How To Paint Bathroom Cabinets: A Complete Guide for Transforming Your Space

Revamping your bathroom cabinets with a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into your entire bathroom space. Whether you’re looking to update the look of your outdated cabinets or refresh their appearance, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process, ensuring professional-quality results. 

From choosing the right paint and primer to preparing the surfaces and applying the final coats, you’ll find everything you need to know to tackle this rewarding DIY project confidently.

Project Overview

Before diving into your painting project, it’s essential to understand the scope and estimated time required. While painting bathroom cabinets is simple, it does require careful attention to detail and proper preparation. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

• Working Time: Approximately 9 hours
• Total Time: Plan for around 24 hours to allow for drying between coats
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Estimated Cost: Budget around $200 for materials and tools

Before You Begin

Before picking up a paintbrush, gathering all the necessary tools and materials is essential. Here’s a checklist to ensure you have everything you need:

Tools & Materials

• Drop cloths
• Screwdriver
• Work gloves
• Safety goggles
• Respirator
• 5-gallon bucket
• Sponge
• Vacuum cleaner
• Tack cloth
• Paint tray
• Paint roller
• Paint roller cover
• Oil-based paint or mildew-proof acrylic paint
• Natural-bristle paint brush
• Synthetic-bristle paint brush
• Painter’s tape
• Trisodium phosphate powder
• 220-grit sandpaper
• 120- to 150-grit sandpaper (optional)
• Shellac primer or oil-based primer

Now that you’ve gathered all your tools and materials, it’s time to delve into the specifics of choosing the right paint and primer for your bathroom cabinets.

Choosing a Paint

Selecting the right paint is crucial for achieving a durable and visually appealing finish. Consider the following options:

Best options:

1. Oil-based paint: This is ideal for bathroom cabinets as it can withstand the dampness and humidity common in bathrooms. It provides a long-lasting finish with excellent adhesion.
2. Mildew-proof acrylic paint: If you prefer a faster-drying alternative with mold and mildew-resistant properties, opt for mildew-proof acrylic paint. It’s suitable for bathrooms and offers a durable finish.

When choosing your paint, consider color preference, finish (e.g., semi-gloss, high-gloss), and coverage.

Choosing a Primer

Priming is a crucial step in the painting process as it ensures proper adhesion and enhances the durability of the paint. Here are the best primer options for your bathroom cabinets:

Best options:

1. Shellac primer: Shellac primer is highly effective in promoting adhesion and minimizing brush marks. It works well with both oil-based and water-based paints, offering versatility and durability.
2. Oil-based primer: If moisture resistance is a priority, opt for an oil-based primer. It provides excellent protection against humidity and helps create a smooth surface for painting.

Before applying the primer, ensure the surfaces are clean and free of dirt, grease, or old paint residues. Proper surface preparation is essential for achieving professional-quality results.

STEP 1: Prepare the Space for Painting

Before diving into the painting process, preparing the space properly is essential. Follow these steps:

1. Lay drop cloths: Protect the surrounding area by laying down drop cloths to catch any drips or spills.
2. Remove items from cabinets: Clear out the cabinets and remove any items stored inside. This will allow for easier access to the cabinet surfaces.

STEP 2: Remove the Cabinet Doors

Removing the cabinet doors will make the painting more manageable and ensure a smoother finish. Follow these steps to remove the doors:

1. Unclip or unscrew hinges: Depending on the hinges used, either unclip or unscrew them from the cabinet frame.
2. Store doors safely: Once removed, set them aside in a safe and clean area where they won’t be damaged or get in the way.

STEP 3: Take the Drawers Out of the Cabinet

Removing the drawers will allow easier access to the cabinet frames and ensure a more thorough painting job. Here’s how to remove the drawers:

1. Pull-out drawers: Extend each drawer fully, then tilt it downward to lift the wheels off the rail.
2. Remove drawers: Once the wheels are off the rail, pull the drawer straight out to remove it completely from the cabinet.

STEP 4: Remove the Cabinet Hardware

Taking off the hardware, such as knobs and handles, will prevent them from getting painted over and ensure a clean finish. Here’s how to remove the hardware:

1. Use a screwdriver: Unscrew the hardware from the doors and drawers using a screwdriver.
2. Set hardware aside: Once removed, set the hardware aside in a safe place where it won’t be misplaced or damaged.

