Best Paint Finish For Bathroom: A Complete Guide

Want to avoid moisture damage and mold growth in your bathroom? It’s simple: Choose the best paint finish for bathrooms to ensure your paint job resists moisture and holds up over time. 

A semi-gloss or satin finish is best for your bathroom walls, and gloss or high-gloss for your trim. Some paint brands offer a matte finish specifically designed for bathrooms, so be sure not to rule those finish options out. Learn about the best paint finish for bathrooms and which brands to choose to transform your space. 

What is the Best Paint Finish For a Bathroom? 

The best paint finish for a bathroom is semi-gloss because it repels moisture without looking too glossy or reflective. Other potential finish options include satin paint, which has a more subtle sheen than semi-gloss, or matte finishes specifically designed to resist moisture and mildew. Choose gloss or high-gloss for your bathroom trim for an easy-to-clean surface. Before painting your bathroom, repair, clean, and prime your walls to ensure a smooth result and strong paint adhesion.

1. Semi-Gloss Paint Finish

With its ability to repel moisture, withstand humidity, and resist mildew, semi-gloss is the best paint finish for bathroom walls. It offers some sheen, which reflects light and allows the room to shine without becoming overly reflective. 

A semi-gloss finish also helps prevent the paint from peeling and bubbling. It holds up well to heavy foot traffic, such as kiddo’s bath nights and daily showers. Plus, it’s durable against dings and scratches, and is easy to clean with warm water and a gentle cleaning solution. 

Be aware that semi-gloss can highlight paint and wall inconsistencies, so a proper prep job is essential. Be sure to patch any holes, sand the surface, clean it, and prime before applying your semi-gloss paint. 

2. Gloss and High-Gloss Paint Finish

A glossy paint sheen helps repel moisture and humidity, making gloss and high-gloss viable options for your bathroom trim and cabinets. You can paint your bathroom walls in this type of finish, but it might be too much sheen for a small bathroom. 

Gloss offers a hard finish that is durable and resists mold and mildew. Some other advantages include being easy to clean, great for baseboards, door trim, and shoe molding. However, gloss and high-gloss finishes show more imperfections, so be sure to prep and sand the surface smooth before priming and painting for best results.

3. Satin Paint Finish

Satin paint finish offers a balance of shine and matte appearance that works well in bathrooms. It has a lower gloss level than semi-gloss or gloss, but more than a flat or eggshell finish. 

Consider a satin finish for a bathroom that isn’t frequented often, such as a guest bathroom or powder room, because it’s more difficult to sanitize and clean. Satin has a reflective appearance without looking glossy, and it’s a water-resistant option. Like other bathroom paint types, be sure to prep and prime the surface first. 

4. Eggshell or Matte Paint Finish

While you don’t typically think of eggshell or matte paint finishes when painting a bathroom, a premium variety that can resist moisture could work. These paint finishes are best in a guest bathroom or powder room that doesn’t have high foot traffic like a primary bathroom. 

When shopping for the perfect paint, choose a product labeled to withstand high-humidity and moisture environments. Even though it doesn’t have a glossy finish, this paint finish can repel moisture and prevent mildew. Be aware though that eggshell paint isn’t as easy to clean as semi-gloss or satin. It’s also more likely to peel if you don’t prep and prime the surface before applying.

Best Brands for Paint Finish

Check out our recommendations for the best paint brands to select when shopping for your bathroom.

Semi-Gloss Finish

• BEHR® Semi-Gloss Interior Paint and Primer: Per BEHR®, this paint saves a step by being an all-in-one paint and primer, plus it’s durable, mildew- and stain- resistant. 

• Benjamin Moore® Semi-Gloss Interior Paint: Per Benjamin Moore®, this interior paint is scuff- and splatter-resistant, easy to apply, and moisture-resistant.

Gloss and High-Gloss Finish

• Benjamin Moore® ADVANCE® High Gloss: Per Benjamin Moore®, this waterborne alkyd paint provides a hard, durable finish and outstanding coverage. It’s recommended for bathroom trim, doors, and cabinetry. 

• Sherwin-Williams® Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel: Per Sherwin-Williams®, this water-based enamel paint creates a durable finish that withstands wear and tear, and it’s great for bathroom doors, trim, and cabinetry. 

Satin Finish

• Benjamin Moore® Kitchen and Bath Paint: Per Benjamin Moore®, this satin finish enamel is designed to resist mildew in bathrooms and kitchens, and it offers a slight shine.

• BEHR® Interior Satin Enamel: Per BEHR®, this satin enamel has a pearl-like finish and works well for low-to-moderate traffic bathrooms. 

Eggshell or Matte Finish

• Benjamin Moore® AURA® Bath and Spa Paint: Per Benjamin Moore®, this custom bathroom paint offers a luxurious, beautiful matte finish that withstands high-humidity environments. 

• Glidden® Premium Interior Latex: Per Glidden®, this latex paint and primer is an all-in-one solution that offers thick, durable coverage. Choose satin, semi-gloss or eggshell for a bathroom. 

Importance of Choosing the Right Paint Finish For a Bathroom 

Choosing the right paint finish is critical in a bathroom to prevent mold, mildew, and peeling paint. Without a semi-gloss, gloss, or satin finish, your walls aren’t likely to hold up to the moisture and splashes over time. To help your paint last—no matter the finish—ensure your bathroom has adequate ventilation by installing a bathroom fan. 

For help with your bathroom paint project, hire a local interior painter. Not only can they help you determine the best paint finish for your bathroom, but they will also ensure the paint job is smooth, durable, and long-lasting.