Bathroom rescue project update
Today we finished a bathroom that kept peeling because the drywall sits close to the shower head. Steam and splash crept under the coating, and the ceiling and walls showed alligator cracking from stressed layers and compromised paper. We treated it as a drywall restoration first, paint second.
We stabilized the substrate by sanding away loose material, opening cracks, & skim coating the ceiling and walls to rebuild a flat plane. Where movement existed we set mesh tape with setting compound, then sanded to a smooth level four finish. Next we sealed everything with Zinsser Gardz problem surface sealer. Gardz penetrates chalky or torn drywall, hardens the surface, and evens absorption so finish coats bond evenly.
With the surface secured we applied Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa in a matte sheen. This line is engineered for high humidity and includes mildewcide for added protection. We chose matte because it resists water marking better than true flat yet still hides minor texture and cleans easily in a damp room.
The home has 2 baths, so we staged the work in 2 phases to keep one room usable at all times. After finishing the first bath we enforced a full two week cure with no hot showers or steam so the coating could harden, then we repeated the process in the 2nd bath. Repair the drywall correctly, lock it in with the right sealer, use a bath specific topcoat, and respect cure time. That is how we stop peeling and cracking from returning.
