The best paint to use in a bathroom depends on what you’re painting. For walls and ceilings, choose a bathroom-rated interior paint that resists moisture and mildew. For a tub, sink, or tiled surface, use a refinishing coating made for that material—not ordinary wall paint. Our picks include a mold- and mildew-resistant interior paint and several tub-and-tile kits for fixture and surface updates.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| DWIL Tile Paint, Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit | Small tub or tile projects | Water-based; 25–30 sq. ft. per coat; several colors |
| NZDWZDN Tub and Tile Paint Kit | A kit with tools and hardener | Includes application supplies; white finish; 7-day full cure |
| Zinsser PERMA-WHITE Interior Paint | Bathroom walls and ceilings | Self-priming; mold- and mildew-proof paint film; eggshell white |
| DWIL Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit, 33 oz | Larger tub and tile projects | Water-based; about 50–55 sq. ft. per coat; several colors |
| DWIL Tile Paint, 33 oz Kit with Tools | Multi-surface DIY refinishing | Water-based; about 50–60 sq. ft. per coat; tools included |
Our Picks: Best Paint To Use In Bathroom reviews
1. DWIL Tile Paint: A Compact Kit for Tub and Tile Touch-Ups
This water-based acrylic refinishing kit is made for suitable surfaces such as tubs, tile, sinks, and countertops. It is a better fit for updating a fixture or tiled area than for painting ordinary bathroom walls. The semi-gloss finish and choice of white, black, gray, or vanilla white give you some flexibility when matching the room.
The 16.5-ounce bottle is listed to cover about 25–30 square feet per coat. The product recommends two or more coats for dark tile, so measure your project and allow for extra paint if you are changing a dark surface to a light color. It is touch-dry enough for tape removal and use after 24–36 hours, but the coating takes seven days to fully cure. Avoid scrubbing or heavy cleaning during that period.
Its low-odor, water-based formula and water cleanup may make the application process more comfortable than a strong-solvent product. Check the surface limitations before buying: it is not suitable for artificial marble, metal, or powdery or peeling surfaces. The description distinguishes porcelain-enamel cast iron tubs from regular iron tubs, so confirm your tub material first.
Pros:
- Water-based formula with low odor and water cleanup
- Suitable for several listed surfaces, including tile, ceramic, glass, acrylic, and marble
- Multiple color options and a semi-gloss finish
Cons:
- Smaller coverage than the 33-ounce kits
- Needs a full seven days to cure, and dark surfaces may need extra coats
Verdict: Choose this DWIL kit for a modest tub, sink, or tile refinishing job when its surface and color options fit your project.
2. NZDWZDN Tub and Tile Kit: A More Complete Set for DIY Refinishing
This 17.6-ounce kit is aimed at refinishing tubs and other compatible surfaces rather than painting bathroom walls. It includes paint, hardener, a brush, rollers, sandpaper, tape, film, gloves, and instructions. Having those supplies together can simplify planning, though you should still read the directions and prepare the surface carefully.
The two-component formula requires mixing before application. The listed ratio is 1 gram of hardener to 1 gram of paint, with two to three minutes of stirring. The product description gives an initial drying window of 24–48 hours and says full curing takes seven days. That longer wait matters if the bathroom is in regular use or the refinished surface will be exposed to water.
The kit is listed for ceramic, tile, glass, and marble, with suggested uses including tubs, shower walls, floors, sinks, and countertops. It comes in white, so it is less flexible if you want a different finish color. The coverage information recommends two to three coats on light surfaces and additional coats or another kit for darker bases; plan for that before starting.
Pros:
- Includes paint, hardener, and several application and preparation supplies
- Low-odor, water-based formula with water cleanup, according to the product description
- Suitable for several listed bathroom surfaces
Cons:
- Requires careful mixing of two components before use
- White-only color and a seven-day full cure may not suit every project
Verdict: This is a practical option if you want an all-in-one tub and tile kit and are comfortable following mixing and curing instructions closely.
3. Zinsser PERMA-WHITE: A Wall Paint Made for Moist Bathroom Spaces
Unlike the tub-and-tile kits in this roundup, Zinsser PERMA-WHITE is an interior paint intended for painted surfaces such as bathroom walls and ceilings. Its mold- and mildew-proof claim applies to the paint film; it is not a treatment for existing mold, a water leak, or a damp building problem. Address moisture and remove any existing growth appropriately before painting.
