Follow these tips and techniques to flawlessly paint this tricky area of your bathroom.
Time 20 minutes
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$20 - $80
Introduction
Painting the wall behind a toilet can be a challenge. Because space is so tight between the toilet tank and the wall — sometimes two inches or less — typical paintbrush techniques just won't work.
I've painted behind dozens of toilets. I've found a four-inch paint roller with a 3/8-inch nap works best, because it's thin enough to fit in the space.
Here, I'll describe a method I often use that results in complete wall coverage.
Special considerations: Most toilets have a gap of 1-1/2 inches between the wall and the toilet tank. If your toilet tank sits flush against the wall, or the gap is less than 3/4-in., you'll need to remove the tank to paint behind it.
Tools Required
- 4-inch paint roller frame
- Bucket
- Canister mask
- Cellulose sponge
- Drop cloth
- Paint can opener
- Paint tray
- Stir stick
Materials Required
- 30-gallon trash bag
- 4-inch woven roller cover with 3/8-inch nap
- Latex gloves
- Mild handwashing or dish soap
- Paint
- Painter's tape
Project step-by-step (8)
Step 1
Provide ventilation
- Open any bathroom windows.
- Turn on the bathroom vent fan.
- For additional protection, wear a canister respirator mask.
Step 2
Remove the toilet tank lid
- Gently lift the lid from the toilet tank.
- Place it gently on a carpeted surface or towel to prevent breakage.
Step 3
Clean behind the toilet
- Mix a solution of mild soap and water in a bucket. One teaspoon of soap for every quart of water is a good ratio.
- Use a wrung-out sponge or rag to wipe the wall behind the toilet to remove any dust or hair.
- Let the surfaces dry.
Step 4
Protect the toilet
- Open a 30-gallon trash bag and place it over the toilet tank.
- Gather the open end of the bag toward the front of the tank.
- Twist the open end of the bag until it’s snug against the back of the tank.
- Secure the twisted part of the bag to the toilet with painter’s tape.
- Place a drop cloth on the floor behind the toilet.
Step 5
Mix and pour paint
- Use a paint can opener to remove the lid.
- With the stir stick, mix the paint until thoroughly combined. This can take three to five minutes.
- Pour the paint into the paint tray, partially filling the well (the deepest part).
Step 6
Paint behind the toilet
- Using your roller, apply paint to the wall behind the toilet in a back and forth motion.
- Apply from different angles until wall coverage is complete.
- Check for drips or runs in the paint. Gently reapply the roller to smooth out.
- Follow the manufacturer’s dry time and apply a second coat, if needed.
Step 7
Clean up
- Remove the trash bag and painter’s tape.
- Dispose of the trash bag, roller cover and painter’s tape. You can use the bag for something else if there aren’t any holes in it.
- Wash the paint roller frame and tray.
- Remove the drop cloth.
Step 8
Replace toilet tank lid
- Pick up the toilet tank lid.
- Carefully place the lid onto the tank until it sits in place.
