Painting a bathroom

[LaurenB]

Question for the gallery... I am thinking of painting a bathroom which currently has a semi-gloss paint. Someone mentioned that they always use exterior paint on their walls, because it is washable. I would prefer that flat look to the semi-gloss.

I read somewhere that you are supposed to sand the semi-gloss before you paint, as the new paint won't stick unless you do. I don't think I did that many years ago when the bathroom was painted, and I sure don't want to do it now. I think I just painted semi-gloss on top of semi-gloss.

Do you think an exterior paint would stick to the old semi-gloss, without sanding? Does anyone have any experience with this?

[artscallion]

- you can paint latex over oil based paints. But not the reverse.
- it is recommended that you use gloss or semi-gloss in a bathroom because of all the moisture and humidity there. This can cause mold and mildew. Flat paint is a magnate for moisture and you'll have problems. Gloss and semi-gloss resist moisture and even if you do get mold or mildew, the gloss finish will allow you to wash it off. You cannot do that with flat paint.
- they sell mildew resistant paint formulated specifically for bathrooms. It's particularly important to use this on ceilings where moisture can collect and hang there, rather than a wall where moisture will collect and run down.
- yes, you should always lightly sand a gloss surface if you're going to repaint it. it will help the paint adhere. This really just means a quick light rub over the walls that should take you no more than 5 or 10 minutes.
- hallways/stairways also do well with gloss, eggshell or satin as people are more likely to touch these and get them dirty. You want them washable.
- in other rooms where you won't need a lot of washing, I recommend flat paint as it hides bumps, cracks and defects better. A gloss or semi will show off any defects because light will reflect off of them.

[LaurenB]

Thanks for the feedback. Guess it's off to the store to get some sandpaper, LOL.

[bwaylyric]

Instead of sandpapering, just apply primer paint first.

[artscallion]

Well it's a whole lot easier and cheaper to lightly sand a wall than it is to buy primer and paint the room twice. I mean you're only lightly wiping the sandpaper over the wall once to give it some fine scratches for the new paint to grip onto.

[FishermanBob]

Great advice Artscallion. Concise and specific. You sound like you've done this once or twice before.

[wonkit]

Because of the moisture in the bathroom, I strongly suggest that you both sand lightly AND prime. I am assuming it is not that big a surface, and priming walls in bathrooms ensures that the paint will adhere evenly.