How Much Paint Does a Bathroom Need?
Bathrooms are the smallest rooms in most homes, which makes them very economical to paint. A standard 5x8 bathroom with 8ft ceilings has 208 square feet of gross wall area. After deducting the door, window, and tile surround area, the paintable wall area is roughly 150 to 170 square feet — one quart to one gallon is sufficient for two coats.
A larger 8x10 bathroom or a master bathroom 10x12 needs 1 to 1.5 gallons for two coats. A large master bathroom 12x14 may need up to 2 gallons depending on tile coverage and ceiling height.
In litres, a small bathroom needs 1 to 2 litres. An average bathroom needs 3.8 to 5 litres. A large master bathroom needs 5 to 7.5 litres.
Bathroom Paint — Reference Table
| Bathroom Size | 1 Coat | 2 Coats | Litres (2 coats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small 5x8 | ~0.4 gal | ~0.75 gal | ~2.8 litres |
| Average 8x10 | ~0.65 gal | ~1.3 gal | ~4.9 litres |
| Large 10x12 | ~0.85 gal | ~1.7 gal | ~6.4 litres |
| Master bath 12x14 | ~1.1 gal | ~2.2 gal | ~8.3 litres |
| Ceiling only (8x10) | ~0.2 gal | ~0.4 gal | ~1.5 litres |
Best Paint for a Bathroom
Always use satin or semi-gloss finish in a bathroom. These finishes resist moisture and steam, are easy to wipe clean, and do not absorb condensation the way flat or eggshell paint does. Flat paint in a bathroom will absorb moisture, bubble, and eventually peel.
Look for bathroom-specific paints that include mildew-resistant additives. Brands like Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior, and Dulux Bathroom Paint include these additives and are specifically formulated for high-humidity environments.
Tips for Painting a Bathroom
Always use satin or semi-gloss finish — flat paint in a bathroom will not last and will grow mould.
Ventilate thoroughly during painting and for the first week after — run the exhaust fan to help the paint cure and to remove fumes.
Prepare surfaces carefully — any existing mould or mildew must be treated with a bleach solution and allowed to dry completely before painting.
Use bathroom-specific paint with mildew-resistant additives for the longest-lasting result.
Allow extra cure time before using the shower — latex paint takes 30 days to fully cure and heavy steam in the first week can affect the finish.
Related Paint Calculators
- Bathroom Paint Calculator →
- How Much Paint for a 10x8 Room? →
- How Much Paint for a Ceiling? →
- How Much Paint for a Bedroom? →
- Paint Coverage Calculator →
- Paint Cost Calculator →
- Free Paint Calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint for a small bathroom?
A 5x8 bathroom with 8ft ceilings needs about 0.75 gallon for two coats on the walls. One gallon is the safe buy to avoid running short.
What paint finish is best for a bathroom?
Satin or semi-gloss are the only appropriate finishes for bathrooms. They resist moisture, are easy to wipe, and do not grow mould the way flat paint does.
Do I need special bathroom paint?
Bathroom-specific paints include mildew-resistant additives that are worth having in high-humidity bathrooms. Standard satin or semi-gloss wall paint can also work in well-ventilated bathrooms.
How long does bathroom paint take to cure?
Latex paint dries to touch in 1 to 2 hours but takes 30 days to fully cure. Run the exhaust fan after every shower for the first month.
Can I use wall paint in a bathroom?
Standard wall paint in flat or eggshell finish will not perform well in a bathroom — it absorbs moisture and can peel. Use satin or semi-gloss finish minimum in any bathroom.
How much does it cost to paint a bathroom?
DIY paint costs $15 to $40 for a small bathroom. A larger master bathroom costs $30 to $80 in paint. Professional painters charge $150 to $400 for a bathroom depending on size.