Best Paint for Bathrooms and Kitchens (2025 Update)

Giving your bathroom or kitchen a fresh coat of paint is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to transform the space. But high-moisture rooms need special treatment—use the wrong paint and you’ll quickly see peeling, bubbling, mould growth, or a patchy finish.

This fully updated 2025 guide explains the best paint options for bathrooms and kitchens, compares leading brands, and breaks down the pros and cons of choosing specialist paint over standard emulsion.

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Why Do Bathrooms and Kitchens Need Special Paint?

Bathrooms and kitchens are exposed to:

• High moisture and humidity

• Steam from showers, kettles, and cooking

• Grease and food splatters

• Frequent cleaning and scrubbing

Standard wall paint simply isn’t designed to cope with this, which is why specialist kitchen and bathroom paints are now formulated with moisture-resistant polymers, mould-resistant additives, and scrub-proof finishes.

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Best Paint for Bathrooms and Kitchens (2025 Comparison)

Below is an up-to-date overview of popular specialist paints available in the UK, including new formulations and 2025 price ranges.

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Crown Kitchen & Bathroom Paint (2025)

Features:

• Moisture resistant

• Steam-resistant

• Mouldguard+ technology (updated formula)

• Scrubbable finish

• Low-odour

Finish: Soft sheen (most popular), now also available in matt

Coverage: ~12–14m² per litre

Price (2025):

• £14–£16 for 1L

• £23–£28 for 2.5L

Crown’s Kitchen & Bathroom range is widely available from Toolstation, B&Q, and online retailers.

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No Nonsense Trade Kitchen & Bathroom Paint (Screwfix, 2025)

Features:

• Budget-friendly

• Moisture, stain, and grease resistant

• High opacity

• Durable mid‑sheen finish

Coverage: ~13m² per litre

Price (2025): £17–£20 for 2.5L

A strong value option for rental properties, utility rooms, and budget refurbishments.

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Dulux Kitchen+ and Bathroom+ Paints (2025)

Dulux remains one of the only manufacturers offering two separate specialist products—one for bathrooms and one for kitchens—each formulated for the room’s specific challenges.

Dulux Bathroom+ (2025)

Features:

• MouldTec+ technology (5-year mould resistance)

• Moisture and steam resistant

• Highly durable soft sheen finish

Coverage: Up to 13m² per litre

Price (2025): £22–£28 for 2.5L

Available in B&Q, Wickes, and most decorators’ merchants.

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Dulux Kitchen+ (2025)

Features:

• Greaseproof formulation

• Washable without colour fade

• Stain-resistant

• Tough matt finish (sheen options expanding in 2025)

Coverage: Up to 13m² per litre

Price (2025): £22–£28 for 2.5L

A great choice for heavy‑use family kitchens.

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Other Specialist Paints Worth Considering (2025)

Valspar Premium Kitchen & Bathroom Paint

• Scrubbable

• Mould and mildew resistant

• Available in thousands of colour mixes

• £24–£32 for 2.5L

Zinsser Perma-White Interior (Bathroom-Grade)

• Excellent mould resistance

• Self-priming formulation

• Ideal for problem walls or previously damp areas

• £30–£38 for 2.5L

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Can You Use Standard Emulsion in Kitchens and Bathrooms?

You can, but it’s rarely recommended.

Advantages:

• Cheap (from £2–£4 per litre in large tubs)

• Easily applied

• Widely available

• Unlimited colour choices

Disadvantages:

• Bubbles and peels in humid rooms

• Cannot be wiped or washed effectively

• No mould or grease resistance

• Often requires multiple coats

Standard emulsion is only suitable for very well‑ventilated bathrooms or low‑use kitchens, and even then, expect a shorter lifespan.

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Are Kitchen and Bathroom Paints the Same? (Updated for 2025)

Kitchen and bathroom paints are similar but not always identical. Both are moisture-resistant, but each has specialist formulations:

Bathroom paint:

• Designed to resist steam, humidity, and condensation

• Often contains anti‑mould additives

• Usually a soft sheen for better washability (though matt versions now exist)

Kitchen paint:

• Designed to resist grease, splashes, and stains

• Tough, scrubbable finish

• More resistant to everyday cleaning products

In practice, many homeowners use bathroom paint in kitchens or vice versa—but the best results come from choosing paint tailored to the room’s needs.

