7 Unlucky Bathroom Painting Mistakes

Derek Obringer • October 25, 2022

Choosing the right paint for your bathroom is important. Making sure what you are doing when painting your bathroom is another. There are a lot of things to keep in mind any time you are making changes to any part of your house. Unless you have experience with interior house painting, it is best to hire a professional if you have the means to do so to avoid these common mistakes when getting your bathroom repainted.

Not Using The Right Paint For The Bathroom

When it comes to painting your bathroom, you want to make sure you're using a paint that holds up well with repeated exposure to humidity. Using improper paint in your bathroom can lead to problems such as peeling and mold growth. The best paint to use on bathroom walls is a satin, semi gloss or gloss finish. Glossier paint is less likely to trap moisture since it is less porous. This also makes it easier to clean.

In addition to selecting the correct paint, there are are special mildew resistant additives that you can mix into the paint that can help make the paint last longer. Making sure you get proper amount of of additive is imperative for it to work.

Not Priming Your Bathroom Walls First

Many people make the mistake of not priming their walls before painting them. Priming is essential when painting any room, but it's especially important in the bathroom since the walls are more likely to be exposed to moisture. Priming will help the paint adhere better to the wall and will help it last longer.

Not Taking Into Account Bathroom Lighting

The lighting in your bathroom can affect how the paint looks once it's finished. If you have fluorescent lighting, for example, you'll want to use a paint that has a high gloss so that it will reflect the light. Since a glossier paint should be used in the bathroom anyway to prevent moisture damage, you may need to consider your lighting options, if you are particular about the way your bathroom is illuminated. Home remodeling contractors and professional painters will have more tricks to optimize the lighting and paint in your bathroom.

Not Using Enough Paint On Your Bathroom Walls

Many people make the mistake of not using enough paint when they're painting a room, which can result in poor coverage and an unfinished look. When painting your bathroom, make sure you're using enough paint so that you don't have to go back over the same areas at later dates. Bathroom walls definitely merit two coats of paint. As mentioned previously you will want to make sure the walls are primed as well. If your bathroom walls are a darker color, you may need 3 coats of paint to ensure an even finish.

Painting Your Bathroom Walls Before They're Fully Dry

It's important that surfaces are fully dry before applying primer or another coat of paint. This also includes painting your walls while they are even the smallest bit humid due to a shower. Applying a second coat of paint while it the previous coat is still damp can cause the walls to peel, streak, or flake even after it is dry.

This includes surfaces such as tile grout lines , which can take longer than normal to dry due to their porous nature .

Painting Over Bathroom Wall Tile

If your tiles are more glossy in nature, the paint is likely to chip off. Additionally the grout is a porous material that can easily absorb water and moisture. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, and eventually the tile will start to break down and crumble underneath the paint. You should generally not paint any tiles that will be in high traffic areas with a lot of water.

Using The Wrong Tools To Paint Your Bathroom Walls

Using a cheap brush or roller can negatively effect the way the paint adheres to the walls in your bathroom. Not knowing the right equipment to use and how to use it can have you repainting it the bathroom walls sooner than you would like.

Not Hiring A Professional Interior Painter

From the correct paint, the correct tools, and the correct application, to the experience necessary to put it all together, professional painters are worth the spend to get the job done correctly the first time.

Hire Obringer's Professional Interior Painters

Obringer's Painting and Remodeling is not just another painting company. Our expert interior painters are devoted to their craft. Since our inception as a company we have adopted a lean business model.

With our lean business model, we eliminate waste from the painting and remodeling processes by focusing only on the work that you are paying for. With our quality standards in place, we are able to minimize waste, while maximizing value for our customers.

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Author: Derek Obringer

Owner & Founder of Obringer's Painting and Remodeling, Derek Obringer brings attention to detail, together with experience, and superior customer service into each and every home that his company does work.

Painting And Remodeling Blog

General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodeling Contractors: Which One Do You Need?

