How to Paint Bathroom Cabinets: Easy DIY Tutorial for a Fresh Look

Last updated on June 2, 2024

Diving into the colorful world of DIY, we will illuminate how to spruce up your bathroom aesthetics simply by painting your bathroom cabinets, injecting new life and panache into your sanctuary.

Key takeaways:

Gather Materials: Invest in high-quality tools and materials.
Remove Vanity Doors & Drawers: Take them off carefully and label them.
Clean and Prep Surfaces: Thoroughly clean and sand the cabinets.
Paint Vanity Cabinets: Use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint for durability.
Reinstall Doors & Drawers, Attach New Hardware: Pay attention to detail and hardware selection.

Gather Materials and Tools

Before embarking on the transformation journey of your bathroom cabinets, conjure up an image of a painter’s toolkit. The fusion of the right tools and high-quality materials is the secret to a cabinet facelift that not only astonishes but endures.

Consider your paintbrush or roller as your artist’s wand—opt for a high-quality brush for those pristine, brushstroke-free finishes or foam rollers for their proficiency in delivering a smooth, even coat.

Let’s not neglect the canvas—your cabinets. A primer is paramount; it’s the unsung hero that ensures your paint’s adhesion and longevity. Trust in a bonding primer for those slick, non-porous cabinet surfaces.

As for the paint, the bathroom’s humid realm demands something robust—a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint is not only chic but practical, repelling moisture like a pro.

Our toolkit must also include sandpaper—the coarser grit to vanquish old finishes and the finer for that velvety smooth touch.

Tape isn’t just for wrapping gifts. Painter’s tape will be your guardian, shielding your walls and hardware from stray brush strokes.

Finally, a drop cloth, your ally in maintaining cleanliness, protecting your floors and countertops from accidental splatters and spills.

Remove Vanity Doors & Drawers

Diving in, the first step is to unscrew the hinges, taking care to catch any loose screws that may roll into no-man’s-land behind the toilet. Place the removed doors and drawers on a flat, covered surface to avoid paint drips on your tiles later on.

Pro tip: label each door and its corresponding location with a small piece of tape. This will save time during reinstallation – it’s like giving your future self a high-five.

Next, remove all hardware – handles, knobs, pulls – because painting over hardware is the antithesis of chic. Keep these small pieces in a bag to prevent a scavenger hunt for that one missing screw.

Finally, if your vanity has drawers, pop those out. If they’re stuck, a gentle wiggle usually does the trick – no need to show off your Hulk strength. Remember, patience here will reward you with a smoother finish later.

Clean and Prep Surfaces for Painting

Thorough cleaning is crucial; any residue on the cabinets can prevent paint from adhering properly. Use a degreasing cleaner to cut through grime, then rinse with water and allow to dry completely.

Next, sanding is essential, not just to smooth out imperfections but to create a “tooth” for the new paint to grip onto. If there’s old paint, flaking, or gloss, a medium-grit sandpaper will suffice.

After sanding, wipe down with a tack cloth to remove any dust—don’t skip this step, as leftover particles can ruin your sleek finish.

If you’re working with laminate cabinets, a liquid deglosser may be beneficial for creating a paint-ready surface without harsh sanding.

Remember, the paint will only look as good as the surface it covers, so spending time on prep is investing in the final polish of your project.

Paint Vanity Cabinets

Selecting the right paint is critical for a long-lasting finish. Opt for a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint; these finishes not only hold up well in humid bathroom environments but also are easy to clean.

A foam roller yields a smooth application on flat surfaces, while an angled brush is perfect for getting into nooks and crannies. To avoid brush strokes and drips, apply with a light hand and be patient; two thin coats are superior to one thick coat.

Ensure adequate drying time between coats, as per the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Remember to keep the area well-ventilated to protect against fumes and aid in the drying process.

Precision matters. Take your time to create a professional-looking finish that will transform the heart of your bathroom.

Reinstall Cabinet Doors & Drawers and Attach New Hardware

With your freshly painted surfaces dry and ready to be shown off, it’s time to bring the pieces of your bathroom puzzle back together. Carefully align the doors to the cabinet frame ensuring that the spacing is even—this avoids a crooked finish which can throw off your entire aesthetic. Once your doors swing with ease and the drawers slide in smooth, it’s hardware time.

This is where you can really change the game. Think of hardware as the jewelry of cabinetry; it can elevate a simple design to chic or add a touch of modernity to a traditional look. You’d be surprised how a new set of knobs or pulls can give the space a completely different feel.

And remember: patience is key. You don’t want to scratch your beautiful new paint job with a slip of the screwdriver. Take your time, measure twice, and drill once. Your attention to detail will pay off with beautiful, functional bathroom cabinets that look professionally done.

Focus on symmetry and precision, and your upgrade will seem seamless.

FAQ

What kind of paint do you use for bathroom cabinets?

In my opinion, the best choice for bathroom cabinets would be a semi-gloss, satin, or gloss water-based paint that is 100 percent acrylic enamel, due to the easy and quick clean up and durability.

Can you just paint over bathroom cabinets?

Yes, painting over bathroom cabinets is entirely feasible and represents a cost-effective strategy for revamping your space.

Do you have to sand bathroom cabinets to paint them?

While it’s not absolutely mandatory, sanding bathroom cabinets prior to painting them significantly enhances paint adhesion, leading to a smoother and more professional outcome.

Do you have to prime before painting bathroom cabinets?

Yes, priming is necessary before painting bathroom cabinets to ensure the topcoat adheres properly and the original finish doesn’t show through.

What considerations should be made when choosing a color for a bathroom cabinet?

When choosing a color for a bathroom cabinet, consider the size of the bathroom, the overall color scheme, the amount of natural light, and whether the color will age gracefully or not.

What is the ideal drying time between paint coats on bathroom cabinets?

The ideal drying time between paint coats on bathroom cabinets is typically around 24 hours.

Are there any specific painting techniques recommended for bathroom cabinetry updates?

Yes, experts often recommend using a paint sprayer for bathroom cabinets to achieve a smooth, perfect finish.