Paint for a Standard Bathroom
Free calculator with pre-filled dimensions • Updated March 2026
A standard 8×5 bathroom needs about 2 gallons of moisture-resistant paint for walls with 2 coats (354 sq ft of paintable wall area).
Open calculator with these dimensions →Painting a Bathroom: Moisture-Resistant Guide
Bathrooms are the most demanding room to paint due to constant humidity, steam, and moisture. A standard 8×5 bathroom has about 208 sq ft of wall area, but after subtracting the door, window, vanity mirror, and tub/shower surround, you're typically painting only 120–150 square feet of wall.
Why Bathroom Paint Is Different
Standard interior paint will peel, blister, and grow mold in a bathroom within 1–2 years. You need paint specifically formulated for high-moisture environments:
- Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa ($70–$80/gal) — built-in mildew resistance, excellent coverage
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior ($75–$85/gal) — anti-microbial technology, washable
- Behr Premium Plus Bathroom Paint ($35–$40/gal) — budget option with mildew-resistant finish
Always use satin or semi-gloss finish in bathrooms. These sheens resist moisture better than flat or eggshell and are easy to wipe clean.
Pro Tips
- Use a mold-killing primer (Zinsser Mold Killing Primer, $20/gal) on the ceiling and upper walls near the shower — these areas get the most steam exposure.
- Ventilation is critical. Run the exhaust fan during painting and for 24 hours after. If no exhaust fan, open the window. Paint needs airflow to cure properly in humid spaces.
- One gallon is enough. After subtracting the tub surround, vanity, and fixtures, most standard bathrooms only need 1 gallon for 2 coats on walls. Buy a quart of ceiling paint separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of paint should I use in a bathroom?
Use paint labeled for bathrooms with mildew-resistant properties, in satin or semi-gloss finish. Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa or Sherwin-Williams Emerald are top choices. Always avoid flat finish in bathrooms.
How much paint for a small bathroom?
A standard 8×5 or 5×7 bathroom typically needs just 1 gallon of paint for walls (2 coats). Much of the wall area is covered by the shower/tub surround, vanity, and mirror.
Do I need special primer for a bathroom?
If there is any existing mold or mildew, use Zinsser Mold Killing Primer first. For clean walls, a standard primer works, but bathroom-specific paint with built-in primer is the most convenient option.