How to Paint Bathroom Cabinets the Easy Way
Are you tired of looking at your dingy and worn bathroom cabinets? Do you want to give them a fresh new look quickly and without having to spend hours sanding and prepping? Then this tutorial is for you! I’m sharing how to paint your bathroom cabinets the easy way. Read on to discover my efficient method for freshening up your bathroom space.
Be sure to PIN this one for later!
We use our small bathroom a lot! Every day for about a year I kept saying how terrible the cabinets looked and how we needed to paint them but there was never enough time. Finally, I’d had enough.
We still had leftover paint from painting kitchen cabinets a few years ago and I decided to use it on the bathroom cabinets, too! It was time.
In order to squeeze it in between all the other projects on our to-do list, it needed to be fast, so this was my easy way!
This blog post contains affiliate links. The opinions are wholly my own from my own experience. I may earn a small commission from clicks through to the websites that end in a purchase.
How to Paint Your Bathroom Cabinets in Four Easy Steps
This is an easy way to paint your bathroom cabinets in just four steps. It’s so fast, I wonder if I should name this process… “Fast and Furious” or “Talladega Technique” oh boy, I better just get to the steps below.
Supplies Needed
- TSP cleaner
- Primer
- Paint (I used leftover SW7604)
- Paintbrush
- Rag
- Sandpaper
- Screwdriver or Drill
Prepping Your Cabinets
It all begins with prepping your cabinets. First, remove all cabinet hardware. You can use a screwdriver for this task or an electric drill if you’d like.
Once all of the hardware is off, begin wiping the cabinet faces clean with a mixture of TSP and water on a soft cloth.
Next, protect any flooring or areas you do not wish to paint.
Notice I did not say to remove the drawers from the cabinet. For this easy DIY paint project to go quickly, I opted to leave the drawers in place!
Finally, lightly sand any areas with chipping or peeling finish that need it prior to painting. I did not sand the entire drop-in bathroom vanity.
Priming Your Cabinets
Now you are ready for priming! Before reaching for the paintbrush it is very important to prepare your existing finish properly so that the new coat of paint adheres correctly and looks its best.
The new primer will help the paint properly adhere without chipping, bubbling up, or peeling off later. Apply one to two coats of high-quality primer, letting enough time to dry between coats – now you’re all set for painting those cabinets! (I only painted one coat for this small project)
Painting Your Bathroom Cabinets
Once the preparation is finished it’s time to get painting! Grab your choice of color in any acrylic latex paint with a satin or semi-gloss finish; however, oil-based paints are best for cabinets that receive heavy use, as they are more durable than latex-based paints.
I used the color below that I had leftover from painting my lower kitchen cabinets. If you want you can see all of my favorite blue gray colors here and all my white favorite paint colors here.
Apply two coats of paint using a high-quality brush – making sure to let each coat dry before applying the next one.
When both coats are dry, reattach all of your cabinet knobs and hardware, then stand back and admire your handiwork!
Protecting Your Hard Work
Depending on which paint you choose an extra layer of protection may be necessary. A furniture wax or polyurethane topcoat will ensure that your newly painted cabinets stay looking pristine for years to come.
Simply apply wax with a dry cloth and buff or apply a thin coat of polyurethane sealer over the entire surface area using a brush then allow it time to dry before enjoying those freshly painted cabinets in their full glory!
Tips and Tricks for Painting Cabinets
- Use what you have. If you have perfectly good leftover paint from other projects, use that.
- Try a sample if you’re nervous. Find Paint Samples HERE.
- Use a quality synthetic brush.
- Allow ample drying time between coats of primer and paint.
- Apply a fun finish to your hardware or replace the knobs with something new altogether! Watch my knob tour inside Hobby Lobby below for inspiration.
Maintaining Painted Cabinets
Maintaining your painted cabinets over time is important to ensure that the paint finish lasts as long as possible and stays looking great. Here are some tips for maintaining painted cabinets:
Regular cleaning: Dust and dirt can accumulate on the painted surfaces over time, so it’s important to regularly clean the cabinets with a soft, damp cloth to remove any debris. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, which can scratch or damage the paint finish.
Avoid exposure to moisture: Painted surfaces can be vulnerable to moisture damage, so it’s important to keep the cabinets dry. If you have a bathroom with a shower, make sure to use a ventilation fan or crack a window to help prevent moisture buildup.
Repair any damage promptly: If the painted surface becomes chipped, scratched, or damaged in any way, it’s important to repair the damage as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse. You can touch up the paint with a small brush or seek professional help if the damage is extensive.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your painted cabinets stay looking great for years to come.
Bathroom Cabinet Makeover
Giving your bathroom cabinets a makeover doesn’t have to be a crazy complicated thing– with these simple steps, you can achieve beautiful results in no time! All it takes is some prepping, priming, painting, and protecting and you’ll have brand new-looking bathroom cabinets in no time at all – perfect for adding a touch of freshness and color to any bathroom space!
