A fresh coat of paint can transform a bathroom from a practical part of the house to a beautiful, serene space to be appreciated every day. But not all paint products perform well in high-humidity environments. Whether you're planning a DIY makeover or you're a professional painter, keep reading to learn which products will give you the best results on bathroom walls, cabinets, and ceilings.
Best Paint for Bathroom Walls
Bathroom accent wall painted in Benjamin Moore Golden Vista 308, AURA Bath and Spa, Matte
The biggest difference between bathroom surfaces and the rest of a home’s interior is the amount of moisture they are exposed to every day. High humidity levels can peel a normal interior paint product over time, as well as cause mold and mildew issues — particularly if the bathroom occupies a small space that isn’t well-ventilated.
The best type of paint for bathroom walls is a moisture-resistant paint specially formulated for humid environments. This will ensure a higher quality finish that stands up to years of moisture exposure.
Specialty Matte Paint
In the past, choosing the right sheen for bathrooms was almost entirely about washability. Flat or matte finishes were out of the question because they’re so difficult to scrub clean — especially if it's a white bathroom. A glossy finish was the only way to ensure the bathroom could be wiped free of soap stains, water streaks, and other blemishes. Now, there are a variety of options that allow you to take into consideration the level of shine you want on the bathroom walls.
The paint experts at Ring’s End highly recommend Benjamin Moore AURA Bath & Spa – a durable, premium matte finish that performs beautifully in high-moisture rooms.
Note: AURA Bath & Spa must be allowed to fully dry/cure for a minimum of 24 hours before the next hot shower.
Best Bathroom Wall Paint, Matte: Benjamin Moore AURA Bath & Spa
Grade: Ultra-Premium
Finish: Matte
Formula: Proprietary 100% acrylic
Colors: 3,500+
Eggshell, Satin, or Pearl Sheen
Glossier paint finishes are the traditional choices for bathroom walls, thanks to their inherent washability and moisture resistance. Applying a glossy paint finish requires additional prep work to cover imperfections, but the result is a harder coating that is easily wiped down. If the bathroom receives good ventilation, you can apply a premium interior paint product like Benjamin Moore AURA Interior or Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior in an eggshell, pearl, or satin sheen with excellent results.
However, if the bathroom walls are continually exposed to high moisture levels, it’s a good idea to use an even more durable and water-resistant product for longer-lasting protection. Benjamin Moore Kitchen & Bath is a beautiful satin paint that adds shine to bathroom walls without having to commit to a truly glossy finish. This mildew-resistant formula creates a durable finish intended for the most humid rooms.
Best Bathroom Wall Paint, Satin: Benjamin Moore Kitchen & Bath
Grade: Premium
Finish: Satin
Formula: 100% Acrylic
Colors: 3,500+
Best Paint for Bathroom Cabinets
Bathroom cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore ADVANCE, Marblehead Gold HC-11, Satin
High-quality paint makes a significant difference for bathroom cabinets, which battle both humidity and daily use. The paint product you choose for bathroom cabinets should be formulated to withstand frequent washing — whether you opt for a traditional glossy finish or specialty matte paint.
Satin, Semi-Gloss, or High-Gloss Sheens
With inherently washable qualities, a satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finish is the recommended choice for cabinets that get wear and tear as well as exposure to moisture. Glossier paint finishes require additional preparation to cover imperfections, but the result is a hard, washable coating.
The paint experts at Ring’s End recommend Benjamin Moore ADVANCE in a satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss sheen for a beautiful cabinet makeover.
ADVANCE waterborne alkyd paint feels like an oil-based paint during application, and it levels to a smooth, factory-like finish that resists chipping and damage. In short, it’s the perfect cabinet paint!
Best Bathroom Cabinet Paint: Benjamin Moore ADVANCE
Grade: Premium
Finishes: Satin, Semi-Gloss, High-Gloss
Formula Type: Waterborne alkyd
Colors: 3,500+
Specialty Matte Finish
Benjamin Moore AURA Bath & Spa (matte) performs well on bathroom cabinets in addition to walls and ceilings. Choose this specialty bathroom paint product for cabinets with minimal shine that are still washable and moisture-resistant.
Best Paint for Bathroom Ceilings
Bathroom ceiling painted in Benjamin Moore Steam AF-15, AURA Bath & Spa, Matte
A flat or matte finish is a popular ceiling paint sheen for good reason. It covers surface imperfections and accomplishes a smooth, minimalist look that just can’t be replicated by other sheens. However, a standard ceiling paint with a matte finish does not perform well in bathrooms. Typical flat paint is porous, letting in stains that are notoriously difficult to remove without damaging the paint job.
To incorporate a matte finish on a bathroom ceiling, you’ll need specialty bathroom paint. The team at Ring’s End highly recommends Benjamin Moore AURA Bath & Spa (matte) for its washability and stunning richness of color. Aura Bath & Spa also provides superior protection against mold and peeling – a particular problem with bathroom ceilings.
Note: AURA Bath & Spa must be allowed to fully dry/cure for a minimum of 24 hours before the next hot shower.
Best Bathroom Ceiling Paint: Benjamin Moore AURA Bath & Spa
Grade: Ultra-Premium
Finish: Matte
Formula: Proprietary 100% acrylic
Colors: 3,500+
Shop Quality Bathroom Paint Products at Ring’s End
Accomplish the perfect aesthetic with Benjamin Moore’s premium paint products available through Ring’s End. For convenient delivery to your door, order Benjamin Moore AURA Bath & Spa or Benjamin Moore Kitchen & Bath online through Ring’s End – we’re certain you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for among Benjamin Moore’s expansive selection of over 3,500 paint colors.
Bathroom Paint Color Inspiration
Benjamin Moore offers an unrivaled collection of over 3,500 authentic paint colors. Whether you’re going for a classic neutral look in your bathroom or want to incorporate bold accent colors, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect fit among this vast color selection.
Get inspiration for your bathroom makeover in our guide on Picking the Perfect Paint Color for Your Bathroom!