Can You Use Kitchen Paint In A Bathroom? (Answer Explained)

Have you just finished remodelling your kitchen and don’t know what to do with the leftover paint? Giving your bathroom a makeover may sound tempting. After all, kitchen and bathroom paints are the same – or are they?

Can You Use Kitchen Paint In A Bathroom?

You can use kitchen paint in a bathroom. However, you should learn the differences between kitchen and bathroom paint before doing so. The two have slightly different formulas, making it a better idea to use each paint type for its intended purpose. 

Kitchen Paint Properties

Kitchen paint isn’t that different from other latex paints. However, specific ingredients make it a better choice for this environment compared to standard (or even bathroom) emulsions. Here are the factors that make it different.

Water Resistance

Almost all kitchen paints on the market are water-resistant. However, you should not mistake water resistance for waterproofness. Kitchen paint will still absorb moisture, though not at the rate standard interior paint would.

This isn’t a drawback, though, because kitchens aren’t exactly wet environments. Aside from some steam during cooking, your kitchen walls will unlikely be exposed to high volumes of humidity.

Moreover, kitchens are generally well-ventilated rooms. Thus, there is no real need to use waterproof paint in the kitchen.

Grease Resistance

One thing that sets kitchen paint apart from all others is the grease resistance. Kitchen paints are washable and formulated to repel grease and stains. In this way, you can wipe away the spills and splashes with a damp cloth or sponge and enjoy a good-looking finish for a longer time.

Mould Resistance

Kitchen paint may or may not contain fungicides and bactericides, whereas almost all bathroom paints contain these ingredients.

The reason some brands don’t include these ingredients in their kitchen paints is linked to the environment the paint is supposed to be used in.

Because most kitchens are well ventilated, the risk of mould growth is minimal. This isn’t the case in bathrooms, where the high level of humidity can create the perfect environment for mould, mildew, and bacteria to thrive.

Paint Finish

Another characteristic of kitchen paint is the matt finish. Perhaps you may find this choice unsuitable for kitchens, but the contrary is true.

While matt paint absorbs more moisture and grease than higher sheen emulsions, the velvety texture masks most imperfections. Since all kitchen paints are washable, you can wipe away grease and wet spill stains – the paint will reacquire its water resistance and washable properties as soon as it dries.

Bathroom paints are rarely matt. Because of the higher humidity levels in bathrooms, most bathroom paints have a satin or glossy finish. Satin is generally preferred, thanks to its timeless allure. The finish gives off a classier look compared to gloss, although the latter is much more water repellent and stain-resistant.

Some people also consider eggshell paints for kitchens and bathrooms. However, these emulsions are more suitable for hallways and other high-traffic areas that are not exposed to moisture and grease.

Why Does It Work Well In Bathrooms, Too?

You now know the properties of kitchen paint and why using bathroom paint for your bathroom is a better idea. However, you can still use kitchen paint in the bathroom if that’s all you have.

Kitchen paint is durable, and even though it isn’t fully waterproof, it is washable, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain.

If you decide to use kitchen paint in the bathroom and the product doesn’t have antibacterial and antifungal properties, we recommend priming the walls with a mould-resistant undercoat. Alternatively, you could apply a mould-resistant and antibacterial topcoat.

If you have a small kitchen and bathroom and don’t want to buy two types of paint, you could also opt for a kitchen and bathroom emulsion. Most brands, including Dulux, Crown, Johnstone’s, and Ronseal, have products suitable to use in both rooms.

What To Look For In Kitchen Paint?

Colour

One of the most important things to consider when choosing kitchen paint is the colour. The walls can either match or contrast the colour of your cabinets.

For instance, a light hue complements with success white, ivory, beige, or light brown kitchen cabinets. At the same time, it can also highlight the beauty of dark kitchen furniture.

We wouldn’t recommend a dark colour for the walls unless your kitchen is very spacious and flooded with natural light. The tone of the paint also matters. Warm shades can give a homier feel to your space, but colder tonalities may work better in a minimalist interior.

Finish

We mentioned that kitchen paint is generally matt. However, mid-sheen finishes are also available. Gloss is another option, but you should make sure the walls are perfectly level before applying it – gloss paint tends to highlight even the smallest imperfections.

If you don’t like flat paint and would rather have some sheen, satin or eggshell could be more appropriate choices.

Mould Resistance

A well-ventilated and properly maintained kitchen doesn’t generally have mould issues. Yet, mould could develop in a poorly ventilated environment.

If your kitchen doesn’t have windows, it could be a good idea to paint the walls with a mould-resistant emulsion.

Top Selling Kitchen Paints

Finding the perfect product for your kitchen walls (that also works in bathrooms) is often challenging. To make things easier for you, we chose the most popular kitchen paints from B&Q, The Range, and Wickes:

Summary

Kitchen and bathroom paints are similar, but core differences make each type a better choice for the specific room it was created for. Yet, you can still use kitchen paint in a bathroom as long as the emulsion has good moisture resistance and contains antifungal and antibacterial agents. Otherwise, don’t forget to prime the surface with a mould resistant primer. We hope this guide can help you pick the right paint product.