Priya Kapoor
Painting a vanity grey to achieve a vintage look is a popular DIY project for those looking to update their bathroom without a complete renovation. While it can be intimidating, it is not a difficult process. The first step is to remove all hardware, such as knobs, and fill any holes with wood filler. Then, sand the vanity to prepare the surface for painting. Once the vanity is smooth, clean, and dry, it's time to prime and paint. Depending on the desired shade of grey, you may need to apply multiple coats of paint. To achieve a vintage look, you can use black wax to add depth to the colour and highlight details. Finally, reattach the hardware, or consider spray painting it for a fresh finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint colour | Grey with warm or beige tones |
| Paint type | Acrylic or water-based, or alkyd or oil-based |
| Paint brand | Sherwin Williams, Rustoleum Universal Metallics |
| Paint finish | Satin |
| Paint application | Roller, brush, or spray |
| Number of coats | 1-2 |
| Surface preparation | Sanding, filling holes, cleaning |
| Primer | Shellac or oil-based |
| Hardware | Brass or mixed metal |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the surface: sand, fill holes, and clean
Preparing the surface of your vanity is crucial for achieving a professional-looking and long-lasting result. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your vanity for painting:
Filling Holes
If you plan to change the hardware, such as knobs or pulls, you will need to fill the existing holes with wood filler. Start by using wood skewers dipped in wood glue and breaking them off at the surface, or you can use toothpicks. Ensure the hole is filled with wood, then generously apply wood filler. Allow sufficient time for the wood glue and wood filler to dry before proceeding to the next step.
Sanding
Sanding is essential to create a smooth and even surface for the paint to adhere properly. You don't need to sand off all the old paint down to the natural wood. Instead, focus on scuffing the top protective shiny layer of paint. Use sandpaper with a grit that is appropriate for the level of sanding required. Start with a lower grit sandpaper, such as 120-grit, to remove the finish, then switch to a finer grit, like 220-grit, to smooth the surface. After sanding, remember to wipe down the vanity with a damp cloth to remove any dust and debris.
Cleaning
Before painting, it is crucial to clean the vanity thoroughly to remove any residue from soap, hairspray, lotion, or other products. Use a degreasing cleaning agent, such as trisodium phosphate (TSP), following the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure to rinse twice with fresh water and a sponge, then allow adequate time for the vanity to dry completely before beginning the painting process.
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Choose the right paint and primer
Painting a vanity grey to achieve a vintage look requires careful preparation and the right choice of paint and primer. Here are some tips to help you choose the right materials for the job:
Choose the Right Paint
The type of paint you choose will depend on the desired finish and your personal preference. Some people prefer the ease of use and low-fume properties of water-based acrylic paints, while others opt for the durability of oil-based alkyd paints. If you're looking for a specific shade of grey, consider Sherwin Williams' Silver Strand or 'Meditative', which is a cool blue that doesn't appear too bright. For a vintage look, you might want to create a distressed or weathered effect. In this case, you can mix one part grey paint with three parts water and apply it to the vanity for a subtle grey wash.
Select a Suitable Primer
Priming is an important step to ensure that your paint adheres properly and that the finish is durable. While some sources suggest that priming may not be necessary for all projects, it is generally recommended, especially if you want to avoid extensive sanding. Choose a bonding or stain-blocking primer for better adhesion and to reduce the need for full sanding. Shellac or oil-based primers are also recommended for bathroom vanities as they minimise brush marks and offer flexibility in terms of paint type.
Additional Considerations
Before painting, it is essential to clean the vanity thoroughly with a degreasing agent to remove any residue. If you plan to distress the vanity for a vintage look, consider using a wax brush to apply black wax over the painted surface, working it into crevices and details. Finally, remember that hardware can be spray painted instead of replaced, saving you time and money.
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Painting techniques: brush, roller, or spray
Painting techniques vary depending on the finish you want to achieve, the type of vanity you have, and the amount of time and effort you are willing to put in.
If you want to avoid brush marks, you can use a roller for most of the painting and then use a small brush to catch any details the roller missed. This technique is recommended by Sherwin Williams and can be seen in one of their videos. You might need to apply two coats of paint, depending on the colour you are going for and the darkness of the piece before you started painting. If you are using a high-end paint, you won't need a topcoat for extra protection. However, if the vanity is a heavily used piece of furniture, you might want to consider it.
Another option is to use spray paint. This technique is recommended for painting hardware, as it can protect the finish long-term and be used on just about any material. You can use a light coat of spray paint every 15-20 minutes until you get full coverage.
