best paint

[helptavner]

for bathroom... i cant get the ceiling to stop flaking (cracking)

i have an extractor fan (might not be amazing) but it works.. window and redaitor and during the winter always struggle

i currently just use some cheap b and q own brand.. (i know not the best)

does bathroom paint really work... its not cheap.

anyone please?!

 

[helptavner]

i know its only down to the steam, and x2 ourside walls, the ceiling has the required building reg insulation on it now that hasnt helped this situation...

 

[emilybronte]

1. Sand down ceiling to bare plaster if nec. to remove all loose/flaking paint.
2. Mist-coat any bare plaster patches you have created.
3. Apply two coats of Zinsser Gardz to the entire ceiling. (Expensive but worth it - it's an alkili resistant primer and combats damp in plaster).
4. Then paint whole ceiling with a good quality eggshell finish paint (tougher than ordrinary emulsion, wipe-cleanable and cheaper than so-called bathroom paint).

However...if condensation is a BIG problem in that room, there is no paint on this earth (other than Weathershield exterior gloss perhaps) which will not flake off eventually if exposed to endless steam.

Solutions (in order of how radical) :

1.Leave bathroom door open when vacating the room
2. Leave bathroom window open whenever possible for as long as possible
3. Get a much bigger better extractor fan and have it linked to the light switch. It should continue to operate for at least 15 mins after bathroom is vacated.
4. Install PVC tongue and grooved panels on ceiling - sound naff but actually look like wood and are condensation proof.This sort of product (others are available) http://www.pvc-cladding.co.uk/products.php?cat=Pvc+Ceiling+Cladding&gclid=CP_9wdih5q4CFVEjfAoddGZIxA
5. Tile the entire bathroom including the ceiling, effectively making it a wet room

 

[helptavner]

^^^ thats helpful but im even more confussed now.

i mounted plastic above the shower and that sorted the job but it goes somewere else..

which it has.

you can feel how cold the ceiling feels were its causing the problem...

 

[helptavner]

is colours eggshell any good from b and q ??

 

[emilybronte]

is colours eggshell any good from b and q ??

NO! NO! NO!

B and Q's own paint ranges are pants.

It is a false economy to buy them, especially when you need something really tough. Go for Leyland or Johnstone's eggshell finish mixed in a colour of your choice (Johnstone's/Leyland retailers mix the Dulux colours, if you like those).

If you have only put plastic up above the shower then of course the steam will condense somewhere else as well. My suggestion was to cover the entire ceiling with the stuff.

If paint is coming off the wall as well due to condensation on cold surfaces, then you will either have to heat the wall (radiators, cavity wall insulation etc), or you will have to cover them with a condensation proof material such as tiles!

What's is confusing about my answer, please?

 

[helptavner]

i ddint really want to mount plastic on all of it,

ill have to try something like leyland eggshell?

there isnt any problems with the walls.


i bet ill end up mounting plastic to all of it.....

 

[emilybronte]

i ddint really want to mount plastic on all of it,

ill have to try something like leyland eggshell?

Yes but ONLY after you have done everything in steps 1-3 in my first answer! If you just buy some Leyland eggshell and paint that on, the chances are it will all peel off again and be a waste of money.

 

[helptavner]

i always leave the door open and the window, the fan isnt much cop really...

 

[vibrobullit407]

If the ceiling is very cold to the touch have you checked your loft insulation (if up stairs). If the ceiling is colder than the rest of the room condensation will appear as all condensation is is the moisture in the warm air turning to water on a cold surface. This will need fixed as with the ceiling being colder than the walls it will be a never ending circle.

Try changing the fan for one with a trickle setting or a humidity sensor and make sure it provides the correct extraction for the size of room and is placed in the best location for the air movement (normally furthest away from the main air source, normally the door). A good tip is to leave a gap under the door that equates to the same size as the extraction duct, as the fan will just try and create a vacuum if not enough air is being drawn into the bathroom to replace the air that is being exhausted. This will impede the functionality of the fan.

Dulux do a range of water based eggshells with a mould inhibitor incorporated. This is ideal for bathrooms but the cause needs to be rectified first. You can always use an oil eggshell as this is even more durable but I would recommend sticking to decent trade paints as they do make a difference. I agree with Emily in regard to the prep and the primer.