Painting bathroom cabinets is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to update the look of a bathroom and can be done by most homeowners with basic handyman skills.
This process usually involves cleaning the cabinets, sanding the surface, applying a primer, and applying several coats of paint. The type of paint used, the number of coats applied, and the preparation steps taken can vary depending on the material of the cabinets, the environment of the bathroom, and the desired final result.
Here are 7 insider tips from experts on painting bathroom cabinets:
- Clean the surface thoroughly: Before painting, make sure to clean the surface of the cabinets to remove any dirt, grime, or residue. This will help the primer and paint adhere better.
- Sand the surface: Lightly sand the surface of the cabinets to create a rough surface for the primer and paint to adhere to.
- Apply a deglosser: If the surface of the cabinets is glossy, use a deglosser to help the primer and paint adhere better.
- Use a good quality primer: A good quality primer will help the paint adhere better, cover any imperfections, and create a smooth surface for the paint.
- Use a paint that is appropriate for the bathroom environment: Choose a paint that is resistant to moisture and humidity, and appropriate for the material of the cabinets.
- Apply the paint in thin, even coats: Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
- Allow adequate drying time: Make sure to allow plenty of time for the paint to dry completely before reassembling the hardware and using the cabinets.
By following these tips, you can achieve a professional-looking, long-lasting paint job on your bathroom cabinets.
How to paint bathroom cabinets?
Here are the steps to paint bathroom cabinets:
Clean and prepare the surface: Remove all hardware, clean the surface with a deglosser or sand lightly to roughen the surface, and create a good base for the paint to adhere.
Fill in any dents or holes: Use wood filler to fill in any cracks or holes, and then sand the surface until smooth.
Prime: Apply a coat of primer to the surface of the cabinets to help the paint adhere better and create a smooth surface.
Paint: Apply 2-3 coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Use a high-quality brush or a paint sprayer for the best results.
Finish: Apply a clear topcoat to protect the paint and give it a polished look.
Reinstall hardware: Once the paint has dried, reattach the hardware and enjoy your newly painted bathroom cabinets.
Note: It is recommended to use paint designed for bathroom surfaces, such as water-resistant or mildew-resistant paint, to ensure that your cabinets will last.
How to sand bathroom cabinets?
Here is how to sand bathroom cabinets:
Remove hardware: Take off any handles, knobs, hinges, or other hardware from the cabinet doors and drawers.
Clean the surface: Wipe down the surface of the cabinets to remove any dirt or grime.
Choose the sandpaper: For light sanding, use 220-grit sandpaper. For more aggressive sanding, use coarser sandpaper, such as 150-grit.
Start sanding: Using a sanding block, sand in the direction of the grain, using even pressure. Make sure to sand all areas, including edges, corners, and curves.
Vacuum or wipe down: After sanding, vacuum or wipe down the surface of the cabinets to remove any dust.
Repeat: Repeat the sanding process if needed, switching to finer grit sandpaper, until the surface is smooth and even.
Clean the surface: Clean the surface once more to ensure it is free of dust before applying primer or paint.
Note: It is important to use a well-ventilated area when sanding to prevent inhaling harmful dust particles. Also, wear a mask and protective goggles for safety.
Gray bathroom cabinets what color walls?
Gray bathroom cabinets can pair well with a variety of wall colors, depending on the desired look and feel of the space. Here are some popular options:
White walls: A classic and timeless choice, white walls complement gray cabinets and create a bright and airy atmosphere.
Light blue or green walls: For a spa-like feel, consider light blue or green walls. These colors also work well with gray cabinets and can add a calming touch to the space.
Soft gray walls: If you want a more monochromatic look, choose a soft gray wall color that matches or complements the shade of your cabinets. This will create a seamless and cohesive look.
Bold accent wall: For a more dramatic look, choose a bold accent wall color, such as deep blue, green, or even black. This will create a strong visual contrast with the gray cabinets and make them stand out.
Remember, the wall color you choose will impact the overall feel and mood of the space, so choose a color that you love and that complements the style of your bathroom.
How to refinish bathroom cabinets?
Here are the steps to refinish bathroom cabinets:
Remove hardware: Take off any handles, knobs, hinges, or other hardware from the cabinet doors and drawers.
Clean the surface: Clean the surface of the cabinets to remove any dirt or grime.
Sand the surface: Using sandpaper, sand the surface of the cabinets to remove any old finish or rough up the surface for better adhesion. Start with coarser grit sandpaper and finish with a finer grit for a smooth surface.
Fill any cracks or holes: Use wood filler to fill any cracks or holes in the surface of the cabinets, and sand the surface until it is smooth.
Clean the surface: Clean the surface of the cabinets again to remove any sanding dust.
Apply primer: Apply a primer to the surface of the cabinets to help the new finish adhere better and create a smooth surface.
Apply finish: Apply the finish of your choice, whether it be paint, stain, or a clear topcoat. Apply 2-3 coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Reinstall hardware: Once the finish has dried, reattach the hardware and enjoy your newly refinished bathroom cabinets.
Note: When selecting a finish, consider the moisture levels in your bathroom and choose a finish that is appropriate for the environment, such as a water-resistant or mildew-resistant finish.
What kind of paint for bathroom cabinets?
When painting bathroom cabinets, it’s important to choose a paint that is durable and able to withstand the moisture and humidity of the bathroom environment. Here are some options:
Latex Paint: A water-based paint, latex paint dries quickly and is resistant to moisture and mildew. It’s easy to clean and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood and laminate.
Oil-based Paint: An oil-based paint dries to a hard and durable finish and is resistant to moisture and humidity. It’s also more resistant to chipping and peeling than latex paint, but it can be more difficult to clean up and takes longer to dry.
Epoxy Paint: A two-part paint, epoxy paint is extremely durable and water-resistant. It’s a popular choice for bathroom cabinets, as it creates a smooth and glossy finish that is easy to clean.
Chalk Paint: A popular option for painting cabinets and furniture, chalk paint dries to a velvety matte finish that can be waxed for extra protection. It’s easy to use, but may not be the best choice for a high-moisture environment like a bathroom.
No matter which type of paint you choose, it’s important to prime the surface of the cabinets before painting to ensure the paint adheres well and to create a smooth surface.
How to paint bathroom cabinets that are not wood?
Here is how to paint bathroom cabinets that are not wood:
Clean the surface: Clean the surface of the cabinets to remove any dirt or grime.
Sand the surface: Lightly sand the surface of the cabinets to help the primer and paint adhere better.
Apply a deglosser: If the surface of the cabinets is glossy, apply a deglosser to help the primer and paint adhere better.
Apply primer: Apply a primer that is appropriate for the material of the cabinets. A bonding primer will help the paint adhere to non-porous surfaces, such as laminate or metal.
Apply paint: Apply the paint in thin, even coats, using a brush, roller, or sprayer. For best results, apply 2-3 coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Reinstall hardware: Once the paint has dried, reattach any hardware and enjoy your newly painted bathroom cabinets.
Note: When choosing paint, be sure to select a paint that is appropriate for the material of the cabinets and the environment of the bathroom. For example, if the cabinets are laminate, choose a paint that is designed for use on laminate surfaces and is resistant to moisture and humidity.
