How to Paint a Bathroom Vanity the Easy Way

How to Paint a Bathroom Vanity

1. Empty the Bathroom Vanity and Remove Doors and Handles

   Empty all items and toiletries stored in the bathroom vanity and drawers. Using a cordless drill or screwdriver, detach the handles, knobs, and hinges. If you plan to reuse the hardware, label them and store them in a plastic bag or container.

   Remove the bathroom vanity doors and drawers, if they can be detached. Set them aside on a drop cloth to be painted separately from the cabinet base.

2. Clean the Surfaces You’re Painting

   Using a degreaser, clean the surfaces of the bathroom vanity doors, drawers, and cabinet frame. After cleaning, wipe the surfaces down with water and a sponge or rag to remove any traces of the degreaser.

3. Fill Any Holes and Scratches

   Before you can paint the bathroom vanity, you first need to repair any dents or scratches in the wood. Check the surfaces of the cabinet, doors, and drawers for signs of damage.

   Repair any holes or gaps with wood putty or wood filler, following the product drying instructions (usually 30 minutes).

4. Sand the Vanity Surfaces

   Once the wood putty has dried, lightly sand the bathroom vanity cabinet, drawers, and doors with 220-grade sandpaper until the surface has a dull appearance. This will ensure the primer and paint will adhere properly to the cabinet surface.

   When you’re finished sanding, wipe down the surface with a damp rag or cloth wet with water only. Vacuum up any remaining dust in the bathroom or work area.

5. Set Up Your Painting Station

   Before you even pry open the paint can, make sure you set up your painting station—which might be away from the bathroom in an area with more space, such as a garage, basement, or covered patio. It can be nice to have a separate area to paint the vanity doors and drawers, where you can leave them to dry while you work on the rest of the vanity.

   In the bathroom, add a drop cloth around the cabinet frame. Apply painter’s tape around the perimeter of the bathroom vanity and any adjacent areas, such as the walls and floor.

6. Apply Bonding Primer With a Roll or Brush

   Once all your vanity surfaces are prepped and your bathroom is taped off, it’s time to apply a bonding primer. Using a brush and roller, apply primer to all doors, drawer fronts, and the vanity frame.

   Allow the primer to dry completely. Apply a second coat as needed.

7. Paint the Bathroom Vanity

   Pour the paint into the paint tray. Use a paint roller to paint the cabinet frame and bathroom vanity sides, painting the direction of the wood grain (if applicable).

   Next, paint all doors and drawer fronts with the paint roller, following the wood grain. Use a paintbrush to paint any crevices or tough-to-reach corners, applying the paint in smooth, even brush strokes.

   Allow the first coat to fully dry, then apply additional coats until the depth of paint color is achieved.

8. Allow Paint to Dry

   Once you’re finished applying the desired number of coats to the bathroom vanity, remove the painter’s take and allow all surfaces to dry overnight.

9. Reinstall the Cabinet Hardware

   If you’re adding new cabinet hardware to the bathroom vanity that requires new holes, drill them using a cordless drill. Attach all handles, hinges, and knobs to the doors and drawers.

10. Reinstall Cabinet Doors and Drawers

    Reattach cabinet doors to their hinges, making sure they are aligned. Slide the drawers back into their tracks.

    Make sure all doors and drawers open and close properly. When they do, your bathroom vanity makeover is done.