The paint is self-priming, so the product description says sanding is not required. Its film is designed to resist dirt and moisture, and the eggshell finish is listed as washable and scrubbable with soap and water. The product also states a five-year guarantee against mold and mildew on the paint film. This is the most directly relevant choice in this group if you are painting bathroom walls rather than refinishing a fixture.
The supplied listing is a quart of eggshell white paint, so consider the size and color before planning a larger room or a specific color scheme. It does not provide the per-coat coverage or drying schedule included with some of the refinishing kits, so check the product label for project requirements.
Pros:
- Made for interior painted surfaces, unlike the tub-and-tile refinishing kits
- Self-priming formula that does not require sanding, according to the description
- Washable, scrubbable paint film designed to resist moisture and mildew
Cons:
- Listed here in a quart size and eggshell white
- Its mildew-resistant film does not fix leaks or existing mold problems
Verdict: For bathroom walls and ceilings, this is the clearest match among these five products; for tubs or tile, choose a refinishing kit designed for the surface.
4. DWIL 33-Ounce Refinishing Kit: More Paint for Larger Areas
This larger DWIL kit is designed for refinishing tubs, sinks, tile, and other listed surfaces. It uses a water-based acrylic formula with a semi-gloss finish. The 33-ounce size is listed to cover about 50–55 square feet per coat, making it a more suitable starting point than the smaller DWIL bottle for a broader project.
The product comes in white, light gray, and black. The description recommends two or more coats for dark tile, so the listed coverage is per coat—not necessarily the total area you can finish with multiple coats. It is touch-dry after 24–36 hours, while full curing takes seven days. Avoid heavy cleaning during that curing period.
It is listed for tile, wood, glass, ceramic, acrylic, and marble, with exclusions for artificial marble, metal, and powdery or peeling surfaces. These surface limits are important: a larger container will not make an incompatible surface suitable. As with any refinishing paint, follow the preparation and application directions for your specific material.
Pros:
- Larger 33-ounce size with listed coverage of about 50–55 square feet per coat
- Several color options, including light gray and black
- Water-based formula with low odor and water cleanup, according to the description
Cons:
- Dark surfaces may need extra coats, which reduces effective project coverage
- Requires a seven-day full cure before normal heavy cleaning
Verdict: Consider this kit for a medium or larger compatible tub-and-tile project when you want more product and a choice of three colors.
5. DWIL 33-Ounce Kit with Tools: A Flexible Option for Multi-Surface Projects
This 33-ounce DWIL kit is intended for larger DIY refinishing jobs involving surfaces such as tubs, bathroom tile, shower walls, sinks, and backsplashes. The product description says essential application tools are included, and it lists a water-based acrylic system with a smooth semi-gloss finish. Like the other DWIL kits, it is not ordinary wall paint.
Coverage is listed at about 50–60 square feet per coat. Two or more coats are recommended for darker tiles or major color changes. The coating is described as touch-dry in about 24 hours and fully cured within seven days. That full cure is an important part of the project schedule, especially for a surface that will get wet or need cleaning.
The kit is listed for tile, ceramic, acrylic, glass, marble, and selected wood surfaces. The description says to avoid metal, artificial marble, and powdery or peeling surfaces. It advises cleaning and drying the surface thoroughly, applying thin, even coats, and mixing the paint well before use. Compared with the 33-ounce DWIL kit above, this one lists slightly higher maximum coverage and includes tools, but the color range is not specified in the supplied details.
Pros:
- 33-ounce size intended for larger DIY projects
- Application tools are included, according to the product description
- Listed for several compatible surfaces, including tile, acrylic, glass, and marble
Cons:
- Two or more coats may be needed for dark surfaces or large color changes
- Requires careful preparation and up to seven days for full curing
Verdict: Pick this kit if you want a larger refinishing set with tools for multiple compatible surfaces and can allow time for thorough preparation and curing.
