Painting your bathroom can transform its look, but not everything should be coated with paint. From glossy tiles to essential fixtures, certain parts of your bathroom are best left untouched by a paintbrush.
Interior designers warn against painting these surfaces due to durability issues and potential aesthetic flaws. Here’s a detailed guide on 15 parts of your bathroom you should never paint, ensuring longevity and style.
1. Grout Lines
Grout lines might seem like an easy paint target, but resist the urge. Paint simply doesn’t stick well, leading to quick flaking and unsightly peeling. Instead, re-grouting can refresh the look without the hassle.
Also, painted grout can trap moisture, causing more damage over time. The preservation of the original grout ensures not just aesthetic appeal but also structural reliability.
2. Bathroom Tiles (Especially Glossy Ones)
Glossy bathroom tiles have a natural sheen that paint struggles to adhere to. Even with special primers, the paint is likely to slip right off due to the moisture-rich environment. If you’re craving change, consider re-tiling instead.
This maintains the tiles’ reflective beauty while offering a fresh look. Painters often find their efforts short-lived on such glossy surfaces.
3. Bathtubs and Showers
Painting bathtubs or showers might seem feasible with epoxy, yet it never matches the factory finish’s durability. Once painted, they may look appealing for a short while but soon begin to chip and peel.
Instead, professional resurfacing is an option. It retains the original shine and ensures longevity. Remember, your bathtub deserves more than just a fleeting cosmetic fix.
4. Toilets
Toilet painting is an endeavor best avoided. The paint can flake, leading to hygiene nightmares and an unattractive appearance. Besides, no paint can withstand the constant cleaning and water exposure.
Opt for replacing or professionally refinishing your toilet if aesthetics are a concern. The initial allure of a painted toilet quickly fades, leaving regrets and more maintenance.
5. Sink Basins
Sink basins, when painted, face constant wear from water, leading to inevitable chipping and peeling. A customized look may seem appealing but proves impractical over time.
Replacing the basin with a design that complements the bathroom avoids mess and ensures lasting appeal. Preserve the integrity of the sink by keeping it paint-free.
6. Fixtures (Faucets, Handles, Showerheads)
Metallic fixtures such as faucets and showerheads may look enticing with a hint of spray paint, but the result is often corrosion and clogging. The paint doesn’t last long with constant use and exposure to water.
Replacing old fixtures with designs that suit your style promises durability and a polished look, keeping fixtures pristine.
7. Heated Towel Racks
Heated towel racks and paint don’t mix well. The constant heat exposure causes paint to bubble, flake, and embarrassingly peel away. Consider instead investing in a new rack with a factory finish.
A pristine towel rack adds warmth and elegance, enhancing your bathroom experience without the mess of paint.
8. Mirrors or Mirror Edges
Painting mirror edges can lead to trapped moisture and damage to the silver backing, turning your mirror into an unintended horror piece.
Focus on framing your mirror or selecting a design that complements your bathroom’s style. This not only preserves the integrity of the mirror but also enhances its aesthetic appeal. Keep the allure of your reflection clear and undistorted.
9. Natural Stone Surfaces
Natural stones like granite and marble lose their unique texture and elegance when painted. The original material’s charm is irreplaceable, and paint only serves to downgrade it.
Polishing stone surfaces keeps them looking vibrant and maintains their natural allure while offering a luxurious feel that paint can never replicate. Keep the authenticity of stone intact.
10. Caulk Lines
Caulk lines offer a clean separation between different surfaces but don’t hold paint well. Painting them leads to cracking and a sticky, gummy texture.
Replacing old caulk with a fresh application rejuvenates the look and ensures a neat, structured appearance, maintaining the bathroom’s pristine quality. Let caulk lines remain the silent guardians of cleanliness.
11. Ceiling Exhaust Fans
Painting over a ceiling exhaust fan can disrupt airflow and attract dust, detracting from its functionality. Instead, regular cleaning keeps them efficient and fresh-looking.
A clean fan ensures proper ventilation without the hassle of gummed-up paint. Keep your air circulation smooth and the ambiance fresh, avoiding the pitfalls of painting this essential component.
12. Glass Shower Doors
Painting glass shower doors often results in a subpar, homemade look that fails to deliver the desired privacy or aesthetic. Installing frosted glass or applying decorative film offers a stylish upgrade while preserving the sophisticated transparency and cleanliness of the bathroom.
Let glass doors shine without the burden of paint.
13. Floor Drains
Painting floor drains can lead to clogs, peeling, and eventual rust. The airflow is crucial for proper drainage, and paint disrupts this. Instead, focus on regular cleaning to keep them functioning efficiently.
This ensures safety and a polished look.
14. Recessed Lighting Trim
Painting recessed lighting trim can lead to heat-induced flaking and an unattractive ceiling appearance. Instead, choose trims that match or complement your decor.
Maintain the elegance of your ambient lighting without the complications of paint-related deterioration.
15. Vent Covers
Painting vent covers might seem an easy update, but it clogs airflow and warps in humidity. Instead, clean them regularly or replace them with new covers for a fresh look.
Keep your bathroom airy and fresh without the pitfalls of painted vent covers.