How to Paint a Bathroom: UK Cost & Guide (2026)
Painting a bathroom is one of the most impactful ways to refresh your home, but it requires more thought than painting a standard room. High humidity, condensation, and splashing water mean you need the right products and preparation — or you'll be redecorating again within a year. This guide covers everything you need to know about bathroom painting in the UK.
Bathroom Painting Costs in the UK (2026)
Bathroom painting costs less than larger rooms but requires specialist expertise:
Professional Bathroom Painting Costs (Excl. VAT)
paint-myroom.com prices for bathroom painting start from £150 all-inclusive with moisture-resistant Dulux bathroom paint.
💧 Bathroom tip: Always use specialist bathroom paint or moisture-resistant emulsion. Standard matt emulsion will absorb steam and begin to peel within months.
Best Paint for Bathrooms
The paint you choose makes a huge difference to how long your bathroom decoration lasts:
- Dulux Bathroom+ — specifically formulated to resist steam and condensation. Available in hundreds of colours.
- Moisture-resistant emulsion — a step up from standard emulsion, suitable for moderate humidity rooms.
- Soft sheen finish — slightly reflective finish that's easier to wipe clean than matt.
- Eggshell — ideal for bathroom woodwork; durable, washable, and resistant to moisture.
- Avoid standard matt emulsion — absorbs moisture and encourages mould growth.
At paint-myroom.com, we use Dulux Bathroom+ or appropriate moisture-resistant emulsions as standard on all bathroom jobs, included in the quoted price.
Preparation: The Key to a Lasting Bathroom Paint Job
Ventilation Assessment
Before painting, check your bathroom has adequate ventilation — an extractor fan is essential. Without proper ventilation, even the best bathroom paint will eventually fail due to condensation build-up.
Surface Preparation
Bathroom walls often have old paint, soap residue, or mould. Professional decorators will clean all surfaces with sugar soap, treat any mould with appropriate anti-fungal solution, allow walls to dry fully, and then apply a stabilising primer before top coats.
Dealing with Mould
Black mould in bathrooms is common but must be treated before painting — painting over it will not solve the problem. Professional treatments include anti-fungal primers, mould-resistant paints, and improving ventilation to prevent recurrence.
How Long Does Bathroom Painting Take?
A professional decorator can typically complete a standard bathroom in:
- Small bathroom / cloakroom: 4–6 hours (half day)
- Standard family bathroom: 6–8 hours (one full day)
- Larger bathroom with tiling work: 1.5–2 days
- Full bathroom makeover including wallpaper: 2–3 days
Drying time between coats should be respected — rushing this process leads to poor adhesion and early peeling.
DIY vs Professional Bathroom Painting
Many homeowners attempt bathroom painting themselves, but professional results are harder to achieve than in other rooms:
- Cutting-in around tiles, bath panels, and shower screens requires precision
- Mould treatment needs to be done correctly or it will return
- Professional decorators achieve smoother, streak-free finishes
- Guarantees and insurance — professionals stand behind their work
- Time — a professional completes in hours what may take an inexperienced DIYer a weekend
💡 Get an instant online quote from paint-myroom.com — bathroom painting from £150 all-inclusive, with Dulux bathroom paint and 5-year workmanship guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special paint for a bathroom in the UK?
Yes. Standard emulsion will absorb steam and start to peel within months in a bathroom. You should use specialist bathroom paint (such as Dulux Bathroom+) or at minimum a moisture-resistant emulsion. Professional decorators will always recommend the right product.
How much does it cost to paint a small bathroom in the UK?
A small bathroom or en-suite typically costs £150–£220 professionally (excl. VAT) using specialist bathroom paint. paint-myroom.com offers transparent pricing from £150 all-inclusive.
Can you paint over bathroom tiles?
Yes, with specialist tile paint — but it's a specialist job. Tiles must be degreased, sanded, and primed before tile paint is applied. Results can look great but require proper preparation to last.
How long does bathroom paint take to dry?
Most bathroom paints are touch dry within 1–2 hours but require 4–6 hours between coats. Full cure (when the surface is fully hardened) typically takes 2–4 weeks. During this curing period, steam and moisture should be kept to a minimum.
How often should a bathroom be repainted?
With professional application using quality bathroom paint, you should expect 5–8 years before repainting is needed. This depends heavily on ventilation quality and maintenance.
Flexible ways to pay
A larger decorating project doesn't have to mean one limited way to pay. Get your fixed Paint-MyRoom.com price online and choose from available payment options at checkout, including Klarna and Clearpay.
Subject to eligibility and provider terms.
Related Guides
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room?
Full UK cost breakdown.
What's Included in Professional Painting
Know exactly what you're paying for.
Painting Preparation: What You Need to Know
Get prep right for a lasting finish.
Choosing the Right Paint Finish
Matt, silk, eggshell — which is right?