Shower ceiling paint

My very small en-suite has a shower. The sloped ceiling above the shower got slightly damaged about 9 months ago when fitting new shower bifold door. I repaired the relatively small damaged areas with filler, then repainted the whole ceiling with Dulux Bathroom emulsion. I did not prime the small repairs. Now with winter coming and windows closed (but there is an extractor fan) the steam/condensation on the ceiling above the shower has caused those repaired areas to bubble up.
I was thinking of using Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell (white) to repaint the whole ceiling again???
Would you recommend? and should I prime these damaged areas after I re-repair them again with new filler? before repainting?
Many thanks

Advice from 25 local tradespeople

Yes, I would highly recommend using Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell or a similar high-quality water-based eggshell/satin finish for your small en-suite ceiling. The bubbling is occurring because the moisture is penetrating the paint, and the filler, not being properly sealed (primed), absorbed this moisture and caused the paint to lift. 

Yes, you must absolutely prime the repaired areas after you re-fill them. Filling without sealing is the likely cause of your issues. 

Here is the recommended approach to fix this permanently:

1. Preparation and Repair

Remove Loose Paint: Scrape off all the bubbled and loose paint. If the filler itself is soft or powdery, scrape that out too.Re-fill: Use a high-quality filler (e.g., Toupret) to repair the area.Sand: Once completely dry, sand the filler smooth so it is flush with the surrounding ceiling.Remove Dust: Ensure the area is completely free of dust, or the new paint will not stick. 

2. The Crucial Priming Step

Do not skip this. The filler is porous and will suck the moisture out of your paint, leading to future peeling. 

Prime the Filler: Apply a dedicated sealer/primer to the repaired areas. Zinsser Bullseye 123 or Zinsser Gardz are excellent choices for sealing filler.Alternatively, you can use a "mist coat" (a mixture of 70% water-based paint and 30% water) on the filler, but a dedicated primer is more reliable in high-moisture shower areas. 

3. Repainting

Paint the Ceiling: Use the Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell (White) to cover the whole ceiling.Why Eggshell/Satin: Acrylic eggshell creates a tighter, less porous film than bathroom emulsion, allowing steam/water to run off rather than absorbing into the paint.Coats: Apply two coats, allowing proper drying time between them (usually 4–6 hours). 

Additional Tips for Winter

Ventilation: Even with an extractor fan, run it for at least 20–30 minutes after your shower.Check Insulation: Since this is a sloped ceiling, it might be cold, leading to higher condensation. If possible, ensure the area is well-insulated.Drying Time: Let the paint cure for at least 24–48 hours before using the shower again to prevent trapping moisture. 

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use a Zinsser primer before egg shelling the ceiling.

Skipping the primer is the primary reason your previous repairs bubbled.
The Issue: Filler is extremely porous. When steam hits it, the filler "drinks" the moisture through the paint layer, causing the paint to lose its bond and bubble (a process called "delamination").

Chip bubbles sand bare areas use a decent primer like peelstop and topcoat one dry be careful as this whole area may not have been mist coated and you may have to strip area of paint and start again as oaint may not have soaked in to plaster this os the importance of a watered down coat of paint on bare plaster

Remove any flaking paint and apply Zinsser Peel Stop to affected area. Face fill and prime with Zinsser Gardz. Apply one coat of Acrylic Primer and then two coats of any Trade Acrylic Eggshell (what retailers call "bathroom paint).

Hi,
I would remove the repaired areas and sand / clean, then use Peel stop then apply filler and paint ceiling, i recommend Zinsser 4in1 ceiling paint, this is excellent.

