Standard emulsion on a bathroom ceiling will flake, peel, and grow mould. The right paint makes all the difference.
Why Bathroom Ceilings Are Different
The challenge:
- Steam rises and hits the ceiling
- Condensation forms and sits
- Moisture has nowhere to go
- Temperature swings from hot shower to cold room
- Limited ventilation often
What standard paint does:
- Absorbs moisture
- Softens and peels
- Grows mould
- Looks shabby within months
What to Look For
Mould Resistance
Anti-mould additives prevent mould growing on the paint surface. Some paints have this built in; for others, you can add it.
Note: Anti-mould paint stops mould ON the paint. It won't fix mould caused by damp walls or condensation issues - you need to address those separately.
Moisture Resistance
Kitchen and bathroom paints have more polymers and less porous surface. Water beads rather than soaking in.
Sheen Level
Matt: Hides imperfections but more porous Silk/Satin: Easier to clean but shows lumps Eggshell: Good compromise
For bathrooms: slight sheen is better for moisture resistance.
Top Picks
Best Overall: Dulux Easycare Bathroom
What it is: Specifically designed for humid rooms with built-in mould resistance.
Why it's good:
- Genuine steam resistance
- Anti-mould technology
- Good coverage
- Reasonable price
Coverage: 12-13m² per litre Sheen: Soft sheen Price: ~£25-30 for 2.5L
The verdict: The reliable choice. Does what it says.
Best Budget: Crown Breatheasy Bathroom
What it is: Budget-friendly bathroom-specific paint.
Why it's good:
- Good moisture resistance
- Affordable
- Mould resistant
- Low odour
Coverage: 11-12m² per litre Sheen: Mid-sheen Price: ~£18-22 for 2.5L
The verdict: Good if budget matters. Slightly less durable than Dulux.
Premium Option: Little Greene Intelligent Matt
What it is: High-end water-based paint with excellent washability.
Why it's good:
- Beautiful finish
- Very durable
- Can wipe marks off
- Low VOC
Coverage: 14m² per litre Sheen: Matt (but tough matt) Price: ~£50-60 for 2.5L
The verdict: Worth it if you want the best finish. Overkill for a rental bathroom.
For Mould-Prone Areas: Zinsser Perma-White
What it is: Self-priming paint with serious mould prevention.
Why it's good:
- 5-year mould guarantee
- Works over existing mould (after treatment)
- Extremely moisture resistant
- Self-priming
Coverage: 9-10m² per litre Sheen: Satin or Semi-gloss Price: ~£35-45 for 2.5L
The verdict: The nuclear option for problem bathrooms.
What to Avoid
Standard Matt Emulsion
Dulux Matt, Crown Matt, etc. - not designed for bathrooms. Will absorb moisture and fail.
Contract Matt
That cheap trade paint. Fine for living rooms, disaster in bathrooms.
Masonry Paint
Some people try exterior paint for moisture resistance. It's not designed for indoor use - fumes, texture, and finish all wrong.
Preparation Matters
Even the best paint fails on bad prep.
For Clean Ceilings
- Sugar soap wash
- Rinse and let dry completely
- Light sand (120 grit)
- Prime any bare patches
For Mouldy Ceilings
- Treat the mould first - Fungicidal wash, leave 24 hours
- If it's bad, scrape off loose paint
- Wash with sugar soap
- Prime with stain blocker (Zinsser BIN or similar)
- Then topcoat
Don't paint over mould without treating it. You'll see it coming back within weeks.
For Flaking Ceilings
- Scrape all loose paint
- Sand edges smooth
- Fill any holes
- Prime bare areas
- Topcoat
Anti-Mould Additives
If you want to use a paint that isn't specifically anti-mould, you can add:
- Polycell Mould Shield (add to any emulsion)
- Alkali-resistant additive (trade products)
How: Follow product instructions - usually a specific ratio per litre.
Application Tips
Tools
- Roller for main ceiling (medium pile)
- Cutting-in brush for edges
- Extension pole (save your neck)
Technique
- Cut in edges first
- Roll in sections, overlapping
- Watch for drips near light fittings
- Two coats usually needed
- Allow proper drying between coats (check tin)
Timing
Paint when bathroom is completely dry. Morning after a day of no showers is ideal.
Finish Guide
| Finish | Moisture Resistance | Hides Imperfections | Easy Clean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt | Lower | Best | Harder |
| Eggshell | Medium | Good | Medium |
| Satin | Higher | Shows more | Easier |
| Semi-gloss | Highest | Shows most | Easiest |
For most bathroom ceilings: Eggshell or soft sheen is the sweet spot.
Real Talk
The paint is only part of it. If your bathroom:
- Has no extractor fan
- Has a fan that doesn't get used
- Has poor ventilation
...you'll keep having problems regardless of paint. Fix the ventilation.
Want the ceiling done properly? I paint bathroom ceilings across Exeter - proper prep, proper paint. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.
