[coldinil]

I remodeled my bathroom over the last several months. I used green board around the tub./shower. I primed first, painted it but did not like the color, changed to a darker color, didn't like that, used a tintable primer and finally a color I liked. So, I have a total of 5 coats on this. The problem is, when I take a shower, as the humidity builds I can see where every screw is and the paint shows streaks bad! No direct water is getting on it, just the humidity. After about a half hour it looks ok. I don't take long or real hot showers, I can only imagine what it would look like if I did that. I used flat latex paint, maybe should be using oil? Any thoughts as to why it is doing this and what can I do about it? Thanks

 

[Jmayspaint]

Regular flat paint isn't well suited to the high moisture around a shower. Do you have an adequate exhaust fan or other ventilation?

Generally, higher sheen paints are used in bathrooms to combat this problem. There are also paints made specifically for bathrooms.


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[coldinil]

That figures, I usually use semi-gloss. So do you think if I put semi gloss on it will cure the problem? Also, is it hurting anything as it is? I will repaint eventually, just not too excited about doing it now. I do have an exhaust fan, it is working but I don't know how many cfm's it is. Thanks

 

[blackjack]

Before you repaint with a higher sheen. You probably should wipe your walls and ceiling down with a clean, wet rag. I'm taking a stab in the dark, but I'd bet you likely have some surfectant leeching going on in there.. not a big deal, but it will come through your top coat eventually...

 

[Nestor_Kelebay]

The problem is, when I take a shower, as the humidity builds I can see where every screw is and the paint shows streaks bad! No direct water is getting on it, just the humidity. After about a half hour it looks ok. Any thoughts as to why it is doing this and what can I do about it? Thanks

Are the walls where you can see the drywall screw locations EXTERIOR walls? If so, what's happening is simply condensation forming on the coolest spots in the room. The R value of wood is considered to be 1.0 per inch, so the drywall over the studs is colder than the drywall over the insulation between the studs. AND, metals have essentially NO insulating value. So, the head of the drywall screw is at much the same temperature as it's point somewhere inside the stud. All that adds up to the joint compound over the drywall screws being the coldest spots on that wall.

I can't see how repainting the walls is going to change the fact that the drywall screw locations are going to remain the coldest spots in that room, and condensation is going to form on those spots.

But, if the reason why you can see those drywall screw locations is because the paint is darker there, then that's because the condensate is being absorbed into the porous paint. In that case I'd agree with Jmayspaint that a glossier paint won't absorb condensation to the same extent as a flat paint, and therefore won't darken nearly as much over the drywall screw locations. You'll still have condensation forming on the glossier paint; you just won't see any evidence of it.

I'd paint the worst area of the wall first with a glossier paint just to know if it solves the problem or simply creates another problem.

 

[AlphaWolf]

I would repaint the bathroom my self. You need a vapor barrier in a bathroom and normal flat wont give that to you. You also don't need semi gloss as well. GO to your local Sherwin Williams. Get a paint called SOLO. Use either flat or eggshell does not matter. Flat will dry just as hard as the eggshell so get what ever sheen you like to look at more. Paint the walls 2 coats. Once its dry your done. SOLO is interior and exterior. I have used it on exterior of houses. If it can last a thunderstorm and a Canadian winter your bathroom will be a piece of cake.

SOLO http://www.sherwin-williams.com/hom...alog/solo-100-acrylic-interiorexterior-latex/

fast edit: From the Product Data Sheet in case you were wondering

Mildew Resistant
This coating contains agents which inhibit
the growth of mildew on the surface of
this coating film.

 

[Nestor_Kelebay]

Get a paint called SOLO. Use either flat or eggshell does not matter. Flat will dry just as hard as the eggshell so get what ever sheen you like to look at more.

Thunderhead is not complaining about mildew growth on the paint in his bathroom. His/Her complaint is as follows:

The problem is, when I take a shower, as the humidity builds I can see where every screw is and the paint shows streaks bad!

How would painting over what he has now with another porous Flat or Eggshell paint help prevent those spots and streaks from forming on Thunderhead's bathroom walls?

 

[AlphaWolf]

Thunderhead is not complaining about mildew growth on the paint in his bathroom. His/Her complaint is as follows:

The problem is, when I take a shower, as the humidity builds I can see where every screw is and the paint shows streaks bad!

How would painting over what he has now with another porous Flat or Eggshell paint help prevent those spots and streaks from forming on Thunderhead's bathroom walls?

because the flat he used has no exterior properties. Its not going to stop moisture and water from penetrating it. This will eventually cause mold and other things to grow either on the paint or in the walls. If you toss a cup of water at his walls right now it will absorb in and leave a wet spot. With solo it wont, it will bead and run off. As its made for exterior as well. Why use a semi gloss paint when SOLO an interior/exterior paint can do the same thing even better in flat or a eggshell. SOLO flat is not another porous flat like you think it is. I have used it for this application many times,

 

[Nestor_Kelebay]

If I throw a cup of water at Solo paint, and it beads up and runs off, does that mean that I'd have adhesion problems painting over Solo with another latex paint?

 

[ToolSeeker]

Since I can't figure out why you would use flat paint an ANY wall, especially a bathroom, I think I'll just stay out of this one. Looks like it could get interesting though.

 

[AlphaWolf]

no. Its an interior exterior self priming product. It acts like an exterior with the benefits of an interior. You can sand and paint over it not a problem. You wont need a special primer or anything. Literally sand and repaint if you want to. I sad it in a different forum Bath and kitchen paints are just exterior paints that are not as good and don't off gas. Solo gives u the benefit of an exterior and all the benefits of an interior with no off gassing. I assure you if you use it you will be pleasantly surprised in your bathroom. Other key is its actually self priming. Not like cheap paint and primer in 1. But actually as a primer sealer. New bathroom new drywall, no problem 2 coat of SOLO and its done. If any 1 has more questions feel free to ask.

 

[chrisn]

Solo sounds like a Christmas miracle

 

[ToolSeeker]

Maybe a Festivus miracle.

 

[AlphaWolf]

I have used it many times. If your more comfortable than use the eggshell. But it will not require semi gloss