The main issue is that the filler doesn’t have enough adherence to the actual ceiling surface because this has to be previously sanded to a grade that will allow the primer to properly “sit” and stick to it so, any paint coat that you apply over it will likely stay despite the condensation. Recommended to apply two coats of Damp Seal primer undercoat and then on the next day preferably a valspar premium kitchen & bathroom with a sponge/ foam roller colour coats.
Note: make sure that prior to working on the ceiling you have applied an anti mould solution (in spray would do) so any possible remain of bacterias won’t be there “to eat” into the paint coats
Hope this helps.
Aris

Repair the damaged areas again with filler, then prime them with a moisture-resistant primer before repainting. Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell is a good choice for bathrooms, but make sure it’s suitable for high humidity. Using a moisture-resistant primer and paint will help prevent bubbling caused by steam and condensation.

Recommended Steps:
1. Remove All Bubbled Paint
Scrape away any loose or bubbled paint completely. You want a stable surface to work on.
2. Re-fill the Damaged Areas
Use a good-quality filler suitable for interior surfaces. Once dry, sand it smooth and ensure the area is clean and dust-free.
3. Prime the Repaired Areas
This is where things went wrong the first time. Yes — definitely prime the filled areas before painting. You can use a stain-blocking or multi-surface primer (like Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 or a good acrylic primer). This will seal the filler and help prevent moisture from seeping in and causing bubbling.
4. Repaint with Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell
Once primed and dry, go ahead and apply 1–2 coats of the Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell. Make sure to allow enough drying time between coats and ensure good ventilation when possible — even with an extractor fan.

To properly address your issue and ensure a durable finish, follow these steps:

1. Repair the Damaged Areas
• Remove all bubbling or loose paint with a scraper or sandpaper until you reach a stable surface.
• Sand the edges of the damaged areas to create a smooth transition with the surrounding surface.

2. Prepare the Surface
• Clean the entire ceiling with a mild detergent solution to remove grease, steam residue, and any mold. Let it dry thoroughly.
• Refill the damaged areas with a good-quality filler. Smooth it out and allow it to dry completely.

3. Prime the Repaired Areas
• Yes, priming is essential for adhesion and moisture resistance. Use a stain-blocking or moisture-resistant primer, such as Zinsser Bullseye 123 or Dulux Trade Stain Block Primer, on the repaired areas. This will help prevent future bubbling.
• Allow the primer to dry fully before proceeding.

4. Choose the Right Paint
• Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell is an excellent choice. It has a durable, moisture-resistant finish suitable for bathrooms.
• Alternatively, you can use Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell or a specialist bathroom paint for enhanced mold and moisture resistance.

5. Repaint the Ceiling
• Apply two coats of your chosen paint, ensuring adequate drying time between coats. Use a roller for even coverage and a brush for edges and corners.

Additional Tips:
• Ensure your extractor fan is functioning efficiently to reduce steam buildup.
• After showers, wipe down excess moisture from walls and ceilings and leave the bathroom door slightly ajar to improve ventilation.

This method will give you a long-lasting, smooth, and moisture-resistant finish. Let me know if you need further assistance!

You need to remove any flaking paint give it a good sand use a dpm primer or paint then accrilic paint and let it completely cure or it won't bod to the surface I would recommend all plastered surfaces in the room be given the same treatment and mabe upgrade the extraction system

First of all ensure the area is completely dry.
Scrape away the bubbled paint, then prime with bathroom paint or Flixtone moisture control paint rub down and paint til opaque

It sounds like you've done a decent job so far, but the bubbling is likely due to the lack of priming on the filler areas and possibly the nature of bathroom environments, which are prone to humidity.

For your next steps, here's my advice:

