9 Easy Steps to Paint a Bathroom Vanity
You might want to paint a bathroom vanity as a simple and affordable way to update your bathroom without undergoing a full on remodel. Paint after all is usually the most affordable solution to transform a space. You can create a whole new look just by updating the vanity cabinet paint. Whether you have an old vanity that needs a refresh or you simply just want a different colored painted vanity, these 9 easy step to paint a bathroom vanity will have your bathroom looking new in no time.
- Time: 1-2 Days
- Difficulty: Easy
- Tools: Minimal
I will share exactly how I transformed our bathroom vanity and gave it a new look by painting the bathroom vanity cabinet. These steps I outline below can be applied to painting any cabinet – kitchen, built-in, bathroom, and more. It’s a simple DIY project that goes a long way in getting a lasting, smooth finish.
If you’re painting trim and doors, check out this tutorial and see my favorite paint tools.
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*I painted our bathroom vanity (shown above) but failed to take pictures during the process. Pictures below show painting a wood built-in cabinet that follow the exact same process.
9 Easy Steps to Paint a Bathroom Vanity
1. Prepare to Paint a Bathroom Vanity
The first step to any project is to gather all of the tools and materials needed and prep the space. I do the research and have it all ready for the day I am starting a project. See my list below for recommended tools.
Everything You Need to Paint A Bathroom Vanity:
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Paint tray
- Paint Brush
- Mini Roller Frame
- Roller
- Sandpaper 150-220 Grit
- Wood Filler
- Caulk (Paintable)
- Sanding Sponge
- Drops or tarps
- Painter’s Tape
- Putty Knife
- Primer
- Paint
2. Remove Hardware and Doors
I have painted two or three bathroom vanities and found that it is much faster to use a drill to remove hardware an doors. If the plan is to reuse the same hardware be sure to keep it in a safe place. I usually place it in Ziploc bag so the small parts don’t get lost.
Removing the vanity doors makes it much easier to paint laying flat and you can reach the small areas on the face of the cabinet.
Also depending on the size of the vanity or cabinets in your bathroom, I have found it is best to label the drawers and doors with painter’s tape. During my kitchen remodel, I had over twenty doors and drawers to reinstall. Labeling made the reinstallation go much smoother.
To make your life and job easy, have a dedicated work space to paint and allow time to dry between coats. I use my garage and have sawhorses setup with a 4ftX 8ft piece of plywood. This way I can use a surface to work on. Have tarps or sheets to place in the area you will be working to catch paint drips.
3. Fill Holes in Bathroom Vanity
At this point, you should have decided on the cabinet hardware and if you are reusing or getting new. If the new hardware doesn’t line up with the existing holes, then the holes will need to be filled. I use a wood filler and putty knife to get this done. Be sure to let it dry and sand it smooth. This may have to repeat this process if it is not perfectly smooth. You don’t want to be able to see indents where the old hardware was placed once you’re finished painting.
Sanding is an important step to prepare for the painting of your bathroom vanity. It helps remove any film or coating or old paint so the primer and paint will stick for a lasting finish that resists chips. Use 220 grit sandpaper if the drawers and doors are in good shape. Otherwise it m may require starting at 150 grit and working up to 220. It really depends on the current quality of the doors, drawers, and the base itself and if they are wood, stained, painted, etc.
4. Clean the Bathroom Vanity
It is important to clean the surfaces that will be painted. First, I will vacuum the surfaces to remove any dust or debris. Next, I take a damp cloth and wipe all the surfaces down. This will pick up extra dust sitting on the surface. After it is dried, I have a terry cloth and a tack cloth that will get the extra dust and sand particles off.
This will also be a good time to remove anything from the vanity that you don’t want painted.
5. Tape Off Before Painting a Bathroom Vanity
I highly recommend taping off the countertop, floor, along walls, or anywhere the vanity cabinet meets another surface that you aren’t painting. I like to use a clean release blue painter’s tape. I will start by working from the top of the vanity to the bottom. Also don’t forget to tape off the inside of the vanity itself!
Pro Tip: After taping, I use a flexible putty knife to run over the tape lines and push the tape down. This will seal it and prevent any paint bleeding through.
Caulk any gaps between the walls and vanity if you have any. Make sure to use a paintable caulk or the paint will bubble. Let it dry completely before moving forward.
6. Priming A Bathroom Vanity
When priming a bathroom vanity, use a brush for the hard to reach corners first. Then go in and finish with the roller.
I typically use a primer whenever I have used wood filler, spackle, or any other compound. The primer will help protect your bathroom vanity from chips. It allows the paint to adhere better, giving results that look professional. Sand using 220 grit sanding block or paper between primer coats. This can prevent brush strokes, and knock off any paint globs. It’s usually best to use at least 2 coats of primer.
For primer I usually use Zinsser 123 primer and it works great.
My 2.5” Purdy brush is my go to for almost any project.
7. Painting a Bathroom Vanity
It’s finally time to start painting! For a bathroom vanity that receives daily use and opening/closing of drawers and doors, invest in a high quality paint.
I use Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel for my trim and bathroom vanity. It is pricey, but the quality is amazing and it will last so much longer. It is a durable finish that withstands constant cleaning and abuse so you won’t have to worry about many chips.
Same process as priming, use a brush for the corners and hard to reach areas. Finish painting using a mini roller. Let it dry and add another coat of paint. When painting a bathroom vanity, I like to do a total of three coats of paint. Once you finish the last coat of paint, remove the tape at an angle, and while paint is still wet.
8. Install Bathroom Vanity Doors and Drawers
After the paint is totally dry, use a drill to reinstall doors. I usually wait at least 24 hours before handling the doors and drawers to avoid leaving fingerprint.
9. Install New or Existing Hardware
Install Existing hardware using a drill.
Are you installing new hardware? Use the recommended drill bit to drill out the holes, which is typically 3/16. I would buy a jig to mark the doors and drawers so make your life easier with consistent placement.
I hope this quick guide on painting a bathroom vanity helped with your DIY. Feel free to reach out, and of course subscribe to my email list for helpful tips with everything around the home!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paint do you use for bathroom Vanity?
I have found Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel to be the best.
Do you have to prime a vanity before painting?
Yes. Priming ensures the paint adheres to the vanity, and will prevent chips and paint scuffs.
How to get a smooth paint finish on a bathroom vanity?
Starting with a clean and smooth surface and sanding in between all paint coats. Using quality paint, brush, and rollers will also help with a smooth finish. The type of paint also makes a big difference which is why Emerald Urethane is the best for a smooth, durable finish.
Checkout my paint color reviews:
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
Other Related Posts:
Redoing Kitchen Cabinets with wood Stain
