Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
The easiest way to give your bathroom a makeover is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. This step-by-step guide will show you how to paint your bathroom walls and ceilings without making a mess.
Be sure to choose paints that are specifically designed for bathrooms and kitchens. They can cope with the high humidity and have additives that protect against mould and mildew. It's also important to keep your bathroom well-ventilated while you're painting.
Before you start, cover all the fittings in your bathroom with plastic to prevent paint splatters getting on them. Also, make sure you put down a drop sheet.
If you've got any mould, get rid of it with a bleach solution before you begin. You'll need to sand the top coat on your plaster walls and ceiling before you paint. Use a sanding pad and 150-grit sandpaper for a nice even finish. Then wipe down the surfaces with a cloth to get the dust off. Always wear eye protection and a dust mask when sanding.
When painting a surface, always start by cutting in the edges. Use a cutting in brush, which is cut on an angle, to make sure you get an even, clean job. Apply your undercoat to all the edges. Make sure you've got adequate ventilation while you paint – open doors and windows, and use your bathroom exhaust fan.
After cutting in your ceiling and walls, paint the ceiling with the undercoat. Use a roller for good coverage when painting larger surfaces. Make sure you keep the flat surface of the roller on the wall side when rolling, so the metal bracket doesn't damage your wall.
Once the undercoat is dry, apply your top coat the same way you applied the undercoat in Steps 4–6. Start by cutting in your ceiling and walls again along your marking tape. Then paint the ceiling using your roller, applying an even paint spread. Let the first coat dry and then give the ceiling a final top coat.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
