Best paint type and finish for a 1/2 bath

last year

We are repainting a 1/2 bath that is the primary bathroom for guests and is used a lot by our little kids.

What finish should I be going for, knowing it will get banged up some? Should the wall finish be different from the molding and door?

Thanks for your input and advice.

Featured Answer

chispa

last year

For walls Aura Bath and Spa.

I like my walls in a matte finish, but some like eggshell.

For trim use a semi-gloss finish.

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Comments (8)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
last year
I would normally use Eggshell on the walls and Satin/Semi Gloss on the trim, but if there are kids involved you might want to use Satin on the walls also.
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fourpawsonetail
last year
Benjamin Moore, semi gloss. You won't regret it.
Mary Elizabeth
last year
All of the answers above are correct - but not specific enough.

Paint sheen with the same name, i.e., "satin", varies greatly between brands, and even within the same brand.. If you know how to read the TDS sheet, it's easier to sort it out.

I LOVE Benjamin Moore paint! Aura is very nice, but (IME) the satin does not "cure" hard enough for trim work.

The newer line of Scuff X from BM is GREAT with kids!

Since it's a bathroom, I would go with the Eggshell for the walls, and either Satin or Semi-gloss for the trim & door. (I prefer the look of Satin.)
PRO
CAGE Design Build
last year
Go for a satin or semi-gloss finish for the walls. You could use the same for molding and door. These finishes are durable, resistant to moisture (especially important in a bathroom), and easy to wipe clean if kids' hands leave smudges or if there are scuffs.

Keep in mind:

- Satin offers a soft, slightly shiny look, balancing durability with a touch of elegance.

- Semi-gloss is more reflective and offers even better durability and scrub-ability, but it can highlight imperfections in the walls.
cat_ky
last year
Years ago, semi gloss was always used for bathrooms and for kitchens. You could scrub the daylight out of it, and it lasted for a very long time. Since you have little kids, I would choose either satin or semi gloss for the walls, and semi gloss for the trim. I still always do bathrooms in semi gloss on the walls. I dont use it for kitchens anymore. I do use eggshell there.
artemis78
last year
last modified: last year
Aura Bath & Spa (which only comes in one finish, matte) is terrific for kids (and also for moisture). We used that for the walls of both of our baths and then used a satin paint for the woodwork and trim—BM Advance in the newer bath and Satin Impervo in the older. Both have held up well and are very easy to wipe down.
PRO
JAN MOYER
last year
last modified: last year
A very washable vinyl wall paper, storage for kiddie junk and last stop before school, , and a very attractive powder room for guests, - all possible within a single 1/2 bath space.

Show what you HAVE? Even little children can be taught to wash hands without drowning a room and yes... little boys.....to AIM. lol

I realize I didn't answer the question. : ) But it's a pee and wash, not a WET bath and definitely not a sauna.