Painting your cabinets is a straightforward, affordable way to spruce up your bathroom. With quality paint, tools and a splash of creativity, you can transform your main or guest bathroom from outdated and drab to refreshed and stylish. Best of all, this DIY home project allows you to personalize your space to fit your style and color scheme. However, you might feel unsure about the bathroom vanity cabinet painting process and what you'll need to complete this renovation project.
This step-by-step guide walks you through how to paint bathroom cabinets like a pro, from prep to reassembly, for long-lasting and good-looking results. All you need are a few supplies, some patience and time. We'll also share tips and tricks for achieving a professional finish, with no experience required.
There's more to DIY painting bathroom cabinets than paint and paintbrushes. For safety and precision, stock up on additional supplies for your DIY toolkit to achieve beautiful results.
You will need:
You may also want to buy a few optional items, such as a paint sprayer and new cabinet hardware.
Depending on the size and number of cabinets, the prep work, your desired paint finish and the necessary supplies, this DIY project may range between $250 and $750. That may seem like a high initial cost, but it's more affordable than replacing your existing cabinets.
Improving your bathroom's appearance is a high-value, cost-effective renovation that delivers years of beauty and can even boost your return on investment if you sell your home.
While you need to get the correct paint for a high-moisture area and do some prep work, painting bathroom cabinets is easier than you might think. Follow our step-by-step guide to achieve a beautiful and professional-looking result.
First, consider the color and finish you want to complement your bathroom and select the paint. The best paint for bathroom cabinets is either acrylic enamel or alkyd, thanks to their fast drying and low-odor features. Benjamin Moore Advance® Waterborne Alkyd Interior Paint is an excellent choice.
You also need to decide on a bathroom vanity paint finish. Semi-gloss and satin finishes are popular choices with unique benefits.
Buy samples of different shades and finishes of your chosen color and test them at home. Notice undertones and how lighting and fixed elements, like tiles, countertops and flooring, affect the paint shade.
Don't forget to pick up a primer to ensure an even texture and good adhesion while painting your cabinets. We recommend shellac- and oil-based primers, which offer the best moisture resistance and maximum durability. Specialized waterborne bonding primers also work well. However, this step isn't necessary if you choose a self-priming paint.
Once you've chosen and bought your paint, it's time to take steps that ensure even coverage and a simpler application.
Next, you will need to thoroughly clean all cabinet surfaces with a degreasing dish soap or trisodium phosphate cleaner to remove soap scum, grease, makeup, lotion and hairspray buildup. Don't forget to clean the cabinet doors, drawers and pulls if you also plan to paint those.
When using TSP, wear gloves to protect your skin.
When surfaces and cabinet parts are clean, rinse at least twice with fresh water to thoroughly remove the cleaning agents, then let them dry completely before sanding.
For this step, wear a respirator mask to avoid breathing in the sanding dust. Remove the existing finish on your bathroom cabinet by sanding the outer frame, doors and drawers with your sanding block and medium-grit sandpaper. Once all surfaces are smooth and paint- or finish-free, switch to fine-grit sandpaper to scuff them, which will help the primer and paint adhere better to the surface. If you're working with an unfinished cabinet, you can skip the medium-grit sandpaper and only use the fine-grit sandpaper to roughen your surfaces.
Always sand with the grain of the wood. Sanding against the grain damages the wood fibers, leaving visible scratches that will affect the finish after painting.
When you finish sanding, vacuum the dust and wipe the surfaces with a damp microfiber or tack cloth to ensure they're clean and dust-free before priming.
Repair dents, cracks or holes with patching or wood putty to fill and even out the surface. Place the filler or putty into the damaged areas and holes with a putty knife, then scrape off the excess. Once dry, sand these mended areas smooth and flush with the cabinet surfaces. Remove sanding dust from the surface and wipe again with your damp tack cloth.
If you've opted to replace your knobs, handles or hinges to further enhance your bathroom's aesthetics, chances are the new hardware holes are slightly different from your existing ones. Fill the old holes so you can install the new fittings properly.
Use painter's tape to mask off the surfaces you want to keep paint-free. It will seal sections you wish to leave as-is and protect the areas around your cabinet from unsightly paint splotches. Also, tape down the drop cloth on the floor to prevent lifting, moving and tripping while you paint.
Don't forget to tape off the following areas:
Press the painter's tape edges down firmly to prevent paint from bleeding onto the surface underneath and ensure clean lines where your bathroom cabinet meets the walls and floor for a crisp, professional finish.
A primer is necessary for the best results. It sets the base for your paint and improves adhesion, increases durability, provides a smoother finish and brightens paint color. Grab a large paintbrush or roller and apply your primer evenly on each door, drawer and the cabinet frame. Let it dry completely before you start painting.
When going from darker to lighter colors on your bathroom cabinet or vanity, apply a second coat to achieve the most vibrant color from your paint.
After the primer dries, gently sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the base. Remove the sanding dust for a clean surface before painting.
Now, it's time for the fun part — bringing your creative vision to life. When painting, apply thin coats to the cabinet frame and parts. Too much paint will cause dripping, leaving a streaky appearance on your surface. Put cabinet drawers and doors flat while painting to avoid run marks and sags.
Once the paint has completely cured, you can start reassembling your bathroom cabinet for the grand reveal! Be careful in this final stage to ensure you don't damage the freshly applied paint.
While painting bathroom cabinets is an easy renovation, you can use numerous tips and tricks to simplify your experience.
For long-lasting results, maintain your refurbished vanity cabinets to avoid damage and protect your freshly painted surfaces. Here's how to keep your cabinets in peak condition.
Are you ready to start your bathroom renovation? A fresh coat of paint is all it takes to give your space a fresh new look. While it takes time and patience to ensure the best results from your efforts, it'll be worth it when you see the difference it makes. Whether you need advice or want to stock up on the necessary tools and equipment to start your bathroom transformation, we're here to help.
At Aboff's Paints, we offer premium painting products to contractors and homeowners, ensuring you have everything you need to get the job done right. Browse our wide range of paints, primers and other essential tools in-store at one of our 32 convenient locations on Long Island, or shop online and pick up your order in person.
With over 90 years in the industry, our experts are ready to assist with painting questions and guidance you need to make your next project a success.
Contact us today to learn more or place your paint order.
