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Painting Over Masonite Bathroom Walls

Lee Weal

Masonite is an engineered wood product that was sometimes used for interior construction and home siding in older homes. Also referred to as hardboard, Masonite is sturdy and durable but is also subject to damage from excess moisture as are most wood products.

Bathroom walls made from Masonite should be properly prepared, before applying paint, in order to achieve a long-lasting, professional finish.

  1. Cover bathroom fixtures and floors with drop cloths to protect them from paint spills.

  2. Sand any glossy areas of the Masonite walls with 120-grit sandpaper until they are dull. Use a sanding block or palm sander and a light touch to prevent gouging or removing too much material.

  3. Coat the Masonite walls with a wood water-repellent product. Bathroom walls are subject to mold and mildew from excessive moisture, and Masonite is water-resistant but is not waterproof. Follow the product's directions for drying time.

  4. Paint the walls with one coat of a high-quality primer. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before painting.

  5. Apply two coats of a high-quality latex paint. Two thin coats will adhere to the wall better than one thick layer of paint. Allow the first coat to thoroughly dry before applying the second coat.