Repairing the Ceiling: Yes, you should first repair the damaged areas with new filler. Ensure that you properly smooth the filler to match the surrounding ceiling. After filling, lightly sand the surface to ensure a smooth finish.
Priming: It is crucial to prime the patched areas before repainting. Filler tends to absorb paint differently from the surrounding surfaces, so priming ensures a uniform finish and helps the paint adhere better. Use a good-quality bathroom or stain-blocking primer (preferably one that is designed to resist moisture), especially for the repaired areas. This will also help prevent further issues like bubbling or peeling in the future.
Paint Choice: Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell is a good option for bathroom ceilings as it's durable and resistant to moisture. It will give a low sheen finish, which is ideal for a bathroom environment. However, it is essential to ensure that the ceiling is completely dry before you apply the new coat of paint, as dampness can cause the paint to peel or bubble.
Ventilation: Since your en-suite has an extractor fan, it’s good practice to keep it running during and after showering to reduce the build-up of steam. Additionally, if possible, try to ventilate the room by opening a window occasionally to allow fresh air circulation.
In summary, repair and sand the damaged areas, prime them before repainting, and then apply the Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell for a lasting and professional finish. This should resolve the bubbling issue and provide a more durable surface to handle the moisture in your bathroom

To repair the damaged area first I would remove any loose or bubbling paint by scraping it off.
Sand the area smooth to ensure a flat surface, then reapply filler to the damaged areas, making sure it has smooth finish.

After the filler has dried and been sanded smooth, apply a primer. This step is crucial because it will seal the filler and help the topcoat adhere properly, preventing future bubbling.
Use a moisture-resistant primer or a primer specifically designed for bathrooms, as it will withstand the humidity better.

Then paint with the Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell (white).

It sounds like your repairs weren’t adequately sealed or prepared, which has led to moisture penetrating the repaired areas. Here's a step-by-step plan to properly fix the ceiling and ensure the new paint holds up in a humid environment:
Step 1: Remove the Bubbled Paint

Scrape away the bubbled paint and any loose or peeling sections around the repaired areas using a putty knife.
Sand the area lightly to smooth out any edges and create a uniform surface.

Step 2: Repair the Damaged Areas Again

Apply filler:
Use a high-quality, water-resistant filler designed for use in humid areas.
Smooth it out with a putty knife and allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sand the filler:
Once dry, sand the repaired areas with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 120-180 grit) to create a smooth surface that blends with the surrounding ceiling.

Step 3: Prime the Repaired Areas

This step is essential to prevent moisture from penetrating the repaired areas again:

Use a stain-blocking primer or a primer specifically designed for bathrooms or humid environments. A primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or Zinsser BIN Shellac-Based Primer is ideal for sealing the filler and providing a good base for the paint.
Apply the primer to the repaired spots (and optionally the entire ceiling for extra durability). Let it dry thoroughly.

Step 4: Repaint the Ceiling

Choose the Right Paint:
Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell is a good choice for bathrooms as it is durable, has a low sheen, and provides good resistance to moisture and mold.
Other options include paints specifically designed for bathrooms, such as Dulux EasyCare Bathroom or Johnstone’s Bathroom Paint.
Apply the Paint:
Use a high-quality brush or roller, and apply two thin, even coats for the best finish.
Allow the first coat to dry fully before applying the second.

Step 5: Ventilation and Maintenance

To prevent future issues:

Ensure the extractor fan is working effectively to remove steam from the en-suite.
Consider leaving the door ajar after showers to allow better air circulation.
Use a squeegee to remove water from shower walls and ceilings after use to reduce condensation buildup.

By priming the repaired areas and using a durable, moisture-resistant paint like Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell, your ceiling will be much better protected against condensation and steam damage. Following these steps should give you a lasting, smooth, and professional-looking finish.

Yes you should use prime after repair. Repainting again won't solve the problem.

t sounds like you're dealing with a common issue in bathrooms due to high humidity and condensation. Here's how you can approach the repairs and repainting of your en-suite shower ceiling:

1. Repairing the Damaged Areas:
- First, scrape off any bubbled or peeling paint to expose the damaged areas. Make sure to clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dust or debris, as this will help the new filler adhere better.
- After scraping, use a suitable filler to repair the damaged areas. Once the filler is dry, sand it down to create a smooth surface.

2. Priming the Repaired Areas:
- Yes, you should definitely prime the repaired areas before repainting. Priming helps to seal the filler and improves adhesion of the topcoat, especially in areas prone to moisture like a bathroom. Use a mold-resistant primer, which is ideal for wet environments.

