Q: What is the best paint sheen to use in a bathroom?
A: As a paint-obsessed DIY blogger, I get a lot of questions about the types of paint that should be used for particular projects. Most paint enthusiasts are in agreement about paint for many things, but the sheen chosen for bathroom walls is often up for debate.
Shiny Sheen, Easy Clean
Generally, the shinier the paint sheen, the easier it is to clean and the better it resists moisture. Many people recommend using a semi-gloss in bathrooms since it virtually repels moisture.
Eggshell and Satin Sheen
Eggshell and satin sheens are recommended for a bathroom doesn’t get too much use — like a powder room or guest bathroom.
Well, I don’t believe any of that. I’ve never had mold grow on my bathroom walls themselves (maybe in the tile grout, but that’s a horse of a different color). Even with two kids, any water splashes generally stay contained to the tiled or the bath surround surfaces.
When to Use Flat or Matte
If you have a bathroom with good ventilation and the water doesn’t get all over your walls, I think that it’s absolutely fine to use a flat or matte sheen paint for bathroom walls.
As long as you are using a premium brand (like Glidden Paint), you’ll be able to clean your walls without degrading the paint. Paint formulas are so advanced these days that a premium flat paint washes completely differently than a builder’s grade flat paint.
Now that I’ve made your paint sheen decision easy, you just need to pick a color!