Painting your wooden toilet seat is an excellent way to add color, texture, and dimension to your bathroom. But choosing the right paint and primer for the job is important. The wrong choice can lead to cracking, peeling, or fading over time.
An alkyd enamel-based spray paint is usually the best choice for a wooden toilet seat. This type of paint has good adhesion qualities and is less likely to peel or crack over time. It is also recommended to use an acrylic-latex primer. This type of primer offers additional protection and promotes better paint adhesion.
In this article, you will learn:
- The 5 factors to consider when choosing paint
- What type of paint to use
- What paint finish is best
- My top picks for the best paint and primer for a wooden toilet seat
5 Key Factors for Choosing the Perfect Paint
When it comes to painting a wooden toilet seat, there are a few factors to consider before you start (don’t miss my full guide to painting wooden toilet seats). Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
1. Durability
Seek out a paint that is created to endure and resist long-term wear and tear. A superior-quality paint should be able to endure regular usage without deteriorating.
2. Color
Choose a color that blends with the existing bathroom decor or one that adds a unique touch of color to the room. Consider the type of finish desired, such as glossy or matte, and any special treatment needed for the type of wood used in the toilet seat.
3. VOC Levels
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals in certain paints that can cause health problems if inhaled over prolonged periods. It is important to select a paint with low VOC levels to minimize any inhalation risks when applying it to your toilet seat.
4. Water Resistance
Ensure the paint is water-resistant so it will not chip or peel off due to contact with water or moisture from steamy showers and bathtubs.
5. Ease of Application
Select an easy-to-apply paint that can easily cover all surfaces and corners without much effort. Paints with built-in sealers are also helpful as they help protect against water damage and other potential issues caused by regular use of the toilet seat.
What Type of Paint Is Best?
Latex paint
Latex paint typically comprises three main ingredients: pigment, binder, resin, and additives. The pigment provides the color, while the binder resins help bind the pigment particles together and allow them to stick to the surface on which they are being applied.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Readily available in most stores
- Easy to apply and clean up
Cons
- Cannot withstand toilet cleaners
- Not as durable
Alkyd enamel-based paint
Alkyd enamel-based paints are typically made up of alkyd resins, similar to varnish. It is similar to traditional oil-based paint without the toxic levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Pros
- Durable and water-resistant
- Can withstand toilet cleaners
- Easy to apply like water-based paints
- Provides excellent adhesion
Cons
- Takes longer to dry
- Might still have a stronger odor than latex paint
What Paint Finish Is Best?
When it comes to painting a wooden toilet seat, the best paint finish will depend on the desired look and the level of durability required.
A semi-gloss or high-gloss finish is typically recommended for the highest durability, as these finishes offer higher levels of protection and are more resistant to scratches and moisture than other paint finishes.
The reflective quality of a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish can also help to brighten up any space, showcasing the beauty of the wood grain.
However, some people may prefer a less reflective option such as satin because they tend to be more subtle in appearance. Ultimately, it all depends on personal preference when selecting a paint finish for a wooden toilet seat.
The Best Paint and Primer for a Wooden Toilet Seat
Primer provides an extra layer between the wood and your paint, helping it adhere better and last longer. When selecting a primer, choose one specifically designed for wood surfaces.
This type of primer will help seal any existing stains or discolorations in the wood and provide a smooth surface for painting. It’s also important to select a high-quality primer suitable for use on bathroom surfaces, as it will need to stand up to moisture and humidity levels to be effective.
Once you have selected your primer, it’s time to pick out your paint color. Choose a semi-gloss finish as this type of paint will help protect against water damage while providing a glossy finish that looks great in any bathroom setting.
Be sure to choose an alkyd enamel-based spray paint with excellent coverage properties to ensure you don’t have to apply too many coats of paint during your project.
Spray paint is one of the most popular options for painting a wooden toilet seat, as it is relatively easy to apply and can provide a smooth finish. However, it is important to understand how to use spray paint to avoid issues such as running or bubbling.
Best Paint
Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint is the perfect paint to use when giving wooden toilet seats a new look. This spray paint offers superior adhesion and durability, making it ideal for use in any indoor or outdoor environment.
The convenient big button spray tip makes it easy to evenly coat the entire surface with a single application of the product.
In addition, this product has a remarkable drying time of 20 minutes to touch and one hour to handle, meaning you can start using your newly painted wooden toilet seat almost immediately after applying the product.
Plus, its advanced technology ensures that colors stay true and bright over time so your painted wooden toilet seat looks as good as new long after you’ve applied it. Plus you can be sure that this product won’t harm the environment, as it has no harsh fumes or VOCs.
Best Primer
Rust-Oleum Latex Primer is the best for a wooden toilet seat. This fast-drying, indoor/outdoor flat white primer offers superior adhesion and durability, making it ideal for use on wood surfaces such as a toilet seat.
It ensures that stains, discolorations, and irregularities are blocked, resulting in a smoother and more uniform paint finish. Plus, it cleans with just soap and water, so you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals being used near your bathroom.
Thanks to its superior adhesion to bare or painted wood surfaces, this primer will help ensure your paint job lasts longer. The low VOC levels make it safe to use indoors.