Quick answer: Bathrooms and kitchens need a system, not a single paint — a mould-resistant waterproof base coat (Rhinoluxe Shield Indoor) plus a washable, moisture-tolerant topcoat (Rhinoluxe Premium Pure Acrylic Semi-Gloss). Tiled splash-zones still need waterproof grout and sealant; paint covers everything else.
Why bathrooms and kitchens are hard on paint
- Constant humidity cycles. Steam from showers and cooking drives moisture into the paint film.
- Condensation on cold walls. Especially north-facing exterior walls in winter.
- Splash and spill. Soap, oil, grease and cleaning chemicals attack soft paint films.
- Cleaning frequency. Paint needs to handle weekly wiping without losing colour or sheen.
The Rhinoluxe wet-room system
| Layer | Product | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Mould kill | Mould wash / dilute bleach | Removes existing growth |
| Primer (if needed) | Rhinoluxe Bond and Key | Adhesion on chalky / glossy walls |
| Waterproof base | Rhinoluxe Shield Indoor (×2) | Blocks vapour, resists mould |
| Washable finish | Rhinoluxe Premium Pure Acrylic Semi-Gloss (×2) | Scrubbable, moisture-tolerant |
Sheen choice — semi-gloss vs satin
Semi-gloss is the right call in shower-adjacent walls, behind kitchen sinks and on splash-back areas. It wipes clean with detergent and resists water spotting. Satin / low-sheen works for the rest of the bathroom and kitchen, where you want less reflection on imperfect surfaces.
Ventilation still matters
No paint system fixes a poorly ventilated bathroom. Run the extractor fan during and 10 minutes after showers, leave bathroom doors open after baths, and keep kitchen extractor fans running while cooking. Paint blocks moisture; ventilation removes it.
What not to do
- Don't use ordinary interior PVA in a bathroom. It absorbs moisture and grows mould within months.
- Don't skip the Shield Indoor base. The topcoat alone isn't a waterproof system.
- Don't paint over tile grout to "seal" it. Use a tile grout sealer.
- Don't paint inside a shower cubicle. That area needs tile and waterproof membrane, not paint.
Where to buy
Order Rhinoluxe waterproofing paints at rhinoluxe.co.za with national delivery, or visit our paint shops at 143 Blaauwberg Road, Table View, Cape Town or 5a Betschana Road, Sebenza, Edenvale, Johannesburg. For trade pricing on bulk orders, call +27 84 985 6141.
