familyservicehub Rough River Hardware believes that painting is the most cost-effective and easiest way to update a bathroom. You may want to give your bathroom a fresh look or your vanity a facelift. It is possible to achieve impressive results quickly without replacing your vanity.
The bathroom vanity is a great project for painters who are just starting out. They are not very large, and they can usually be finished in one or two weekends. You’ll also learn the painting and prep skills that you will need in the future for larger home improvements. You will also be able give your bathroom an entirely new look within a couple of days.
Prepare yourself first!
To get the best results from any paint job, you should always do thorough preparation before you dip your brush in the paint.
What you’ll need to get started:
Prepare: Rubber gloves, drop cloths, painter’s tape, tackcloth, bucket, TSP, or alternative, sponge, screwdriver, drill, woodfiller, woodputty, putty knives, pencil
Primer and Paint: Paint roller, paintbrushes, primer, paint and new knobs or pulls.
Removing Drawers, Door Hardware, and Other Parts
- Newspaper or drop cloths can be used to protect bathroom fixtures and floors.
- Take everything out of the vanity cabinet and drawers
- Removing cabinet drawers, doors and other hardware
- Remove the drawer fronts
- Store screws and remove knobs, handles and hinges.
- Label each drawer or door using tape to prevent confusion when reassembling.
The Vanity – Step 2.
- Use BORAX or TSP* to clean all surfaces, including exteriors.
- Refresh the interior of your cabinet by cleaning it.
- Rinse the cabinets twice in fresh water to remove any remaining grease.
Wear rubber gloves whenever you clean with TSP. Before using TSP, check if it is allowed in your locality. TSP may have to be replaced by a different product.
If you have painted your vanity before,
- After sanding the surface to a dull look, you can then paint it.
- Sand first with medium-grit paper, and then fine-grit. Always sand in the direction of the grain.
- Then, use a microfibre or vacuum to remove any dust.
- Clean the surface using a wet cloth. Most surfaces can be painted, including wood and melamine. We can help you choose the right primer and paint to suit your vanity.
Before removing paint from your vanity, make sure it was not painted with lead before 1978. You can remove lead-containing paint using a paint stripper with zero VOC, laminated papers, cheap brushes, and scrub pads. Wear a mask, gloves and work outdoors in an area that is well ventilated.
Patching and Sanding
This stage involves ensuring that your vanity surfaces are dry, clean and smooth to ensure the best possible paint adhesion.
- Wood putty and wood filler can be used to repair any scratches, dents or holes. Check if new holes are needed when changing handles or knobs. Fill in any holes that you don’t need. After the wood filler or putty has dried, you can sand to smooth it out.
- Sand all the doors, drawers fronts, and side panels of your vanity lightly to make sure that paint adheres properly. Dust can be removed with a wet cloth. Remove all dust with a vacuum cleaner, focusing on the edges and corners.
The Prime Time is Here!
- The primer is necessary to ensure a protective basecoat that will last longer and hide any marks, stains or wood knots.
- Protect your walls and floors from paint by taping them around the vanity.
- Apply primer with a roller and brush to the visible areas of your vanity. Apply primer thinly, to avoid drips. Avoid leaving brushstroke marks.
- Let the primer dry according to the recommended time by the manufacturer. Lightly sand and wipe clean. If needed, apply a second primer coat. If you are going from a dark color to a light color, two coats of primer may be required. Lightly sand and wipe with a clean cloth
It’s time to paint the first coat!
The fun part is choosing the color of paint for your vanity! Your bathroom’s ventilation and humidity level will determine the type of paint that you use.
- Acrylic enamel, for example, is a mildew resistant version of latex paint. You can use oil paint in humid environments, but it is best to paint in a room that has good ventilation.
- You can choose a finish to match your décor plan. High-gloss or semi-gloss finishes work well for most rooms. However, you may also want an eggshell, flat, or matte finish.
- Apply the paint with brushes or rollers on the doors, drawers fronts and side of the vanity.
- If you need to apply a second coating, follow the manufacturer’s suggested drying times.
The Finishing Touches
Remove the tape gently after your last coat has dried. You are now ready to reinstall the drawers and doors.
- Attach the drawer fronts to drawer boxes and then attach them to the vanity
- Reinstall the door on your vanity
- Replace the door hardware or screw in your original knobs and handles.
Step back to admire your new vanity.
Rough River Hardware is always available to answer your questions or provide additional information. We are always available to assist you. Our team is always ready to help you.
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