Quick answer
For a bathroom that steams up, use a fungicidal or kitchen-and-bathroom paint, not ordinary emulsion. Kill and wipe off any mould first, then apply two coats. Paint only slows mould down, so you also need an extractor that removes at least 15 litres per second. Our bathroom prices start from £285.
October is when the calls about bathroom ceilings start. The heating goes on, the windows stay shut, and the black spots that were faint in summer suddenly spread across the ceiling and around the window.
If that sounds like your bathroom, here is what we use, how we prepare it, and what to fix so the problem does not come straight back.
What is the best paint for a bathroom with condensation?
The short answer: a paint made for humid rooms, applied over a clean, mould-free surface.
Ordinary vinyl matt emulsion is designed for living rooms and bedrooms. In a bathroom it soaks up moisture, marks easily and gives mould a comfortable place to grow. A paint made for wet rooms is tougher and better at shrugging off steam.
There are two main types:
- Fungicidal paint. Contains an additive that inhibits mould and fungi growing on the paint film. Dulux Trade Mouldshield Fungicidal Matt is one example. It is designed for walls and ceilings likely to be disfigured by mould.
- Kitchen and bathroom paint. Formulated to resist moisture, steam and regular wiping. Most trade ranges include one in a matt or soft sheen finish.
For rooms with frequent, heavy condensation, Dulux recommends a fungicidal eggshell rather than a matt. It has a harder, slightly shiny finish that copes better with water running down the walls.
Which finish suits which part of the bathroom?
| Area | What we usually use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling | Fungicidal or bathroom matt | Steam rises, so the ceiling takes the worst of it. Matt hides an uneven surface. |
| Walls away from the shower | Bathroom matt or soft sheen | Wipeable and resists steam without looking shiny. |
| Walls next to a shower or bath | Fungicidal eggshell or a tougher sheen | Copes with splashes and running condensation. |
| Window reveals | Fungicidal matt or eggshell | Cold surfaces where condensation collects first. |
| Woodwork, door and boxing | Water-based satin or eggshell | Hard-wearing and does not yellow like oil-based gloss. |
Two full coats are normal. Fungicidal paints are applied by brush or roller rather than sprayed, and need about 4 to 6 hours between coats, so a whole bathroom fits comfortably into one day.
Can I paint over bathroom mould?
No. This is the most common mistake we see. Ordinary paint over mould does not kill it. The spores carry on growing and the black spots come back through the new finish within weeks.
Local council guidance says the same thing. Do not paint over mould with ordinary paint, and do not dry-brush or vacuum it, because that spreads the spores.
Our preparation for a mouldy bathroom looks like this:
- Cover and protect. Floors, bath, toilet and basin are covered.
- Treat the mould. Affected areas are wiped with a fungicidal wash and left to work as directed on the product. We wear gloves and eye protection, and keep the window open.
- Wipe off and dry. The dead mould is removed with a damp cloth and the surface is left to dry completely.
- Repair. Flaking paint is scraped back, cracks are filled and sanded, and stained patches are spot-primed with a stain block if needed.
- Paint. Two coats of a fungicidal or bathroom-grade finish.
Skipping steps 2 and 3 is why so many bathroom ceilings need repainting every year.
Why does mould keep coming back on my bathroom ceiling?
Because paint treats the symptom, not the cause. Mould needs moisture. A hot shower puts a lot of water vapour into a small room, and if it cannot escape, it settles on the coldest surfaces: the ceiling, the outside wall and around the window.
Older terraces and semis around Romiley, Marple and Bredbury often have small bathrooms, a single window and no extractor fan, or an old fan that has stopped pulling air. That combination is the usual reason a ceiling turns black every winter.
How do I stop condensation in my bathroom?
These are the checks we suggest before any repaint:
- Fit or check an extractor fan. Building Regulations (Approved Document F) set a minimum intermittent extract rate of 15 litres per second for a bathroom. Hold a sheet of toilet paper near the fan. If it does not pull the paper in, it is not doing much. Fan work needs a qualified electrician.
- Run it during and after every shower. Leave it on until the mirror has cleared. A fan linked to the light with an overrun timer helps.
- Open the window after bathing, even in winter, for a few minutes.
- Keep the door shut while showering, so steam does not travel to cold bedrooms.
- Wipe down the window, tiles and screen with a squeegee or cloth after use.
- Keep the room warm. A steady low heat in winter means fewer cold surfaces for water to condense on.
If damp patches appear without steam, for example a brown tide mark or a wet patch after rain, that is a leak or a building problem, not condensation. Get it looked at before decorating.
How much does it cost to repaint a bathroom in Stockport?
Our guide prices include preparation and trade paint. Mould treatment is part of the preparation, not an extra.
| Job | Price from | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom (walls, ceiling and woodwork) | £285 | 1 day |
| Ceiling only | £165 | Half a day |
| Radiator | £40 | 1 hour |
Prices rise if there is heavy damage, such as large areas of blown or flaking paint, or if the room needs replastering first. You can see our full price list and what is included.
Is winter a good time to have a bathroom decorated?
Yes. Interior work is not affected by the weather, and bathrooms are a quick job. Our Winter interior saver gives 10% off labour on interior jobs booked to start between November and February. One discount per job, and it applies to labour, not materials.
Having the bathroom done early in the winter also means you start the damp months with a clean, mould-resistant finish rather than fighting black spots until spring.
Book a bathroom repaint in Romiley, Marple or Bredbury
We cover Romiley, Marple, Bredbury, Woodley, Compstall and the rest of Stockport. Every job comes with a fixed written quote within 48 hours and a 2-year workmanship guarantee.
Find out more about our interior painting service, or request a free quote and tell us about your bathroom.
Questions
Can I just paint over bathroom mould?
No. Ordinary paint over mould lets it grow back through the new finish. Treat it with a fungicidal wash, let it dry, then use a fungicidal or bathroom paint.
Is matt or eggshell better for a bathroom?
A moisture-resistant matt suits most bathroom walls and ceilings. If walls get wet often, such as beside a shower, a tougher eggshell or soft sheen copes better and is easier to wipe.
How long does it take to repaint a bathroom?
Usually one day for a typical bathroom, including treating mould and two finish coats. A ceiling on its own is about half a day.
Will anti-mould paint stop mould for good?
Not on its own. It helps resist mould, but if moisture has nowhere to go, mould will return. Good ventilation is the real fix.