How to Paint a Bathroom Vanity DIY: Is your bathroom vanity looking faded or dated? Painting or repainting your vanity can provide an easy facelift without the cost of full replacement. But taking on a DIY vanity paint job comes with a unique set of challenges. Here’s a quick, professional guide to help you paint your bathroom vanity cabinet with ease and finesse. Included below: what materials you'll need to paint your vanity, and how much it will cost to paint your vanity.
1. Prepare the Bathroom Vanity Surface
Fortune 72" Floating Vanity in Gloss White
Paint adheres best to clean, sanded wood or MDF.
Therefore, the first step is to remove the sink and hardware, as well as all items from your vanity.
It is recommended to use a screwdriver to take off any hardware like knobs or handles.
Then, thoroughly clean the vanity and all its surfaces with an all-purpose degreaser. This can be done using TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) or a degreaser to remove residues.
Finally, lightly sand the vanity cabinet and body to rough up the surface and wipe away any dust. It’s best to use 120 grit sandpaper, moving on to 220 grit to ensure the paint adheres correctly.
Be sure to take proper care during these initial steps to help prevent future peeling or chipping.
2. Choose the Right Paint
Select a high-quality cabinet paint in a semi-gloss or satin sheen.
Oil-based enamel paints provide the most durable finish, but latex options such as Benjamin Moore's Advance work well too.
It is recommended to use primer specially formulated for bathrooms to deal with moisture.
3. Prime the Vanity Body
Apply painter's tape to areas you don't want to be painted.
Use a brush or roller to apply two thin coats of primer evenly across all surfaces. Be sure to let it fully dry between coats – this will help the paint stick for a smoother, professional finish.
Next, use an angled trim brush to neatly “cut in” around edges and corners.
Be sure to let the primer dry completely based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Paint the Vanity
Once the primer is dry, stir your paint thoroughly.
Roll on two finish coats of cabinet paint, again allowing for enough drying time.
Apply the first coat using even strokes. A roller can be used for larger areas, and a brush is usually ideal for details and corners.
Allow the paint to dry, then assess if a second coat is necessary. Most vanities will require at least two-to-three coats for an even finish.
Once the final coat is dry, apply a clear sealant to protect your paint job from moisture and scratches.
Vanity Painting Pro Tip: Avoid drips or brush strokes to ensure that your new paint job is clean and dream bathroom makeover worthy!
5. Reassemble the Vanity
Once the paint has fully cured for several days, replace the sink bowl, plumbing, drawers, doors, and hardware.
Make adjustments as needed for proper fit, remove the painter's tape, and your vanity should now look brand new!
Pro Tip: Be sure to update any old pieces like knobs to finish your vanity’s fresh new look.
Painting Your Vanity: Watch Out for Potential Issues & Challenges
Kingdee 24" Floating Vanity in White Oak | Moreno Bath Vanities
Painting a vanity comes with many challenges:
- Protecting nearby floors/walls from drips
- Reaching narrow spaces behind pipes
- Getting into drawer grooves and trim details
- Maintaining a dust-free area
- Having proper ventilation
- Avoiding blisters or bubbles in the paint
How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Bathroom Vanity?
The cost to paint a bathroom vanity can vary depending on many factors, but on average, you can expect to spend about $50-$150 on materials for a standard single vanity.
What Factors Will Impact Your Bathroom Vanity Painting Costs?
Some items that impact the cost include:
- Size of your vanity – Larger vanities require more paint and supplies.
- Type of paint – Specialty cabinet paints are more expensive than standard wall paints.
- Additional prep needs – More sanding, filling holes, and extra cleaning can add costs.
- New hardware – Budget for new knobs, pulls, or hinges as needed.
Here is a typical breakdown of material costs:
- Paint – $30-$60 depending on type and coverage required.
- Paint supplies – Rollers, brushes, trays, drop cloths, etc: $10-$20.
- Cleaning/sanding supplies - Degreaser, sandpaper, cleaner: $10-$15.
- Primer – Typically around $20 per gallon.
- New hardware – $30-$50 on average.
So with high-end cabinet paint, thorough prep, prime and new hardware, total materials can run $100-$150 for an average single vanity, and even more for larger double vanities.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Someone to Paint Your Vanity?
Labor will also add cost if hiring a professional vanity painter. Many painters charge $50-$100 per hour. Thus, a DIY vanity paint job can save you on labor costs, but it will be up to you to ultimately decide whether the work or savings will be worth it.
Overall, a vanity paint job can often cost $200-$300+ or more when factoring in hours of labor. But investing $50-$150 on paint and supplies allows a DIY bathroom vanity upgrade for under $200.
Materials to Paint or Repaint Bathroom Vanity
Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary materials:
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) or a degreaser
- Paint primer
- Acrylic or latex paint in your desired color
- Clear sealant
- Paintbrushes and rollers
- Painter's tape
With careful prep and technique, you can DIY a vanity paint job.
But it is a tedious process that takes patience and an eye for detail.
Is Painting a Bathroom Vanity Really Worth It?
Though painting a bathroom vanity can provide a fresh look, it's not always as simple as it seems. Here are some challenges you might face:
- Time-consuming: The process can take several days, especially if multiple coats are needed.
- Precision required: A tiny mistake can leave visible brush strokes or drips.
- Durability: Even with a sealant, painted vanities might chip or peel over time, especially in the high-moisture environment of a bathroom.
An Easier Alternative
Bohemia Lina 42" Floating Vanity in Gloss Gray | Moreno Bath Vanities
In conclusion, while painting a bathroom vanity can be a rewarding DIY project, it's essential to be aware of the challenges involved. For those who'd rather skip this painstaking process, investing in a top-quality vanity from morenobath.com may be your perfect solution!
Why Moreno Bath Modern Vanities?
BOW 84" Floating Bathroom Vanity in Reclaimed Natural Wood | Moreno Bath Modern Vanities
Moreno Bath Vanities come preassembled to your door and are easy to install for a painless dream bathroom remodel.
For many homeowners, purchasing a new ready-to-install vanity may be the easier and possibly cheaper option. Quality vanities from top brands are now very affordable, depending on the selection, and there are now gorgeous modern preassembled vanities that you can order straight to your door.
Explore Modern Preassembled Vanities here.
Explore new and popular vanity styles here at MorenoBath.com and breathe new life into your bathroom with less work!
Max 60" Double Sink Bathroom Vanity in Gray Oak by Moreno Bath Modern Floating Vanities
