We love the look of wood floors in a bathroom. We inherited a wood floor in ours — it was about the only thing we loved about the tiny, long and narrow space. One of the first things we did was repaint it white, and we struggled with the best choice of paint for a floor that would get wet in spots. Our neighbor, a vintage boat restorer, suggested a traditional (and local!) New England paint uniquely suited to this use...
Mike pointed out that using marine paint was a perfect choice for a wood bathroom floor because its tough as nails, made for boats and decks, and no stranger to getting wet. In particular, he recommended marine paint from George Kirby Jr.'s Paint Company, a locally made (Boston) boat paint which has been around for more than 150 years. We used a color called Yacht White (they can color match to any color) and we couldn't be happier. Over two years later it still looks as good as the day we painted it. We've talked to friends who painted their bathroom floor with Benjamin Moore's oil-based deck paints and are very pleased, so that would also be a good choice, although we love the idea of buying locally from a family-owned company.
As far as general maintenance tips for a painted-wood bathroom floor, we were advised that as long as we sealed around the tub, toilet and radiator really well and wiped up any puddles of water that might accumulate, the upkeep would be minimum. We haven't had to touch it since! Another great use for Marine Boat paint is to paint outside furniture such as Adirondack or patio chairs, since the rain won't bother it.
>>> Kirby's Paint Company website
(Images: 1:Light Locations, 2-3: Living Etc.)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Thanks for the great tip! Can you provide any info regarding what kind of prep work (sanding, for example) that goes into this sort of project? Also, what type of finish does this provide-- matte, glossy, etc.? It is hard to tell from the pictures. Thanks!
view lulu77's profile
Isn't marine paint extremely toxic? I could be totally wrong but my brother used to work in the paint business and he said that it was very toxic because there are a number of additives (antifungals, VOC's, etc.) that are added to the paints which can be heavy irritants.
D-
view sauceykat's profile
Reminds me of my Grandmother's front porch in Norfolk, VA - It would get a new coat of Battleship-Grey hull-paint every other year whether it needed it or not...
view bepsf's profile
Only marine paint used below the water-line is super toxic. That stuff is designed to kill stuff that tries to live on the bottom of the boat ie slime, sludge, barnacles. It's also really expensive, so you won't likely buy it accidentally.
view evabee's profile
Same question as sauceykat. I have two kids and I'm wondering if the after fumes would be really noxious?
view Jimmyjames's profile
i love these pics and wish i'd just left the 120-yr old subflooring and painted it instead of having the contractor tile over it. We went with subway tiles, but sadly no claw-foot tub like the first photo.
view evabee's profile
Thanks evabee! I must have been thinking about the gelcoat or whatever it's called that goes below the water line. I personally would prefer to use a low-VOC paint but would suggest using the paint in a well-ventilated room and air it out well if someone does decide to go that route.
But it does look nice! Reminds me of Newfoundland where all those beautiful colourful marine paint leftovers are used to paint the houses, porches, basically anything that needs it :)
view sauceykat's profile
what a great idea! and it looks awesome!
view xjacklynx's profile
Would it cover vinyl?
view hrhprincessfiona's profile
i love love the little towel stool in the first picture...where is it from?!
view amandaja's profile
To the best of my knowledge, the law prohibiting lead in paint only applies to (usual) household paint. I believe that marine paint is allowed to contain lead. This is certainly something you would want to check out before introducing marine paint into your home.
view irc's profile
These are just breathtakingly gorgeous bathrooms. The use of the marine paint is a great idea, plus the light color unobtrusively anchors (no pun intended) the room.
I.
view Ivan Chan's profile