3. Choosing the Right Paint:
- While Dulux Bathroom emulsion is designed for bathroom use, switching to Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell could be a good idea as it offers a more durable finish that can withstand moisture better. Eggshell finishes tend to be more resistant to moisture and easier to clean compared to matt finishes.

4. Repainting:
- Once the primed areas are dry, you can repaint the entire ceiling with your chosen paint. Ensure that you use a paint that is specifically formulated for bathrooms or high humidity areas to minimize future issues with bubbling and mildew.

5. Ventilation:
- Continue to use your extractor fan while showering and consider keeping the bathroom door slightly open to improve airflow and reduce humidity levels in the room, especially during the winter months.

Following these steps should help you achieve a more durable and moisture-resistant finish on your shower ceiling. Good luck with your project!

Use an appropriate filer than an Oil based primer. Then I would finish it with water (steam) resisting paint.

Hi there, yes I would recommend sanding down, priming and re finishing the damaged area again to avoid any cracks, chips or further issues :).

Yes, using Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell is a good choice for repainting your en-suite ceiling. It’s moisture-resistant and provides a durable, washable finish, making it more suitable for humid environments like bathrooms compared to standard emulsions.

Steps to Fix and Repaint:

1. Remove Bubbling Paint:

Scrape off the bubbled and loose paint using a scraper.

Sand the edges smooth to blend with the surrounding surface.

2. Repair with Filler:

Apply a high-quality, moisture-resistant filler (such as Toupret Interior Filler or Polycell Moisture Resistant Filler).

Allow it to dry fully, then sand it smooth.

3. Prime the Repaired Areas:

This step is crucial to seal the filler and prevent moisture from penetrating again.

Use a stain-blocking primer or a water-based acrylic primer/sealer suitable for bathrooms. Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 or Dulux Trade Quick Drying Primer Sealer are good options.

Allow the primer to dry completely.

4. Paint with Acrylic Eggshell:

Apply two coats of Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell.

Ensure you allow adequate drying time between coats as specified on the tin.

Additional Tips:

Ventilation: Even with an extractor fan, ensure it runs for 15–20 minutes after showers to remove excess moisture.

Dehumidifier or Damp Absorbers: Consider adding these in winter months if condensation is excessive.

Silicone Sealant Check: Inspect joints and corners to ensure there’s no hidden moisture penetration.

By properly priming and using a durable eggshell finish, you should avoid further issues with bubbling paint in the future.

Hi there, my advice would be to take out the damaged area and repair, with stain block first then prime the area before painting .

Yes, using Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell is a good choice for repainting as it provides better moisture resistance than standard bathroom emulsion.

To ensure a durable finish:

Remove the bubbled paint and re-repair the damaged areas with filler.
Sand the filled areas smoothly.
Apply a suitable primer or sealer over the repaired spots (e.g., Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or similar) to ensure adhesion and prevent future bubbling.
Repaint the entire ceiling with two coats of Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell, allowing adequate drying time between coats.
Ensure the extractor fan is effective and consider leaving the door slightly open to reduce moisture buildup.

Yes we have to use remove existing paint and use primer and then we can repaint it

scrape the loose paint, use Zinsser peel stop, fill the damaged areas, prime it and finally good quality bathroom paint.

Yes, using Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell is a good choice for repainting as it provides better moisture resistance than standard bathroom emulsion.

To ensure a durable finish:

Remove the bubbled paint and re-repair the damaged areas with filler.
Sand the filled areas smoothly.
Apply a suitable primer or sealer over the repaired spots (e.g., Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or similar) to ensure adhesion and prevent future bubbling.
Repaint the entire ceiling with two coats of Crown Trade Acrylic Eggshell, allowing adequate drying time between coats.
Ensure the extractor fan is effective and consider leaving the door slightly open to reduce moisture buildup.

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