When it comes to choosing paint for a laundry room, there are a few key factors to consider. The main goal is to find a paint that will stand up to the high moisture levels common in laundry rooms without peeling or losing its color. You’ll also want a paint that is easy to clean and resistant to stains from dirt, grease, and other laundry mishaps. With the right prep work and paint selection, you can give your laundry room walls a fresh new look that will stay looking great for years to come.
Consider Moisture and Humidity Resistance
Laundry rooms tend to have high levels of moisture and humidity from steam and condensation put off by washers, dryers, irons, and more. This moisture can interact with paint in a way that makes it peel, bubble, or flake over time. When choosing a laundry room paint, look for one specifically designed for high-humidity areas. The best options will be mold and mildew resistant.
Latex paints are inherently more moisture resistant than oil-based paints. Within latex paints, satin and semi-gloss finishes contain more resin than flat finishes, making them more impervious to moisture. Opt for mold- and mildew-resistant latex paint with a satin or semi-gloss sheen.
Adding a primer before painting also helps seal the walls and provides extra protection against moisture damage. Use an oil- or shellac-based primer for the most moisture blocking.
Opt for Stain Resistance
Along with moisture resistance, you’ll want a laundry room paint that can stand up to occasional stains. Laundry rooms may need to deal with dirt and mud from shoes or clothes, grease from washing machine leaks, soap residue, or other fluids.
A satin or semi-gloss latex paint will provide good stain resistance due to its shinier, harder finish that allows stains to be wiped off rather than soak in. You can also look for paints that specify stain or scrub resistance on the label. These incorporate stain-blocking additives for even easier stain removal.
For the highest stain resistance, you could use an enameled paint. Enamel paints contain extra acrylic resins that create an extra durable, glass-like finish that wipes clean easily. However, enamel paint can be trickier to apply without drips and may give walls a shinier look than desired.
Choose Easy-Clean Paint
For laundry rooms, seek out interior paints that are designed to clean up easily with just soap and water. Avoid flat finishes, which scuff and stain more easily than satin, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes.
Paints that specify “washable” or “scrubbable” on the label typically incorporate additives to create a more durable finish that can stand up to cleaning chemicals and friction from scrubbing without losing its luster. This is key for high-traffic laundry room walls that will need occasional scrubbing.
Consider Color and Reflectance
Color choice also matters in a laundry room. Very dark colors tend to show every bit of dirt, grease, lint, and any other “laundry debris” that may end up on the walls, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Lighter paint colors help conceal messes and make the space feel clean. Whites and off-whites like cream, ivory, or very light gray reflect the most light and keep things bright. You can also consider lighter accent colors like pale yellow, green, or blue for a pop of color. Just avoid going too dark.
The finish of the paint also affects how much it reflects light. Gloss and semi-gloss finishes reflect more light than satin, making them easier to keep looking clean. Flat paint absorbs light and will show more grime.
Prep Properly for Best Results
The key to any paint job is proper prep work. For laundry rooms, take these steps:
– Repair any holes, cracks, or flaws in existing walls. Use spackle or joint compound and sand smooth.
– Wash walls with TSP or other degreasing cleaner to remove any residue. Rinse thoroughly.
– Lightly sand glossy surfaces to roughen them for better paint adherence.
– Apply primer to any bare or repaired areas per manufacturer directions. Allow to fully dry.
– Apply painters tape along trim, baseboards, and edges for crisp paint lines.
– Paint with rollers and angled brushes in long, smooth strokes. Allow proper drying time between coats.
– Remove painters tape promptly after final coat before paint fully dries.
Proper prep establishes a clean base for paint to adhere optimally. Don’t skip this important step.
Top Paint Brands for Laundry Rooms
When shopping for the best laundry room paint, look for top-quality brands designed for high-moisture areas. Here are some top options:
| Brand | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Behr | BEHR PREMIUM PLUS Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel | – Stain & moisture resistant – Scrubbable & easy to clean – Works well over existing paint |
| Benjamin Moore | Aura Bath & Spa Satin Finish | – Mildew resistant – Withstands moisture & humidity – Low-odor, zero VOC |
| Valspar | Signature Interior Latex Satin | – Lifetime warranty – Stain & moisture resistant – Scrubbable & washable |
| Sherwin-Williams | Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel Semi-Gloss | – Extremely durable & stain resistant – Scrubbable finish – Withstands heavy use |
These top paint brands offer great options specifically designed for laundry room conditions. Look for mold/mildew resistant, moisture resistant latex paints in satin, semi-gloss, or enamel finishes.
Consult the Experts
For the best recommendations tailored to your specific laundry room paint job, consult with the experts at your local paint store. They can assess your space and needs to suggest ideal primers, paints, sheens, and colors. Be sure to let them know it is for a laundry room so they factor in the high humidity and potential for stains. With pro guidance, you can achieve a laundry room paint job that maintains its good looks for many years.
Conclusion
Painting a laundry room requires selecting an interior paint designed to withstand heat, humidity, and frequent cleaning. The best options are mold- and mildew-resistant latex paints with satin, semi-gloss, or enamel finishes, as these resist moisture and stains. Proper prep work also ensures the paint adheres well. With the right paint and preparation, you can give your laundry room walls an updated, fresh look that stays looking new despite the laundry room environment. Consult paint experts for product recommendations and follow all manufacturer’s application instructions for optimal results.