Marcus Chen
Painting your vanity is a great way to give your bathroom a new look without spending a lot of money on a major renovation. It's a fairly simple DIY project that can transform your space and give you greater flexibility in terms of colour choice and sheen. However, before you start painting, it's important to properly prepare the vanity by removing all hardware, drawers, and doors, and selecting the right type of paint and primer for the job. While flat paint can hide surface imperfections, glossy paint can highlight them, so it's important to consider the desired finish when choosing a paint type.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To update the look of the vanity, especially if it is outdated or chipped |
| Cost | Less expensive than replacing the vanity |
| Flexibility | Greater flexibility in terms of colour choice and sheen |
| Paint type | Waterborne alkyd paint, acrylic enamel paint, or alkyd paint |
| Paint finish | Flat or matte finish is less resistant to moisture and everyday wear than higher-gloss sheens |
| Primer | Recommended to create a smooth, even base and a strong bond between the surface and the top coat; shellac-based primer for shiny surfaces |
| Prep work | Remove all items from the vanity, clean the surface, tape off surrounding areas, sand the surface, and clean again |
| Paint application | Use a brush and roller to apply paint, allow to dry, lightly sand, clean, and apply additional coats as needed |
| Hardware | Remove and label hardware, such as hinges, knobs, and pulls, for easier painting and to upgrade their style |
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What You'll Learn
Flat vs. glossy paint
When deciding between flat and glossy paint for your vanity, there are several factors to consider. Flat paint, also known as matte paint, is ideal for hiding imperfections on walls due to its lack of shine and reflective properties. It is also a good option for older homes or surfaces with slight damage. Additionally, flat paint provides excellent coverage, often requiring fewer coats than glossier options, resulting in cost and time savings. Flat paint is also effective at minimising light reflection, making it suitable for creating a calm and cosy atmosphere. However, it is less durable than glossier finishes and may not withstand scrubbing or frequent cleaning.
On the other hand, glossy paint provides a shiny and durable finish. Glossy finishes are much more stain-resistant than flat paint and are easier to wipe down and wash. This makes them useful in kitchens, bathrooms, and dining rooms. Glossy paint can also create a striking entrance when used on front doors. However, the reflectivity of glossy paint can accentuate any imperfections on the surface.
For bathroom vanities, waterborne alkyd paint like ADVANCE® is recommended as it offers a smooth, furniture-like finish. Acrylic enamel paint is also a good option as it is low-fume and easy to clean with water. If you are working with laminate bathroom cabinets, alkyd paint or oil-based paint is suggested as it provides a hard and durable finish suitable for the moist environment. Shellac or oil-based primers are generally recommended for bathroom cabinets as they minimise brush marks and offer flexibility in paint choices.
When choosing between flat and glossy paint for your vanity, consider the condition of the surface, the desired level of durability and stain resistance, and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. Flat paint is ideal for hiding imperfections and creating a calm atmosphere, while glossy paint provides a shiny and durable finish that is easy to maintain.
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Priming and sanding
Before you begin painting your vanity, it is important to properly prepare the surface. This includes removing all hardware, drawers, and doors. If possible, remove the drawer fronts from the drawers to make it easier to sand and paint. If you plan to replace the vanity top, now is also a good time to remove it.
Once you have removed all the hardware and doors, it is important to clean the surface thoroughly. Use a damp cloth and a degreaser if necessary. If you use a degreaser, be sure to rinse with fresh water afterward to keep the surface contaminant-free. You can also use a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaning agent according to the manufacturer's instructions. After cleaning, lay down a drop cloth to protect the surrounding area from sanding dust and paint.
Now you can begin the priming process. Use a brush and roller to apply a coat of primer to all cabinet surfaces, using a tapered brush for edges and detail work and a small roller for large, flat surfaces. If your vanity has a shiny surface, use a shellac-based primer to ensure the paint will adhere properly. Let the primer dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
After the primer has dried, it's time to sand the surface. Sanding after priming will help to eliminate bumps and dents, creating a smoother surface for the paint to adhere to. Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) to sand the primed surface until it is smooth. Vacuum any sanding dust and debris, then use a microfiber towel to remove any residual dust. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth to ensure no dust or debris remains before painting.
Once the surface is completely clean and dry, you can begin the painting process. Apply your chosen paint colour using a tapered brush for edges and a small roller for large, flat surfaces. Start with the cabinet doors, as they will need time to dry before you can flip them over and paint the other side. Let the first coat of paint dry completely before lightly sanding again with 220-grit sandpaper and wiping clean with a damp microfiber cloth. Apply a second coat of paint if necessary, following the same process.
