Bathrooms are some of the trickiest spaces in a home. Between steamy showers, poor ventilation, and frequent water splashes, mould can gain a foothold quickly—and once it’s there, it spreads. However, with the right preparation, products, and routine maintenance, you can prevent mould from developing before it becomes a problem. Here’s your guide to doing it the Prominent Paints way.
Why Bathrooms are Mould Magnets
- High moisture levels: Hot showers, baths, condensation on walls and ceilings.
- Poor ventilation: Without windows or extractor fans, moisture lingers.
- Heat + organic matter: Soap scum, body oils, dust; mould loves that combo.
- Cool surfaces, such as tiles, plaster, and cold walls, often collect condensation, which provides a favourable environment for mould to start growing.
Step 1: Surface Preparation
Good preparation is 70% of the job.
- Inspect for existing mould or mildew
If you’ve got visible mould, remove it first. Use Prominent Paints Fungal Wash diluted 1:5 with water (ensure safety precautions: wear gloves, a mask, and work in a ventilated space). Scrub gently but thoroughly and allow 3 hours to react. Rinse and allow to dry fully.
- Repair leaks or damage
Any cracks in grout, broken tiles, or leaking pipes—all of these supply moisture. Fix leaks, re-caulk joints (around tubs, sinks, and windows), and seal gaps.
- Ensure surface dryness
Only paint when the walls and ceilings are dry. Moisture trapped behind paint can lead to bubbling, peeling, or regrowth of mould.
Step 2: Choose the Right Paint & Primer System
Prominent Paints offers a range of products ideal for use in wet or humid environments. Using products designed for moisture, plus low‐VOC formulations, both protect your walls.
Key features to look for:
- Low VOC Ultra Sheen Acrylic Paint: It release fewer harmful emissions. Prominent Ultra Sheen is a high-quality acrylic paint suitable for interior use, with a low VOC level.
- Water & Steam Resistant: No moisture uptake into the paint coating, high sheen and can be tinted to any colour requirements.
Good adhesion, washability and durability: Bathrooms need paint that withstands cleaning, moisture, and steam.
Step 3: Product Suggestions from Prominent Paints
Here are some suitable Prominent Paints’ products and how to use them in your mould prevention plan:
| Situation | Product | Why it helps |
| Walls / ceilings inside bathroom with frequent steam | Ultra Sheen | Low VOC, good for interior walls & ceilings; highly washable extra longevity. |
| Areas needing higher resistance or finish (e.g. trim, wood, doors) | Use Ultra Sheen / Non Drip Enamel, Eggshell Enamel finishes or gloss enamel for trims (Prominent gloss enamels) | Easier to clean and less susceptible to moisture damage. |
| Waterproofing / Splash zones (e.g. shower stalls) | Ensure primer and sealers are used and sealed and waterproofed correctly. | Prevents moisture penetration, ensures paint adheres better, reduces mould risk. |
Step 4: Proper Application
Even the best paint won’t help if it’s poorly applied. Here are the best practices:
- Use a suitable primer or sealer
Especially on new plaster, exposed concrete, or repaired patches. Helps the topcoat adhere and act as a barrier.
- Apply enough coats
One good coat may look okay, but two coats, correctly applied, usually provide much better protection. Follow the drying times between coats as specified in the product instructions.
- Mind the corners & edges
Areas near ceilings, behind taps, in grout lines—these are weak spots. Use high-quality caulk or sealant and ensure the paint overlaps slightly onto other surfaces to seal the edges.
- Maintain good ventilation during & after painting
Open windows, run fans or vents. Vapour can linger and slow curing, which may reduce the effectiveness.
Step 5: Maintain & Monitor
Prevention is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
- Maintain moderate humidity levels: Use extractor fan during and after showers, and open windows whenever possible. A dehumidifier in humid climates helps.
- Regular cleaning: Wipe down tiles, grout, and glass screens—clean mould spores before they set. Use Prominent Paints gentle Fungal Wash occasionally.
- Inspect regularly: Check paint surfaces for early signs of mould (discolouration, musty smell). If found, treat immediately and spot-patch with a Prominent Paints product to prevent the spread.
Benefits of Using Prominent Paints in this Process
- Health: The low VOC formulations reduce harmful off-gassing, meaning safer indoor air. Prominent eco-friendly product philosophy supports better living spaces.
- Long-term durability: Products like Ultra Sheen and their premium and performance ranges are made to last, resisting washing, moisture, and wear.
- Warranty & support: Prominent Paints offers quality warranties on many ranges (Select, Premium, etc.) plus technical advice through their Professional Pact / Professional services. If you need help choosing products, preparing surfaces, or ensuring waterproofing, these supports make a difference.
Closing Thoughts: Getting Ahead of the Humid Months
By doing a bit of preparation now—fixing leaks, cleaning surfaces, choosing appropriate low-VOC, moisture-resistant paint products, applying correctly and maintaining ventilation—you can spare yourself the headache of mould problems when summer humidity ramps up. It’s less expensive and much less disruptive to prevent mould than to remove it later and repair damage. Prominent Paints is here to help you every step of the way: from selecting the right product to making sure you have all the technical support. Your bathroom can stay fresh, clean, mould-free—and gorgeous—before the humidity even gets a chance.
Visit www.prominentpaints.co.za or pop into your nearest Prominent Paints Paint Centre to get started.