What type of paint should I use in a bathroom in Moncton where humidity is a concern?

Use a satin or semi-gloss acrylic latex paint specifically formulated with mildew resistance for any bathroom in Moncton — flat and matte finishes have no place in a wet room.

Bathrooms are one of the most punishing environments for paint in any NB home. Hot showers create steam that drives moisture into walls, condensation cycles wet and dry surfaces repeatedly, and the combination of warmth and moisture is exactly what mildew needs to thrive. Moncton's naturally humid Maritime climate compounds this — many older homes in the city lack adequate bathroom ventilation (just a small window, no exhaust fan), which means humidity lingers long after a shower and can push relative humidity in the bathroom to 90%+ for extended periods.

Sheen selection matters more in bathrooms than in any other room. Flat and matte paints have a porous surface that absorbs moisture and provides countless microscopic hiding spots for mildew spores. They also cannot be scrubbed — attempt to clean a soap-splashed flat wall and you'll scrub the paint right off. Eggshell is the minimum sheen for a bathroom, though most professional painters in NB recommend satin or semi-gloss. Semi-gloss wipes clean easily, resists moisture penetration, and makes the bathroom look brighter — a real advantage in the smaller bathrooms common in older Moncton homes. The trade-off is that semi-gloss shows surface imperfections (bumps, patches, taping ridges) more readily, so prep work matters even more.

Look for paints that specifically include a built-in mildewcide — a biocide additive that inhibits mildew and mould growth. Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa (a matte finish specifically engineered for bathrooms with exceptional moisture resistance) and Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior in satin or semi-gloss are both excellent choices available in NB. Dulux Diamond Interior in semi-gloss is another solid option widely available at hardware stores across Moncton. These specialty bathroom or high-humidity formulations are worth the premium ($55–$75/gallon) — a bathroom is a small space requiring only 1–2 litres per coat, so the cost difference versus a budget paint is only $10–$20 for the whole project.

Prep is critical in a bathroom. If there's any existing mildew on the walls (look for grey, black, or pink streaks, especially near the shower surround, ceiling corners, and window frames), treat it before painting. Mix one part bleach with three parts water, apply to the affected area, let sit 15 minutes, scrub, rinse, and allow to dry completely — at least 24 hours. Painting over active mildew with any paint, including mildew-resistant products, will not work — the mildew will grow right through the new coating within months. Address the ventilation too: if you don't have a bathroom exhaust fan, installing one will extend the life of your paint finish dramatically.

Practical tips: Apply a mould-resistant primer (Zinsser Mold Killing Primer or Benjamin Moore Fresh Start All-Purpose Primer) before your topcoat, especially on previously affected surfaces. Caulk around the tub, shower, and where the wall meets the floor with a paintable silicone or siliconized latex caulk — this prevents moisture from sneaking behind the wall and causing paint to peel from behind.

When to hire a pro: If your bathroom has active mould that goes beyond surface mildew staining — meaning you're seeing dark spots coming through the wall, soft drywall, or mould around an exterior wall — do not paint over it. A professional assessment of the moisture source is needed before any painting work begins. Browse painting contractors in your area through the New Brunswick Construction Network directory at newbrunswickconstructionnetwork.com.

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