How to Choose the Best Paint for a Bathroom
Start with the surface you plan to paint
Bathroom walls and ceilings need interior paint made for those surfaces. A tub, sink, or tiled surround needs a refinishing product that lists that material as compatible. The products in this roundup serve different jobs: Zinsser PERMA-WHITE is the wall-paint option, while the DWIL and NZDWZDN products are tub-and-tile coatings. Do not assume a refinishing kit is suitable for every bathroom surface.
Check the material and its condition
Read the product’s compatibility list before buying. For example, the DWIL descriptions exclude metal, artificial marble, and powdery or peeling surfaces. A sound, clean surface is a better starting point than one with flaking paint or loose material. If you cannot identify the surface or it is damaged, confirm the right coating and preparation method before applying paint.
Consider moisture resistance and mildew claims carefully
Bathroom paint should suit a room that gets humid, but paint alone cannot solve poor ventilation, a leak, or mold already growing on a surface. Zinsser describes its paint film as mold- and mildew-proof and moisture-resistant; that claim applies to the coating, not the whole bathroom. Keep moisture under control and address the source of any dampness before painting.
Match the amount of paint to the number of coats
Compare coverage per coat with the area you need to refinish. Dark tile or a major color change may need additional coats, so do not treat the listed coverage as the final area after all coats are applied. The 16.5-ounce DWIL kit is intended for a smaller area, while the 33-ounce kits are listed for broader projects. Check the product directions and measure your surface before deciding.
Plan for preparation and curing time
Refinishing coatings need more than a quick coat of paint. Clean and dry the surface as directed, prepare it according to the product instructions, and allow the stated drying and curing time. The listed tub-and-tile kits need up to seven days for full cure. A surface may feel dry before it is ready for normal use, so follow the product’s instructions about water, cleaning, and contact.
Choose a finish and color you can live with
The tub-and-tile kits here offer semi-gloss finishes, with color choices varying by product. The Zinsser listing is eggshell white. Think about the finish alongside the surrounding tile, fixtures, and wall color, and check the available color options for the exact product before ordering.
Decide whether you need an all-in-one kit
Some refinishing products include tools or preparation supplies, while others may require you to gather what you need separately. The NZDWZDN set lists brushes, rollers, sandpaper, tape, film, and gloves, as well as paint and hardener. The larger DWIL kit also says tools are included. A kit can simplify shopping, but it does not remove the need to follow the instructions or prepare the surface correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paint to use on bathroom walls?
Choose an interior paint designed for bathroom conditions and for the surface you are painting. Of the products here, Zinsser PERMA-WHITE is the one intended for interior painted surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The other options are refinishing kits for tubs, tile, and other listed surfaces.
Can I use tub-and-tile paint on bathroom walls?
Do not assume so. Tub-and-tile refinishing products are formulated and listed for specific surfaces such as tile, ceramic, tubs, sinks, or countertops. Check the product label for approved uses; for regular painted walls, use an appropriate interior wall paint.
Can bathroom paint prevent mold?
A paint film described as mold- or mildew-resistant can help resist growth on the coated surface, but it does not remove existing mold or correct a leak or ventilation problem. Address the source of moisture and deal with existing growth before painting.
How long should I wait before using a refinished tub?
Follow the exact product instructions. The tub-and-tile products listed here describe touch-dry or initial drying times around 24–48 hours, but full curing takes seven days. Do not treat touch-dry as fully cured, and avoid heavy cleaning during the stated cure period.
How many coats of tub-and-tile paint should I apply?
It depends on the product, surface color, and desired coverage. The descriptions recommend two or more coats for dark tiles, and the NZDWZDN kit advises additional coats or another kit for darker bases. Follow the product directions rather than relying on a single general coat count.
Can I paint over a peeling or powdery surface?
These conditions can interfere with adhesion, and the DWIL descriptions specifically exclude powdery or peeling surfaces. Prepare the surface as directed and do not paint over loose or unstable material. Check the product instructions for the right repair and preparation steps.
Final Recommendation
For bathroom walls and ceilings, Zinsser PERMA-WHITE is the most appropriate choice in this lineup because it is an interior paint with a mildew-resistant paint-film claim. For a tub, sink, or compatible tile, choose a purpose-made refinishing kit instead. The smaller DWIL kit suits modest projects, while a 33-ounce option is a better starting point for a larger area. Before choosing any product, confirm surface compatibility and plan for the full preparation and curing time.
