Can you paint water resistant drywall?
Andrew Henderson
Published Apr 05, 2026
Can you paint water resistant drywall?
Drywall can be primed and painted to be waterproof. Most paint manufacturers make oil- and latex-based primers and paints designed to be waterproof and even mildew-resistant.
Can you use water resistant Sheetrock in a shower?
It means “Greenboard” can still be used in bathrooms (and other areas), it just cannot be used as a backer for tile in a shower or tub surround. It can be used in areas not subject to direct water exposure (tub/shower surround), and areas of noncontinuous high humidity (bathrooms).
What kind of paint can be used on shower walls?
When painting a bathroom or the shower walls inside a shower enclosure, you should use a latex enamel based paint. For the very best results, opt for a high-gloss or semi-gloss paint as opposed to eggshell or flat. Glossier paint will offer superior water repellent properties in comparison.
What can I use to waterproof drywall?
The best way to waterproof your drywall is to use a waterproofing primer. You can find both oil- and latex-based waterproofing primers made by most paint manufacturers. These products are created specifically to prevent mold and mildew on the surface to which they are applied.
Does Green Board need to be primed before painting?
Greenboard is a type of drywall that builders install in homes and other structures, over the beams in the walls. The next step after installing greenboard is to paint over it. Failure to use the right type of primer will result in the green color from the board shining through the coats of paint.
What kind of paint to use on shower walls?
In addition, because shower stalls are poorly-suited for adhesion, they require special treatment prior to painting or they will shed their new finishes relatively soon after application. No type of paint will adhere to shower walls unless the surface is properly prepared. Shower walls should be scoured with sandpaper prior to application.
What kind of paint to use on drywall that is not water resistant?
Green board is *not* waterproof – it’s water resistant. SECRET TIP: Paint it with CLEAR water-based urethane before finishing. After finishing, apply two coats of CLEAR water-based urethane then paint as desired. WATCH video below for finishing drywall.
Can you put water vapor paint on drywall?
Drywall is transparent to water vapor, that is to say water vapor passes through it without problem. Drywall is always full of water and as such provides a 30 minute fire wall. If you don’t want water vapor to pass through, paint with either gloss or laytex. You do not want water vapor in your attic…….so paint.
What kind of paint to use on bathroom ceiling?
An ideal trade-off between water-repelling gloss and appealing sheen on a wall is a semigloss finish, which may just be the best paint for a steamy bathroom ceiling. Some paints actually have antimicrobial substances built in to inhibit mold and other growth.
What kind of paint should I use on my bathroom drywall?
Maintaining your Bathroom Drywall. The outer surface of your bathroom drywall is ideally waterproof, whether it’s wax-coated or fiberglass. For additional protection, paint the drywall with glossy, waterproof paint. Some homeowners will even lay tiles over the drywall in their shower cubicles and bathtub coping.
What kind of paint to use on shower ceiling?
While the best paint for a steamy bathroom ceiling would be latex-based or acrylic-based paint, you would need an epoxy-based waterproof paint for shower tiles to achieve a proper bond with the less porous surface.
What can I use to make my drywall water resistant?
You can create a waterproof wall by using a wall covering that is waterproof. Cement board is one option and there are other coverings like fiberglass. In areas of these rooms that will get heavy concentrations of water, you need to use a waterproof wall material. Remember, the green board drywall is water-resistant, not waterproof.
What kind of primer should I use to paint my shower?
Sand glossy painted surfaces to give it some teeth for the new paint. Prime bare plaster or drywall touch-ups with quality primer that contains a mildewcide. If the existing paint is latex, use latex primer. If it is oil, or if you’re not sure, use oil primer. You can apply a latex topcoat over oil primer.