By Derek Obringer • March 27, 2025

General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodelers: Key Differences When planning your kitchen renovation, choosing the right professional is crucial. Should you hire a general contractor or a kitchen remodeling contractor ? While both handle renovations, their expertise and scope of work differ significantly. General Contractors General contractors oversee large-scale remodeling projects, such as whole-home renovations or additions. They handle structural changes, electrical and plumbing work, and permit approvals. Because they manage multiple subcontractors and coordinate various trades, hiring a general contractor is typically more expensive. They are best suited for projects that go beyond just the kitchen. Kitchen Remodeling Contractors Kitchen remodelers specialize in kitchen-specific renovations, focusing on layout, design, and materials. They often work directly on the kitchen, rather than overseeing multiple subcontractors. Because their expertise is limited to one area of the home, they provide more cost-effective solutions for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens without altering other spaces. Which One Do You Need? If your project involves multiple rooms or structural changes, a general contractor is the best choice. However, if your renovation is kitchen-focused and you want a more budget-friendly approach, a kitchen remodeling contractor is the way to go. Understanding these differences can help you make the right decision for your home renovation needs. Key Differences: General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodelers When planning a home renovation, it's essential to understand the key differences between general contractors and kitchen remodelers to ensure you hire the right professional for the job. While both play crucial roles in home improvement, their scope of work, expertise, cost, and project management styles vary significantly. 1. Scope of Work The primary difference between a general contractor and a kitchen remodeler is the scope of work they handle: General Contractors: General contractors oversee broad renovation projects that may involve multiple rooms, entire home remodels, or structural changes. Their responsibilities often include: Managing large-scale renovations, including home expansions and floor plan modifications. Overseeing structural changes such as removing walls or adding new rooms. Coordinating various subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, to complete the project efficiently. Kitchen Remodelers: Kitchen remodelers, on the other hand, specialize exclusively in kitchen renovations. Their work is focused on: Optimizing kitchen layout design for better functionality and efficiency. Installing cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes, and appliances. Choosing the best materials, finishes, and storage solutions for an aesthetically pleasing and practical kitchen. If your project involves multiple rooms or structural modifications, a general contractor is necessary. However, if your focus is solely on updating or redesigning the kitchen, a kitchen remodeler is the better choice. 2. Expertise & Specialization The level of expertise required for a renovation depends on the type and complexity of the project. General Contractors: These professionals have broad knowledge across multiple trades, including: Structural modifications (e.g., knocking down walls or adding load-bearing beams). Electrical and plumbing work to support home expansions. Permitting and building code compliance for large-scale projects. Kitchen Remodelers: In contrast, kitchen remodelers focus specifically on kitchen design, materials, and functionality, which includes: Understanding the latest kitchen trends and space-saving solutions. Customizing cabinets, countertops, and islands for improved workflow. Ensuring optimal appliance placement to enhance efficiency. If your renovation requires significant structural changes, a general contractor is the right choice. However, if you want a kitchen tailored to your lifestyle and design preferences, a kitchen remodeler's specialized knowledge is more beneficial. 3. Cost Considerations Cost is a major factor when choosing between a general contractor and a kitchen remodeler. General Contractor: In most cases, they will charge a percentage of the total project cost, often ranging between 10% and 25%. Their services are more expensive due to the larger scale of work and involvement of multiple trades. Costs may include permits, labor for structural changes, and extensive material selections. Kitchen Remodeling Company: Offer a more budget-friendly option for homeowners focusing solely on the kitchen. Since they specialize in one area, their labor and material costs are often more predictable and controlled. Homeowners can choose from different levels of renovation, from minor upgrades to high-end, custom kitchen designs. If you're planning a whole-home remodel or structural work, a general contractor's higher costs are justified. However, if you need a cost-effective kitchen transformation, a kitchen remodeler is the smarter financial choice. 4. Project & Subcontractor Management Managing a renovation project requires careful coordination, and the approach differs between general contractors and kitchen remodelers. General Contractor: Act as project manager, hiring and overseeing subcontractors for various tasks such as flooring, plumbing, and HVAC installation. Ensure all trades work in sync to meet project deadlines. Handle any unexpected construction challenges, such as hidden electrical issues or outdated plumbing. Kitchen Remodeling Company: Typically, they work with a smaller, more specialized team of designers and craftsmen. Provide a hands-on approach by focusing on specific kitchen elements, ensuring quality control throughout the project. May still work with subcontractors (e.g., electricians or plumbers) but on a much smaller scale than general contractors. If your renovation involves multiple professionals across different areas, a general contractor is necessary. However, if you prefer a more direct and focused approach for your kitchen, a kitchen remodeler provides the expertise needed. Both general contractors and kitchen remodelers bring valuable skills to the table, but their expertise is suited for different types of projects.