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Paint type and sheen
Painting your vanity is an easy and practical way to transform your bathroom. It is also a less expensive option than replacing your vanity, and gives you greater flexibility in terms of colour choice and sheen.
The best paint for a bathroom vanity is a waterborne alkyd paint, which offers a smooth, furniture-like finish. Alkyd, or oil-based paints, require good ventilation because the paint contains solvents that can irritate your lungs and make you feel sick. Alkyd options require mineral spirits for cleanup, but they provide a hard, durable paint finish that works well in the moist environment of a bathroom. In general, higher-gloss sheens are more resistant to moisture and everyday wear than flat or matte finishes. The most popular paint options for bathroom cabinets are acrylic enamel paint and alkyd paint. Acrylic, or water-based, paints are low-fume and clean up easily with water.
Semi-gloss tends to work well in areas that generate a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms. Satin is also durable and can be easy to clean, which is ideal for this area of your home. Make sure to paint your bathroom cabinet surfaces with a latex- or oil-based paint.
Some paint comes with primer built in, but you may still need a dedicated primer to deal with any surface problems on your vanity. The glossier the final paint will be, the smoother the primer needs to be. While flat finish paint hides surface imperfections, glossy paint highlights and accentuates any issues. Shellac or oil-based primers are generally recommended for bathroom cabinets.
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Painting tools and techniques
Firstly, it is important to prepare the vanity for painting. This involves removing all items from the vanity and thoroughly cleaning the surfaces to be painted with a damp cloth and degreaser. It is also recommended to use a drop cloth to protect the surrounding area and floor from paint and sanding dust.
Next, remove all hardware, including hinges, knobs, and pulls, and place them in a safe place. Label the backs of doors and drawers to ensure they are put back in the correct spots. If you plan to upgrade your hardware, now is a good time to do so.
Before painting, it is crucial to sand the vanity to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Use medium-grit sandpaper (120-150 grit) to remove any existing paint or clear coat, and then switch to fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) to smooth the surface. After sanding, vacuum the dust and use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the surfaces.
If your vanity has a glossy topcoat, you may need to use a liquid deglosser after sanding to ensure better adhesion of the primer and paint.
Now, it's time to apply a primer. Use a tapered brush for edges and detail work and a small roller for large, flat surfaces. If you are painting a shiny surface, use a shellac-based primer to ensure the paint adheres properly. Let the primer dry thoroughly, and then lightly sand it until it is smooth.
Finally, you are ready to paint your vanity. Use a paintbrush and a mini roller for the best results. Start with the cabinet doors, allowing them to dry before flipping them over and painting the other side. Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean before applying the second coat.
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Colour choice
The colour you choose for your vanity will depend on your personal preference and the style of your bathroom. If you want to play it safe, neutrals like greys and whites are common choices for bathrooms and tend to look good in any lighting. If your vanity top has cool colours, you could opt for a cool white, whereas if it has warm colours, a warm white might be better.
For a bolder look, you could choose colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel, such as blues and greens, which tend to mix well. You could also choose a neutral shade to balance a statement hue. Try not to pick more than three colours, as this could be overwhelming.
If you want to create a cohesive look, you could paint your vanity the same colour as your walls, or a darker shade from the same colour family. Alternatively, you could choose a colour that complements your wall colour. For example, if you have green walls, you might opt for a brown vanity, or if your walls are light yellow, you could choose a light greige vanity.
It's important to test out the colour before committing to it. You can do this by priming and painting the back of a cabinet door or another small area that won't be visible. This will give you an idea of how the colour will look in your space and how well the paint finish adheres to the surface.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting your vanity is an easy, practical, and inexpensive way to transform your bathroom and give it a new look.
The best paint for a bathroom vanity is a waterborne alkyd paint, which offers a smooth, furniture-like finish. Acrylic enamel paint and alkyd paint are also popular options for bathroom cabinets. If you want a flat finish, you should be aware that higher-gloss sheens are more resistant to moisture and everyday wear.
Yes, primer is important to deal with any surface problems on your vanity and to create a strong bond between the surface and the top coat to prevent chipping and peeling.
First, remove all items from your vanity and thoroughly clean the cabinets and the surrounding area. Then, lay a drop cloth on the floor to protect it from paint. Next, remove drawers and doors from the cabinet frame, as well as all hardware, including hinges, knobs, and pulls. Finally, use painter's tape to cover any surfaces you don't want to paint.