If you want to achieve a professional-looking result that lasts, preparing your surface is crucial. This requires sanding. You should fill any existing hardware holes with wood glue and wood filler and then sand down the old paint to a smooth finish. You can use an orbital sander with grit sandpaper, starting with a lower grit and then moving to a higher one to smooth the surface. After sanding, you should wipe down the vanity to remove any dust and debris.
Some people skip the sanding and priming steps and go straight to painting, which can still lead to successful results. However, if you want to avoid sanding the surface, you will likely need to prime the vanity before painting. You can use a tapered brush for edges and detail work and a small roller for large, flat surfaces.
When choosing paint, consider the environment of the vanity. Acrylic enamel paint and alkyd paint are good options for bathroom vanities. Acrylic paint is low-fume and easy to clean up with water. Alkyd paint requires good ventilation and mineral spirits for cleanup but provides a hard and durable finish. Higher-gloss sheens are more resistant to moisture and everyday wear than flat or matte finishes.
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Adding hardware: knobs, pulls, and hinges
Painting your vanity is a great way to give your bathroom a vintage look. Once you've chosen your paint colour and painted your vanity, it's time to add the hardware.
If you're happy with the existing hardware, you can save yourself some time and money by keeping it as it is. If you like the brassy look, you can leave the hardware in its original condition, or you can spray paint it. If you want to spray paint your hardware, first, remove the knobs and hinges and place them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent anything from getting lost. Then, spray a light coat of paint every 15-20 minutes until you get full coverage. Allow the knobs to dry for 48 hours before adding them back to your vanity.
If you want to replace your hardware, you'll first need to fill the existing holes. You can do this by dipping wood skewers in wood glue and breaking them off at the surface, or by using toothpicks. Fill the hole with wood and then add generous amounts of wood filler. Allow the filler to dry before sanding down to a smooth finish. You can then drill new holes for your new hardware.
When choosing new hardware, consider adding a bright accent colour to reinvigorate your bathroom's decor. Brass and mixed metal finishes are popular choices. You might also want to consider the functionality of your hardware. For example, if your vanity gets a lot of wear, you might want to choose a high-end paint that doesn't require a top coat for extra protection.
Finally, add your chosen knobs, pulls, and hinges to your vanity. You might want to refer to your notes to remember where each piece of hardware goes.
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Finishing touches: wax, topcoat, or second coat
Once you've painted your vanity, it's time to add the finishing touches. There are a few different options to choose from, depending on the desired look and durability you want for your vintage vanity.
If you're going for a more natural, elegant look, waxing is a great option. Black wax can be applied in the same way as paint, with a little more effort needed to work it into the crevices and details. Any excess can be wiped away with a dry rag. This method is perfect for those who want to avoid a high-gloss finish, as it will give your vanity a more subtle sheen.
For a more durable finish, a topcoat is recommended. If you're using a high-end paint, a topcoat may not be necessary, but if your vanity is in a high-use area, it can provide extra protection. A topcoat is especially important if you've used a water-based paint, as it will add a hard, durable finish that can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use and cleaning.
If you're not happy with the colour after the first coat, or if you're painting a light colour over a darker one, a second coat is a must. This will also add extra protection to your vanity, ensuring it lasts for years to come. Sanding between coats with 220-grit sandpaper will ensure a smooth finish, and it's important to wipe everything clean with a damp cloth before applying the next coat.
Finally, if you're looking for a quick and easy finish, you may be able to get away with not using a primer or sanding at all. In this case, you can simply apply a light coat of spray paint every 15-20 minutes until you achieve full coverage. This method doesn't require any additional topcoats or waxes and will protect your finish long-term.
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Frequently asked questions
To achieve a vintage look, you can use a grey wash, which is made by mixing one part grey paint with three parts water. You can also use a wax brush to rub black wax into the crevices and details of the vanity after painting it grey.
It is not necessary to completely sand off the old paint down to the natural wood surface. However, you should scuff the top protective shiny layer of paint so that the new paint can adhere to it. You can use an orbital sander with 120-grit sandpaper to take off the top finish, and then follow up with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface.
The best options for painting a vanity are acrylic enamel paint and alkyd paint. Acrylic, or water-based, paints are low-fume and easy to clean up with water. Alkyd, or oil-based, paints require good ventilation and mineral spirits for cleanup, but they provide a hard and durable finish.
You should apply at least two coats of paint to protect the surfaces from daily use. If you are using a high-end paint, you may not need a top coat for extra protection. However, if the vanity is a heavily used piece of furniture, you may want to consider adding a top coat.
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