The gypsum wallboard in bathrooms is also referred to as green board. The inner gypsum core and the green paper covering it are treated so they're water-resistant and will withstand the high humidity typical in bathrooms. Painting bathroom wallboard doesn't require a different process than painting normal drywall. It's doubly important to prime it, though--this will help the paint adhere instead of peeling due to humidity. Using a good, mildew-resistant paint isn't a bad idea either.
Instructions
1. Clear rugs and bathroom accessories out of the way and remove window treatments. Brush or wipe the wallboard to remove sanding dust.
2. Caulk gaps between the wallboard and trim, cabinets, countertops and the shower stall. If there's a ledge on top of the shower stall, dust that off and caulk the gap along the top where it meets the wallboard, to prevent water getting in. Use clear paintable silicone caulk and let it dry at least four hours.
3. Protect the floor and fixtures with drop cloths. Use painter's blue tape to mask off countertops and anything else you don't want to paint.
4. Prime the wallboard with one coat of acrylic primer or PVA (polyvinyl acetate) drywall primer. This seals and grips to the porous surface. Skipping this step can compromise your paint job forever, because the paint will never adhere well or be very washable. Priming will also give the paint a more uniform, even shine.
5. Paint the primed wallboard with two coats of good-quality latex paint. If mildew is a concern, look for paint specifically formulated for bathrooms.
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