Natwerk Designs

Is it ok to use flat paint in bathrooms and kitchens?

I live in a mobile home and it has the old wallpapery looking walls that I want to update. I really like the matte look that I see in on the walls of homes with sheet rock walls ( even in the bathrooms and kitchens) but when I go to the paint stores they discourage me from using a flat paint in those areas. What is the logic behind this?

Public Comments

1. You can use flat paint but it won't hold up as well in moist and greasy places such as baths and kitchens. You can get a matte finish in a semi gloss paint.
2. Use an eggshell finish..is flat looking, but is able to be washed better than a flat.
3. not a good idea
4. You will first need to clean the walls with TSP. Prime with water-based kilz-it. Get a paint with an egg-shell finish so moisture won't get into the paint and you will be able to clean the walls of the kitchen.
5. Glossier paints are better for areas that get a lot of abuse/moisture, but now there's eggshell paint to give the look of flat but the durability of a glossier look- (you can wipe stuff off of it); perfect for the kitchen or bathroom. I'm surprised the paint store didn't suggest it. Maybe do one coat of gloss and top that with eggshell in the bathroom if it gets steamy...