Painting my bathroom for the first time felt like stepping into a DIY reality show, except I was the only contestant and there were no prizes, just paint everywhere.
I thought it’d take an afternoon. Spoiler: it didn’t. From nearly gluing my hair to the ceiling with primer to discovering that satin finish does not mean wipe it off with a sponge, I learned a lot.
Eighteen things, to be exact. Like how bathrooms have an alarming number of corners and how painter’s tape has a secret grudge against me. It was messy, chaotic, and oddly satisfying in the end.
1. Prep Always Takes Longer Than You Think
They say patience is a virtue. The calm before the storm was prepping the bathroom which felt more like preparing for a marathon.
Taping edges and covering fixtures turned into an art form that needed precision and time I hadn’t accounted for. Who knew cleaning walls could be this intense?
I found myself scrubbing, sanding, and patching more than I ever expected. Next thing I knew, days had passed which left me wondering if I’d ever start painting. But once I finished, it was as if the room sighed in relief, ready for its makeover.
2. Painter’s Tape Is Both Friend And Foe
Ever had a friend who sometimes turns on you? Painter’s tape is like that. It promises crisp lines and neat edges which becomes your ally in the beginning. But peeling it off can be a test of courage.
Sometimes it sticks a little too well which rips away more than intended which makes you question its loyalty. Yet, like any fickle friend, you can’t do without it.
It’s a delicate dance of trust and betrayal which results in a love-hate relationship that’s oddly satisfying.
3. Test the Color First, Always
Decisions, decisions! Picking a paint color seemed like the fun part until the paint dried and looked nothing like expected. Testing a color first is like sampling ice cream before committing to a scoop.
Those tiny swatches don’t always tell the full story. Under different lights and spaces, colors transform which leaves your bathroom resembling a candy store reject.
Test patches are crucial in avoiding surprising and sometimes comical results. It’s a lesson in humility and patience which keeps you from repainting an entire room.
4. Lighting Changes Everything
Ah which the magic of lighting! It’s the mysterious force that changes a color’s personality. What looked cozy and warm by day turned into a haunted house hue by night which made me question my choices.
Lighting plays tricks on your eyes like a mischievous elf which dances between shadows and brightness.
It’s essential to see your paint in every possible light scenario to ensure your masterpiece doesn’t turn into a spooky surprise. The right lighting can transform a space from drab to fab.
5. Ceiling Paint Will Find a Way Onto Your Face
Gravity is not your friend when painting ceilings. The paint has a mind of its own and always finds its way to your face which gives you a speckled new look.
It’s like the ceiling wants to leave you a memento which drips and drops no matter how careful you are. A hat or a shower cap becomes your best friend and even then, the battle is real.
At least it’s a creative way to refresh your complexion!
6. Bathrooms Have Way Too Many Corners
Corners are the sneaky ninjas of a bathroom. Just when you think you’ve conquered the room, a new angle appears which demands attention.
Navigating those tight spaces is a test of flexibility and patience. It’s a corner here and a crevice there, each one taunting and challenging your resolve.
By the end, you feel like an acrobat which contorted and bent just to get that brush in place. Every corner conquered feels like a small victory.
7. Humidity Is Not Your Ally
Humidity is that uninvited guest who overstays their welcome. Painting in a bathroom is like inviting it to a party where it refuses to leave.
The moisture has its own agenda, slowing down drying times and causing unexpected blotches. It’s a race against the elements which requires strategic planning and dehumidifiers.
The battle against humidity is ongoing, but every victory feels like a small triumph over nature’s persistence.
8. Buy More Paint Than You Think You’ll Need
It’s like the universe knows. Running out of paint mid-project feels like a cruel joke that leaves you scrambling for more in the middle of a masterpiece.
Always buy extra because the paint seems to disappear faster than expected. Estimations can go awry which sometimes leaves you with a half-painted wall and an unfinished dream.
It’s better to have more than less when each dip of the brush feels like gold.
9. Don’t Cheap Out on Brushes
Quality matters. A reliable brush is your best partner in the painting journey, while a cheap one is like a fair-weather friend that quits halfway.
Splurging on a good brush makes a difference in ease of use and the final result. Frustration grows when bristles fall off mid-stroke which leaves unintended patterns and chaos.
A good brush is an investment in sanity and success, transforming painting into a delightful dance.
10. Music Helps, Podcasts Distract
Let the rhythm guide you. Music turns painting into a soothing symphony, each stroke a note in your personal concert.
Podcasts, however, engage the brain in complex narratives which leads to offbeat strokes and wandering thoughts. Before long, you’re lost in someone else’s story and the wall is left in disarray.
Choose your soundtrack wisely which turns your painting into a harmonious experience.
11. Drying Time Requires Patience
Time slows down when you’re waiting for paint to dry. There’s an art to patience when resisting the temptation to touch the wall.
Drying feels like watching grass grow, each minute ticking away slower than the last. Finding patience becomes its own challenge, waiting for the moment when the paint finally sets and seals the deal.
Once it’s dry, the sense of accomplishment is worth the wait.
12. Two Coats Are Usually a Must
Once is never enough. The first coat is like a trial run, setting the stage for the real star to shine. The second coat brings depth and richness, covering up any imperfections left by the first.
Skipping this step is tempting yet often leaves the wall with a patchy and incomplete look. Two coats ensure the color sings with full vibrancy, making the effort worthwhile.
13. Don’t Paint at Night
Nighttime casts shadows that hide the truth. Painting in low light is a gamble, which often leads to surprise mismatches come morning.
The artificial lighting can deceive, leaving you confident until daylight reveals the imperfections in its harsh glare.
It’s best to trust the sun’s honest illumination, ensuring every stroke is true and every color as intended.
14. Keep a Wet Rag Nearby
Accidents happen, and drips are inevitable. A wet rag is a lifeline, ready to catch rogue splashes before they dry and become permanent fixtures.
Having one nearby is like having a superhero on standby, saving the day when paint goes astray. Quick action can prevent small mishaps from becoming lasting blemishes, keeping your bathroom pristine and polished.
15. Touch-Ups Are Inevitable
Perfection is an illusion, and touch-ups are a painter’s rite of passage. No matter how careful, small flaws will show up uninvited.
A steady hand and a patient heart are required to address these minor imperfections. Embrace the process, knowing that each touch-up brings the room closer to flawless. It’s the final polish that makes the bathroom truly shine.
16. Paint Smells Stick Around
Noses don’t lie. Paint fumes linger longer than a bad joke, which often overstays their welcome. Opening windows and ventilating is essential, yet the smell can still hang around like an unwanted guest.
Fresh air is your ally, and a little patience helps the scent fade, leaving only the fresh look of your newly painted space.
17. Clean-Up Is Its Own Project
The aftermath of painting reveals a new challenge. Brushes, rollers, and trays demand attention, each needing a thorough clean to preserve them for future use.
It’s a labor of love, ensuring everything is washed and stored properly. The effort is worthwhile, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and readiness for the next adventure.
18. You’ll Notice Every Flaw Forever
Once the paint is dry, every tiny imperfection is as noticeable as a pimple on picture day. The bathroom becomes a canvas which tells the story of a learning process.
Each flaw is a reminder of the effort and creativity poured into the project. Embrace them as part of the journey which adds character and charm to your space, making it uniquely yours.