How To Redo Bathroom Cabinets For Cheap

Paint the Vanity in the Bathroom

Do not throw out a sturdy vanity when it all needs is a little bit of updating. Painting the vanity can give it a new look, and it is easy to do.

How to Paint the Bathroom Vanity

These instructions can help you if you are refinishing an existing vanity. You will have to take off the doors and other hardware so it would be a good time to update the knobs and pulls as well. If you are looking to do a complete makeover, you can also replace the sink, faucets, and backsplash.

Prep the Vanity

• Step 1
  Remove the cabinets, doors, drawers, and any other hardware that is on the unit. If you are looking to replace the top of it and the sink, so now it should be a good time to take them out as well.
  Take off the drawer fronts as well if possible.
  
• Step 2
  Use a trisodium phosphate and a sponge to wash the vanity. If there is a residue left behind from rubber cabinet bumpers use mineral spirits to remove it. After this wash this area with the TSP.
  
• Step 3
  If the wood surface is covered with a bright finish use sandpaper with 220 grit to remove the gloss. Check the inside corners to remove any molding.
• Step 4
  Remove any paint that is damaged if the surface of the vanity has been painted before. Using sandpaper feather the edges and put a latex primer on any bare spots.
• Step 5
  A heat gun can be used to remove a film of glue if the surface is covered with melamine or thermofoil. Once the film is removed use mineral spirits to wipe any residue off.
  If the film is bonded to the vanity, use the 220 grit sandpaper to sand the surface until it is dull.
  
• Step 6
  Vacuum any sanding dust off the surface and wipe it down with a clean and damp rag.
  
• Step 7
  Use painter’s tape to make off the undersides of the top, the walls, the floor, and the inside part of the cabinet frame.

Priming the Surface to Paint

• Step 1
  A separate primer should be used on the surface of the vanity.
  When working with bare wood that has been sanding apply primer and then sand it smooth.
  If there are dings or damages to the surface use putty to patch them up, sand them, then apply the primer
  
• Step 2
  If the surface is thermofoil or melamine adds a shellac-based primer.
  Two coats may be needed.
• Step 3
  After applying the first coat of the primer at the area, wipe it clean.
  A second coat of primer may be needed. After applying this coating allow it to dry overnight.

Painting the Vanity

• Step 1
  Brush on a coat of paint and allow it to dry.
  Once this coat is dry, an additional layer or two may be needed.
  Remove the painter’s tape, apply the third coat of paint, and allow it to dry overnight. Once the vanity is dry, it can be reassembled.
  
• Step 2
  Drill the holes needed for the doors or the drawers and the new hardware.
  Screw in the drawers and the door handles.
  
• Step 3
  Add the door hinges and the door to the frame of the cabinet.
  When using two facing doors adjust the position on the hinges until they are even.
  
• Step 4
  Reattach the drawer fronts, making sure they are easy to open.
  
• Step 5
  A fresh coat of paint will give the vanity a new look and costs less than replacing it.