Peeling paint in a bathroom is not a paint problem, it is a moisture problem. I found this out after repainting my bathroom twice and watching both coats bubble and peel within months. The third time, I fixed the cause instead of the symptom.

Showers throw a ton of moisture into the air, and if that moisture keeps hitting the walls, no paint will hold up.

Fix the Ventilation First

Before you touch a brush, make sure the room can dry out. Run the exhaust fan during and for thirty minutes after every shower. If you do not have a fan, crack a window or leave the door open.

I bought a cheap timer switch for my fan, so it runs automatically after I leave. It cost fifteen dollars and probably doubled the life of my paint job.

Patch and Prime Before Repainting

Scrape off all the loose paint with a putty knife, down to where it stops coming off easily. Sand the edges smooth, then fill any craters with spackle.

Here is the step people skip: prime the patched spots with a stain-blocking primer, not just any primer. The primer seals the old stain and gives the new paint something to grip.

Use the Right Paint

Regular wall paint is not enough for a bathroom. Use a satin or semi-gloss paint labeled for bathrooms or high-moisture areas. The extra sheen means a tougher, more water-resistant film.

I also add a mildewcide additive to the paint. It costs a few dollars and stops the little black spots from coming back in the corners.