Safety Considerations

Paint fumes can be strong, so it's important to protect yourself. Always work in a well-ventilated area by opening windows and doors, and consider running fans to help circulate air. Wearing a mask can further limit fume exposure. Look for low- or zero-VOC paint to reduce harmful emissions.

Wear protective clothing to keep paint off your skin, and don safety glasses to guard against splatters.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Painting Behind a Toilet Using a Mini Roller

• Fan
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Mask
• Screwdriver
• Mini paint roller
• Paint tray
• Paintbrush

Painting Behind a Toilet Using a Paint Pad

• Fan
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Mask
• Screwdriver

Materials

Painting Behind a Toilet Using a Mini Roller

• Painters tape
• Garbage bag
• Paint
• Rag or cloth

Painting Behind a Toilet Using a Paint Pad

• Painters tape
• Garbage bag
• Paint
• Rag or cloth
• Paint stir stick
• Paint pad
• Tape or hot glue

Instructions

Tracey Amadio

How to Paint Behind a Toilet Using a Mini Roller

Painting behind a toilet can be tricky, but a mini paint roller offers a simple solution if there's enough space. Ideally, you'll want a gap greater than 1 inch between the wall and the toilet tank to maneuver the roller effectively. Let's break down the steps to make your painting endeavor smooth and efficient.

Ventilate the Space and Put on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1. Ensure your space is well-ventilated before you begin painting. Open windows and doors, and set up one or more fans (including the bathroom exhaust fan) to help vent harmful chemicals.
2. Wear PPE to stay safe while you work, including closed-toe shoes, long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, a mask, and safety glasses. Choose clothing that you don't care too much about (it will likely get paint-splattered) and allows you to move freely. Safety glasses will protect your eyes from stray paint drips and splatters, while a proper mask will limit the inhalation of toxic fumes.
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Prepare the Area

1. The most crucial step in learning how to paint behind a toilet is prep. If you're painting the entire bathroom, use painter's tape to cover the edges of any areas you don't want painted, like the bathroom counter, mirror, or baseboards. Even if you're only touching up the space behind the toilet, it's a good idea to apply painter's tape to the baseboard and any pipes coming out of the wall.
2. Use one or more drop cloths to protect the bathroom floor, then remove the toilet lid and slide a garbage bag over the tank. Tape the garbage bag tightly around the toilet to prevent it from getting in the way while you work. This bag will protect the toilet from paint without obstructing the space between the wall and the tank.
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Insert the Mini Roller Behind the Toilet

1. Mini paint rollers are ideal for tight spots like behind a toilet. Before painting, slide the roller behind the tank to check the fit and find the best angle. Try inserting it from the sides or top to see which way is easiest.
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Apply Paint in Even Strokes

1. Once you're sure the mini roller fits, pour a small amount of paint into the tray. Dip the roller or use a brush to apply paint to the roller. If the roller drips, roll it over the tray's flat area to remove excess paint.
2. Slide the paint roller into the gap between the toilet and the wall, then paint in even strokes. Don't rush the process. Work methodically from the top to the bottom to avoid missing any spots.
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Apply a Second Coat, If Necessary

1. After applying the first coat, inspect the paint job and wait 4 to 6 hours for the paint to dry. While it will likely take at least 24 hours for the paint to fully cure, giving it 4 to 6 hours will allow it to dry enough to apply a second coat. Allow the paint to fully cure before resuming regular use of the bathroom.
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3. A second coat of paint isn't always necessary. If you check the paint job and determine that the patch of wall is adequately covered, you won't need to worry about a second or third coat.

How to Paint Behind a Toilet Using a Paint Pad

If the gap between your toilet and wall is narrower than 1 inch and you're wondering how to paint behind a toilet with such a tight crevice, a paint pad is the solution. While you can purchase a commercially-made paint pad, it's also relatively easy to make your own with a long, thin stick, like a paint stir stick.

Ventilate the Space and Put on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1. Ensure your space is well-ventilated before you begin painting. Open windows and doors, and set up one or more fans (including the bathroom exhaust fan) to help vent harmful chemicals.
2. Wear PPE to stay safe while you work, including closed-toe shoes, long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, a mask, and safety glasses. Choose clothing that you don't care too much about (it will likely get paint-splattered) and allows you to move freely. Safety glasses will protect your eyes from stray paint drips and splatters, while a proper mask will limit the inhalation of toxic fumes.

Prepare the Area

1. If you're painting the entire bathroom, use painters tape to cover the edges of any areas you don't want painted, like the bathroom counter, mirror, or baseboards. Even if you're only touching up the space behind the toilet, it's a good idea to apply painters tape to the baseboard and any pipes coming out of the wall.
2. Use one or more drop cloths to protect the bathroom floor, then remove the toilet lid and slide a garbage bag over the tank. Tape the garbage bag tightly around the toilet to prevent it from getting in the way while you work. This bag will protect the toilet from paint without obstructing the space between the wall and the tank.

Purchase or Make a DIY Paint Pad

1. If the gap between the toilet and the wall is less than 1 inch, a mini paint roller won't fit. In this case, either buy a paint pad from a home improvement store or make one at home. For the latter, tape or glue a thin microfiber rag to the end of a long, thin piece of wood, like a paint stir stick. The rag will act as the paint pad, and the thin stick will make it possible to apply paint in the tight space.

Slide the Paint Pad Behind the Toilet and Apply Paint

1. Dip the paint pad into the paint bucket or a tray of paint to absorb a small amount of paint. Alternatively, apply paint to the pad with a paintbrush for better control over how much paint is applied. If the pad is dripping, remove the excess paint before you begin.
2. Once the paint pad is saturated with enough paint, slide the tool behind the toilet tank from the top. Gradually work the paint pad side-to-side to cover the unpainted wall. Take your time and proceed patiently so you don't miss any spots.
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4. This process, while effective, won't leave the smoothest texture behind—though, with a gap of less than 1 inch, the texture isn't likely to matter much or even be noticed.

Apply Additional Coats, If Necessary

1. After applying the first coat, inspect the paint job and wait 4 to 6 hours for the paint to dry. While it will likely take at least 24 hours for the paint to fully cure, giving it 4 to 6 hours will allow it to dry enough to apply a second coat. Allow the paint to fully cure before resuming regular use of the bathroom.
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3. A second coat of paint isn't always necessary. If you check the paint job and conclude that the patch of wall is adequately covered, you won't need to worry about a second or third coat.
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How to Choose the Right Type of Bathroom Paint

Selecting the right paint for your bathroom is crucial because this room experiences higher humidity and moisture levels. Without the appropriate paint, your walls can suffer from water damage, mold, or even rot.

For bathrooms, oil-based paints are durable but produce strong fumes that aren't ideal for small, enclosed spaces. Instead, consider latex water-based paints—they emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are suitable for less ventilated areas.

To ensure longevity and safety, opt for specialized bathroom paints. These products typically offer washability, mold resistance, and low-VOC content, making them both durable and healthier choices for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I have to remove the toilet tank to paint the wall behind the toilet?
• While you certainly can remove your toilet tank to get better access to a bathroom wall in need of repainting, you do not have to remove the fixture. To avoid moving your entire toilet, slide a garbage bag over the tank and tightly tape the bag to keep it secured while you paint.
• I got paint on my toilet—how do I remove it?
• Oil-based paint and latex water-based paint can be removed with denatured alcohol and a rag. For paint that's stubbornly clinging to your toilet, gently scrub it away with an old toothbrush