Quick answer: For bathrooms and toilets, use a moisture-resistant, anti-mould emulsion or a silk vinyl. In kitchens, use a washable silk or grease-resistant kitchen paint. Always kill existing mould and seal the wall first, and improve ventilation, or mould will return through any paint.
Bathrooms and kitchens are the hardest rooms on paint. Steam, splashes, grease and constant wiping quickly ruin standard emulsion, especially in Kenyan apartments where many bathrooms have small windows and no extractor fan.
Why ordinary paint fails in wet rooms
- Standard matt paint is porous. It absorbs moisture and grease, which feeds mould.
- Condensation forms on cool walls and ceilings every time you shower or cook.
- Scrubbing removes standard matt paint and leaves patches.
- Hidden leaks from pipes and failed grout keep walls damp.
The right paint for each wet area
| Area | Recommended paint | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom walls (outside shower) | Anti-mould or moisture-resistant emulsion, or silk vinyl | Two coats over a sealer |
| Bathroom ceiling | Anti-mould ceiling paint | This is where condensation collects most |
| Guest toilet | Silk vinyl or washable matt | Fine if ventilated |
| Kitchen walls | Washable silk or kitchen paint | Resists grease and frequent cleaning |
| Behind cooker and sink | Tiles or splashback (best), or enamel | Paint here wears fastest |
| Kitchen cabinets | Satin or gloss enamel over primer | See our cabinet painting guide |
| Laundry and wash areas | Moisture-resistant emulsion | Treat any damp first |
Step-by-step: painting a bathroom or kitchen
- Fix leaks in pipes, taps and shower seals. Regrout and reseal where needed.
- Kill mould: apply a fungicidal wash, leave it for the recommended time, rinse and let the wall dry completely.
- Degrease kitchen walls with sugar soap or a suitable cleaner. Paint won’t stick to grease.
- Scrape and fill any peeling or cracked areas, then sand smooth.
- Prime with a mould-resistant or stain-blocking primer.
- Apply two coats of moisture-resistant or washable paint.
- Wait before using the shower: give the paint the curing time stated on the tin, usually at least 24 hours.
Ventilation: the step most people skip
Paint can resist moisture, but it can’t remove it. To stop mould for good:
- Fit an extractor fan in bathrooms and above cookers, or replace a fixed window with one that opens.
- Leave the bathroom door or window open after showering.
- Wipe down wet walls and ceilings in very small bathrooms.
- Keep furniture and wardrobes slightly away from cold outside walls.
If mould keeps returning even with good paint, the wall may have a damp problem. See our guide to damp walls and peeling paint.
Colour ideas for bathrooms and kitchens
- Bathrooms: crisp white, soft aqua, pale grey, sage or sandy beige with white ceilings.
- Kitchens: warm white, light grey, olive or sage green, or a navy island or lower cabinets.
- Light colours make small rooms feel bigger and show mould early, so you can treat it quickly.
Painting rental apartments
For landlords, moisture-resistant paint in bathrooms and washable silk in kitchens cuts down repainting between tenants. See our guide to painting rental properties.
Need a kitchen or bathroom repainted properly? Our interior painters handle mould treatment, preparation and moisture-resistant finishes across Nairobi. Book a free site visit, or compare options in the best paint for interior walls in Kenya.
