is loose, cracked or mouldy, remove it before painting with a silicone remover tool. For an easier time, use a sealant remover like Selleys Sealant Remover to break down and soften the old silicone before removing. Allow the grout line to dry fully before moving on.
Step 8: Mask
Apply masking tape along tiles, trims, fittings and any edges you want to protect. Use masking film for larger areas and make sure your drop sheets are secure.
Expert Tip - Keep the outside edge slightly fanned out where practical to help catch paint splatter.
Step 9: Prime
For regular walls, apply 1 coat of Dulux Precision Stain & Mould Blocker Primer. First cut in around the edges before rolling. Allow to dry.
For tiles, apply 1 coat of Dulux Renovation Range Primer. Cut in the grout lines and around the edges before rolling. Allow 4 hours to dry.
Now you’re ready to paint. And while prep might not be the best part of your paint project, taking the time to get it right will only enhance the final result of your room transformation.
Visit your local Inspirations Paint store for everything you need for this project and more.