Painting cabinets is a logical step in a cost-effective bathroom revival project. Few things can transform a space as easily as a cabinet upgrade. Given the steep price of new bathroom cabinets, even homeowners who detest painting may begin to entertain the possibility, as it can save a great deal of money while making the bathroom look great.
This project can easily take a couple of weekends, depending upon how extensive the work is. But if you’re willing to take your time to do it right, a new paint job will last for years and look just as good as you hoped.
Basics of Painting Bathroom Cabinets
Wood bathroom cabinets are the easiest to paint. Moving between similar materials is usually the best path to success with this project. Other surfaces, such as melamine or thermofoil, can be painted as well, but the results may not be as satisfactory as with wood.
If you can remove the bathroom cabinets, your task will be much easier. You will not have to worry about the paint overlapping on walls or spilling on the counter or floor. Even if you cannot remove the cabinet, you should be able to remove the cabinet doors.
Watch Now: How to Paint Wooden Bathroom Cabinets
Bathroom Cabinet Paint Options
There are two types of paint that you can use for this job: water-based and oil-based. Oil-based paint dries to a durable finish that works well in high-traffic areas and is less likely to show brushstrokes than water-based paint. However, oil-based paint takes longer to dry, and the paint tools must be cleaned up with chemical solvents.
Water-based (latex) paint dries quickly and can be cleaned up with water. Use a semi-gloss, satin, or gloss paint; these are durable and easy to clean. For durability and quality, look for a 100 percent acrylic enamel formula.
Warning
Oil-based paint should always be applied in an extremely well-ventilated area. If you cannot move the cabinets to an open area or ventilated garage, make sure that you wear a respirator and that you have a steady flow of air from the bathroom to the outside.
Preparation
Remove all objects from the cabinets and drawers. Spread drop cloths around the work area to prevent getting paint on your floors. Apply painter’s tape to any surface you want to protect, such as countertops where they join the cabinets.
Place a small piece of painter’s tape on the interior of each cabinet door and drawer. Label each piece to identify which cabinet it belongs to.
Use a screwdriver or drill to remove the doors and hinges from the cabinets. Remove the drawers, then remove the drawer fronts from the drawer boxes, if possible. If removal is not possible, leave the fronts attached and mask off the fronts from the boxes.
Source: The Spruce