STEP 5: Protect Surfaces You Don’t Want to Paint

To avoid accidental paint splatters on surrounding surfaces, use painter’s tape to protect areas you don’t want to paint. Follow these steps:

1. Apply painter’s tape: Use painter’s tape to cover areas such as the vanity top and walls adjacent to the cabinets.
2. Cover with newspaper: For added protection, tape old newspaper to the inside of the cabinets to shield the interior from paint splatters.

STEP 6: Clean the Cabinets with Trisodium Phosphate

Proper cleaning is essential for removing dirt, grease, and other residues from the cabinets. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is an effective cleaner for prepping surfaces before painting. Follow these steps to clean the cabinets:

1. Dilute TSP: Mix one-quarter cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) with one gallon of warm water in a 5-gallon bucket.
2. Scrub surfaces: Use a sponge saturated in the TSP solution to vigorously scrub the cabinet surfaces, including the doors, drawers, and frames.

STEP 7: Sand the Cabinets

Sanding helps create a smooth surface for paint adhesion and removes any existing finish or imperfections. Follow these steps for optimal results:

1. Test area: Test an inconspicuous area of the cabinet to determine if it has a sealant or finish that needs to be removed.
2. Sand surfaces: Using sandpaper, sand the cabinet surfaces, including the doors, drawers, and frames, to create a slightly rough texture for better paint adhesion.

STEP 8: Clean Up the Sanding Dust

Removing sanding dust is essential for ensuring a clean surface for priming and painting. Follow these steps to clean up the dust:

1. Vacuum surfaces: Use a vacuum cleaner with a dust brush attachment to remove sanding dust from the cabinet surfaces.
2. Wipe down surfaces: Use a water-dampened cloth to wipe down the sanded areas and remove any remaining dust particles.

STEP 9: Prime the Cabinet Surfaces

Priming is essential for achieving a long-lasting and professional-looking finish. Follow these steps to prime the cabinet surfaces.

:

1. Pour primer: Pour a small amount of shellac or oil-based primer into a paint tray.
2. Apply primer: Use a paint roller cover to coat the cabinet surfaces with primer, working in the direction of the wood grain for optimal coverage.

STEP 10: Add a Second Coat of Primer (Optional)

For optimal coverage and durability, consider applying a second coat of primer, especially if you’re painting over existing or a darker color. Here’s how to do it:

1. Allow the first coat to dry: Let the first coat of primer dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Apply second coat: Once dry, apply a second coat of primer to the cabinet surfaces, ensuring even coverage.

STEP 11: Paint the Cabinet

Now, it’s time to apply the paint and transform your cabinets. Follow these steps for a flawless finish:

1. Prepare paint: Pour a small amount of oil-based or mildew-proof acrylic paint into a paint tray.
2. Apply paint: Use a paint roller or brush to apply the paint to the cabinet surfaces, working toward the wood grain for a smooth finish.

STEP 12: Apply Another Coat (or Two) of Paint

Adding additional coats of paint will enhance the color and durability of the finish. Follow these steps for optimal results:

1. Allow the paint to dry: Let the first coat of paint dry completely before applying additional coats.
2. Apply additional coats: Depending on the desired depth of color and coverage, apply one or two extra coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before proceeding.

STEP 13: Clean Up and Reattach the Cabinet Doors

After the paint has dried, it’s time to clean up and reattach the cabinet doors for a complete makeover. Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove drop cloths: Roll up and remove the drop cloths from the surrounding area.
2. Reattach hardware: Retrieve the hinges and screws to reattach the cabinet doors, ensuring they are correctly aligned and securely fastened.

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FAQs

What kind of paint do you use on bathroom cabinets?

Opt for oil-based or mildew-proof acrylic paint for durability in moist environments.

Can you paint over the bathroom cabinets?

Yes, but proper preparation, including cleaning and sanding, is essential for adhesion.

Do you have to sand bathroom cabinets before painting?

Yes, sanding ensures a smooth surface for better paint adhesion and longevity.

Should you paint bathroom cabinets with a roller or brush?

Either works, but a brush allows for better control, especially in tight spaces and detailed areas.

Final Thoughts

Painting your bathroom cabinets is a rewarding DIY project that can completely transform the look of your space. With the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can achieve professional-quality results that will enhance your bathroom’s aesthetics for years. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to give your bathroom cabinets a fresh look!