The latest paint innovations for bathrooms are focused on a reinvention of how colour is used in a bathroom; where once bathroom walls seemed to be all white, colour has slowly but surely crept in.

As homeowners learn it's tricky to change hard surfaces later, colour is increasingly finding itself on walls paired with more neutral fixtures and fittings. For the colour confident, this is extending onto ceilings and the covering of old surfaces that are too expensive to replace.

Reinvented paint effects – such as colour blocking, chevrons and geometric designs – are also making their way into bathrooms, as a way of adding a mixture of colours without overpowering the space.

Clients wanting a monochromatic look can opt for variations of a colour, such as half strength on the walls, quarter strength on the ceiling, full strength on cabinetry and double strength on doors. The tint of colour on the ceiling brings this space into the colour scheme and can also help to hide insect marks and dust that may appear.

The continued development of waterborne enamels has seen most decorators choose these for bathroom areas, and Resene offers specific waterborne enamel products to help keep bathrooms looking good. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom, Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom (semi-gloss) and Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom combine antibacterial silver protection and MoulDefender mould inhibitor – perfect for minimising unwanted nasties in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom can be used on walls, while Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom can be used on ceilings and complemented with Resene Lustacryl on trims and doors. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, Resene SpaceCote Flat or Resene Lustacryl are stronger colour options while MoulDefender can be added to the paint for extra mould defence.

Many are choosing surface makeovers rather than full replacements. One of the most common requests for bathroom projects is advice on overcoating of laminated or smooth surfaces; simply apply Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer as an adhesion primer, then topcoat in Resene Lustacryl for a new colour look.

For existing bathroom renovations, first treat any moss or mould with Resene Moss & Mould Killer, and it will then be ready to paint – the bathroom should be adequately ventilated before, during and after decorating.

Walls in bathrooms tend to be cleaned more often than many other areas, and Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner – a labour-saving, non-dulling, neutral cleaner designed for use on all interior painted surfaces – is a perfect solution. Quick and easy to use, it dries film-free, eliminating the need for rinsing.