Bathrooms present a challenge to homeowners in the ongoing battle to keep mold at bay. Using a vent fan to pull moisture out of the room only does so much to reduce humidity.

The materials you use in your bathroom play an important role in keeping this area of your home as dry as possible. Starting with a base of moisture resistant drywall is best. Then, you can choose from any of the following options as a finish.

Waterproof

Ceramic tile, glass, and laminate panels come closest to being fully water repellent. These are good materials to use for areas in your bathroom that will be splashed with water. When it comes to using glass, don’t assume you can only choose mirrored squares. Instead, look into stained glass tiles and other colorful, artistic styles.

You can mix and match any of these options in the same area. For example, use tile blocks to create a tiny mosaic trim around a laminate panel. This is easier than tiling an entire shower stall; you have the edge of the laminate to guide you in keeping the tile border straight.

Water Resistant

Vinyl wallpaper and glossy paint are somewhat resistant. They can be used in moist areas that don’t get hit directly with water. Paint and wallpaper that are suitable for use in a bathroom are usually labeled accordingly.

The paper should be thick vinyl with a canvas or other water resistant backing. Paint should be semi or high gloss. If you find a latex paint you like that isn’t specifically formulated for bathrooms, you can mix in an additive to make it resistant to water. This inhibits the growth of mold and prevents water spotting.

Related posts:

1. Bathrooms & Hardwood Floors
2. Bathroom Remodeling – Is Carpet OK?
3. Nonskid Flooring for Bathrooms
4. Top Paint Finishes
5. Diagnosing Leaks In Bathrooms: Part 1

Tags: Bathrooms

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 8:59 am and is filed under Bathrooms. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.