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Why Kitchen & Bathroom Paint Performs Better

Specialist paints include:

• Polymer binders that create a tough, washable surface

• Moisture barriers to prevent steam damage

• Anti‑mould or anti‑fungal formulas

• Grease‑resistant coatings for kitchens

They:

• Last longer

• Resist bubbling and peeling

• Are easier to clean

• Maintain colour better over time

The only downside: colour ranges are narrower than standard emulsions—but manufacturers are expanding their palettes every year.

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How Much Do Kitchen and Bathroom Paints Cost in 2025?

Typical price per litre:

• Budget options: £5–£8 per litre

• Mid‑range: £8–£12 per litre

• Premium brands: £12–£18 per litre

Standard emulsion: £2–£4 per litre

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Which Finish Is Best?

• Soft sheen: Most popular for bathrooms; better moisture resistance

• Mid sheen: Ideal for high‑use kitchens

• Matt: Becoming more common; requires a high‑quality specialist formulation

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Comparison Table: Best Kitchen & Bathroom Paints (2025)

Brand & Product	Best For	Key Features	Finish Options	Coverage	Price (2.5L, 2025)
Dulux Bathroom+	High-moisture bathrooms	MouldTec+, steam-resistant, durable	Soft sheen	Up to 13m²/L	£22–£28
Dulux Kitchen+	Grease-heavy kitchens	Greaseproof, washable, colour-stable	Matt, mid sheen	Up to 13m²/L	£22–£28
Crown Kitchen & Bathroom	All-round value	Moisture & steam resistant, scrubbable	Soft sheen, matt	~12–14m²/L	£23–£28
No Nonsense (Screwfix)	Budget projects	Grease, stain & moisture resistant	Mid sheen	~13m²/L	£17–£20
Valspar Premium K&B	Colour range	Scrubbable, mould resistant	Matt, soft sheen	Up to 15m²/L	£24–£32
Zinsser Perma-White	Damp-prone/problem walls	Superior mould resistance, self-priming	Satin, matt, eggshell	10–12m²/L	£30–£38

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FAQs: Best Paint for Kitchens & Bathrooms (2025)

1. Can I use normal emulsion in a bathroom?

You can, but it’s not recommended. Moisture and steam can cause bubbling, peeling, and mould growth. Specialist bathroom paint will last much longer.

2. Is kitchen paint really different from bathroom paint?

Yes. Kitchen paint focuses on grease and stain resistance, while bathroom paint prioritises steam and mould resistance. Both work in humid rooms, but choosing the correct one gives better protection.

3. Is matt paint OK for kitchens and bathrooms?

Yes—but only if you choose a specialist matt paint designed for high-moisture rooms. Standard matt emulsion is too porous and not washable.

4. Do I need primer before painting a bathroom or kitchen?

Not always. Many specialist paints are self-priming. However, if walls have stains, mould, or uneven surfaces, a primer like Zinsser Bullseye or Zinsser Perma-White may be needed.

5. How can I stop mould returning in my bathroom paint?

• Use bathroom-specific anti-mould paint

• Improve ventilation (extractor fan recommended)

• Keep humidity low after showers

• Wipe condensation regularly

6. Can I paint over old kitchen paint?

Yes—clean the surface thoroughly with sugar soap to remove grease, lightly sand, then repaint using a grease-resistant specialist paint.

7. Which paint finish is best for small bathrooms?

Soft sheen works well as it reflects light and resists moisture. High-quality matt paint can work too, but only if specifically formulated for bathrooms.

8. How many coats should I apply?

Most kitchen and bathroom paints need 2 coats. Budget paints may require 3 for full coverage.

9. What’s the most durable paint for kitchens?

Dulux Kitchen+ Tough Matt and Zinsser Perma-White are top performers for durability and washability.

10. What’s the best budget option?

The No Nonsense Kitchen & Bathroom Paint (Screwfix) offers excellent value without compromising too much on durability.

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Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Paint for Kitchens and Bathrooms**
For 2025, the best paint depends on your budget and the room’s specific challenges:

Best Overall (Bathroom): Dulux Bathroom+ with MouldTec+

Best Overall (Kitchen): Dulux Kitchen+ Tough Matt

Best Budget Option: No Nonsense Trade Kitchen & Bathroom (Screwfix)

Best for Problem Walls: Zinsser Perma-White

Best Colour Range: Valspar Premium Kitchen & Bathroom

If you want a finish that lasts, withstands moisture, and still looks fresh years later, choosing a specialist kitchen or bathroom paint is worth the investment.