Essential Advice For Using A Paint Pad Behind The Toilet

Given its ability to dramatically transform a space, paint can be a DIYer's best friend. It doesn't require any demo, you don't have to call any licensed professionals, and you don't need to invest a significant amount of time or money. While there are plenty of easy DIY paint projects that don't take much effort to pull off, there are some areas of the home that can be challenging to reach. One of the trickiest spots? The area behind the toilet. Usually, there's only a small amount of space between the wall and toilet, making it difficult to reach with a paint roller or brush. However, thanks to a handy gadget called a paint pad, you can easily paint this area without having to remove the toilet.

Bathrooms are generally difficult to paint in, since they are tight quarters and you have to work around many different fixtures. Using a paint pad, like this Shur-Line Paint Pad, to reach behind the toilet can definitely make the job less of a hassle. If you're unfamiliar, you're likely wondering what a paint pad is and how you can use it. Essentially, it's a flat sponge that's attached to a long handle. The sponge soaks up paint and the handle allows you to slide it across hard-to-reach places. While it doesn't leave as smooth a finish as a roller, it makes quick and easy work of painting awkward areas. Follow the tips below to make painting the area behind your toilet a breeze.

First things first, you need to clean and dry the area behind the toilet very well. It's a space where dust and debris tend to collect and build up. It's also an area of high moisture, since most toilets tend to "sweat" with condensation. By cleaning and drying the back of the toilet as well as the wall surface, you'll ensure the paint can adhere properly. Next, you should remove the lid from the toilet to give yourself a little extra painting space. Place a garbage bag, tarp, or old sheet over the toilet to protect it from paint. You may also want to cover the pipes and baseboard with painter's tape.

Lightly dip the paint pad into a tray of paint until the sponge is saturated, then scrape off any excess on the side of the tray. Starting at the top of the tank, slide the paint pad behind the toilet and move it up and down the wall to apply the paint. Continue until the area is evenly coated. Then, load up the pad with more paint, and slide it from the bottom of the tank towards the middle. Once the entire area behind the toilet is painted, let it dry for 4 to 6 hours before applying additional coats if needed. Allow the paint to fully dry before replacing the lid on the toilet tank, and then enjoy your perfectly painted bathroom!