Bathrooms are one of the most difficult rooms in a home to decorate without the finish suffering damage from moisture. Steamy showers and poor ventilation can cause damage to paintwork, and conditions are ripe for mould growth which turns fresh paint into an unattractive and unhealthy mess.
The best paint for a bathroom is not just about colour or finish, you need a breathable and naturally mould resistant option for durable decor.
Why Bathroom Paint Should be Breathable
You are likely already aware of breathable paint being beneficial for bathrooms. But why is it important? Bathrooms are very humid environments. They have to cope with steam which rises and clings to all surfaces.
Bathroom moisture can seep behind the paint layer - plastic based paints form a barrier on the surfaces they are applied to, meaning moisture can be trapped. This causes bubbling, peeling, and mould growth.
Breathable paints deal with moisture in a different way. Rather than creating a barrier, the surface allows moisture to pass through the paint surface. This characteristic is also known as "vapour permeability", and it helps prevent damp, improves air quality, and extends the life of your decorative finish.
Understanding Breathability in Bathroom Paints
Not every paint that claims to be breathable has true breathability. A genuine breathable paint will allow water vapour to escape. Its performance can be measured by Sd value: the lower the value the greater the ability of the paint to allow moisture to pass through its surface.
Ideally, a bathroom paint should have an Sd value lower than 0.5. Natural mineral paints and lime based paints all have low Sd values and can be suitable for bathrooms. Lime paint in particular has natural mould resistant properties due to its naturally high alkalinity. No chemicals required to chase away those spores!
Natural Vs Conventional Paint
Plastic based acrylic and vinyl paints have high Sd values and are designed to seal the surface. In a high humidity bathroom this prevents moisture from escaping, often causing blistering or black mould to develop over time.
Why Breathable Paints Work Best in Bathrooms
Breathable paints allow moisture to escape from your walls rather than trapping it. This feature helps prevent paint peeling and mould growth.
Mineral bases in natural paints like lime and silicate create a naturally high ph environment. This retards mould and algae growth for a cleaner and healthier space. Conventional anti mould paints rely on chemicals to tackle mould. These degrade over time meaning that mould will eventually return.
Naturally mould resistant paints maintain their effectiveness for the life of the coating. They’re also low in vocs which means you don’t need to worry about toxic chemicals off gassing into an enclosed space for several months after application.
Best Breathable Paints for Bathrooms
We love breathable and natural paints, so here’s a few of our favourites that we recommend for use in bathrooms and any space that's prone to moisture and condensation.
Auro 555 - Durable Matt Emulsion for Walls and Ceilings
Auro 555 is a high quality washable emulsion that performs beautifully in bathrooms.
It dries to a smooth matt finish that’s both durable and breathable, allowing moisture to evaporate naturally. Its gentle formula is solvent free, vegan, and low odour, making it a comfortable choice for homes where air quality matters. Use it on walls and ceilings for a consistent, clean look that resists flaking and wear even in humid conditions.
Auro 517 Eggshell - Moisture Resistant Finish for Woodwork
For areas that need a tougher surface, such as woodwork, cupboards or skirtings, Auro 517 Eggshell is an excellent partner to Auro 555.
It dries to a subtle satin sheen that repels moisture yet remains breathable. It’s exceptionally durable and easy to clean, so it’s ideal for high traffic or splash prone areas. The white version of this paint will never yellow, keeping your bathroom bright and fresh.
Auro 303 - Natural Silicate Paint for Mould Prone Bathrooms
For bathrooms that suffer from persistent condensation or mould, Auro 303 Mould Resistant Silicate Paint offers an extra layer of protection.
Its mineral base creates a highly alkaline surface that naturally discourages mould and algae growth. Because it’s breathable and solvent free, it helps walls dry out quickly and safely. This paint is perfect for bathrooms where damp has previously been a problem and you want to prevent it returning.
Preparing Bathroom Walls Before Painting
Before repainting a bathroom, it’s vital to start with a clean surface. Painting over mould or damp will only trap the problem beneath the new paint layer.
Begin by removing any visible mould using a natural cleaner. We recommend Auro 412 Natural Mould Remover, which targets spores effectively without releasing harsh fumes into the room. For stubborn or recurring issues, follow up with Auro 413 Mould Stop to help prevent regrowth.
Always wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning mould, and ensure the space is well ventilated. Spray your chosen cleaner onto affected areas, leave it to work for at least an hour, then gently remove any residue with a soft brush or damp cloth.
Once the surface is clean and completely dry, sand away any loose or flaking paint and repair any damaged plaster before painting.
Breathable Bathroom Colours
Choosing a breathable paint doesn’t mean sacrificing colour choice. Natural paints like Auro 555 and Auro 517 come in a wide range of tones, from crisp whites and calming neutrals to rich, earthy hues.
Because they’re made with natural pigments, the colours feel soft and authentic, complementing the soothing atmosphere most people want in a bathroom.
Read more: Breathable paint for old houses | Best paint for cellar walls | What’s the best natural anti mould paint? | How to remove mould from walls
Healthy Bathrooms Start with Breathable Walls
Mould and peeling paint aren’t inevitable in bathrooms. They’re simply signs that moisture has been trapped where it shouldn’t be. By using a breathable, natural paint system, you allow your bathroom walls to do what they’re meant to do - release moisture and stay dry.
Need help or advice on your bathroom project? Contact us. Our expert paint team will help with advice about the right products for your space.