What a difference a little paint can make! This entire project took about four hours (because of drying time) from start to finish! Trust me, if I can do it, you can, too!
So what are you waiting for? Get started today on giving those bathroom cabinets the makeover they deserve!
Great tutorial on painting cabinets.
I made the Lemon bunt cake and it was delicious.
WOW! I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for being here!
I love how you painted your bathroom cabinets is inspired me to tackle mine.
thank you
Hooray! I’m so glad my friend!
Love all you do for us!!
I’m so glad!!!!!
Love everything about your blog, emails, and easy ideas. I’m so glad I found you to follow.
Well I’m so glad you found me, too! Thank you for being here!
Nicely done! I didn’t know about a finish like wax before. Makes good sense.
Thank you!
I love the idea of painting cabents to refreash a room. You have now gave me the courage and the steps that I can use. I really love the color you used.
Yay! I’m so glad! Thank you for being here!
Wish I could do this but we rent !
Ha! Well, maybe not then…
What a cute idea. I just love all your ideas and videos.
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
Love your creativity.
Thank you!
Thank you for blogging this! I need to tackle ky kitchen cabinets and you give such great information here. I’m a faithful follower and appreciate your newsletters. Happy Valentines Day ❤️
Awe thank you so much my sweet friend!
I love that color blue. I also love this idea as our cabinet in the small bathroom is old and really needs a makeover but I hated to get a new one because of the price and the wood is still very good. I think I will try this.
Try it! Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
You make it sound so easy. I have been wanting to paint my cabinets for quite some time. Now I just might do it. I love the color you used on yours.
Thank you for all your great tips and ideas.
You’re so welcome! It is an easy Saturday project!
I love the fact every that every video is different and it is useful, some many times I‘ve used the printables for gifts and cards. They are great!!
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
Right now I am not in the market to paint any cabinets but I will pin this for later. I may have to do a breakfront cabinet in the near future.
Thanks for the tips and tricks!
Patty
Thank you so much for PINNING my posts! I appreciate you!
Thank you for your post on painting….I always love getting inspiration from you!!!
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
I’m a faithful reader!!!
Thank you so much for being here!
Looks great. I was a little confused on the sealer.
I hope I answered your question above.
Looks great. Was a little confused on the final step to help seal it? wax vs polyurethane
It’s up to you! I personally prefer wax on smaller pieces and poly on larger.
Melanie,
I have walked into my bathroom for the past 4 years saying yep I really need to repaint that outdated cabinet and replace the knobs, but then as always something comes up and I never get to it. Thank you for your inspiration. I think I was looking at it as a very daunting task when in reality you just broke it down into a very doable project for one of those wintery weekends we still will for sure have here in Michigan.
Thanks again for all of your inspiration you give us every single week!!!!
Yes it’s a perfect project for when you’re snowed in! Just DO IT!
Cabinets look amazing!
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
I would love to have my kitchen cabinets painted…. but I’m not the one to to it!
It’d very kind of you to surprise two of your followers with an Amazon gift card. Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
Yes! I love my readers! Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
Thanks Melanie! I just painted my bathroom cabinets a few months ago. They turned out great. Yours look beautiful!
Thank you so much!
Faithful reader here:)
Coincidentally, I just got an email from Lowe’s that the paint I ordered for my bathroom cabinets just came in for pick up. I will refer this post as I tackle this project! Thanks!
Wow! That’s crazy perfect timing!
I love all your tips! I wish I were as creative as you but I’m glad you show us how!!
Thank you so much!
Great info on the cabinets!
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
Wow! Love the color! So wish I could paint the old worn out cabinet in my apartment bathroom. It’s positively ugly!
Love your blog!
Thank you! Yes, you can do this! Change out ugly for colorful!
Thank you for sharing how to paint your bathroom cabinets. I want to do this and now that you have provided the directions and I believe that I can do it.
Believe! Yes! You can do this!
Cool ideas have to give them a try
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here my friend!
I love the paper rose 🌹 wreath. I follow you on everything
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
Timely information for me because I was just thinking of painting my bathroom cabinet!!
from your faithful reader!! 🙂
Perfect! I cannot wait to hear back on how it turns out!
I needed the post today. I think a new cabinet color is coming for my priary bathroom TY for the review of what to do!!!
You’re so welcome! Let me know how it turns out!
love reading your post. keep them coming.
Tori
I will! Thank you for being here!
Love this idea!
Thank you so much!
Love this! I have to do the same for my cabinets! Thanks for the inspiration! I love that blue!!!!
Yes! You should!
I love all the beautiful stuff you make. i only wish I was able to do all them. with a fixed income its hard to have extra money. thank you very much.
Thank you for being here!
I’m a faithful reader of your blog. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
You’re welcome and Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
Beautiful job on the cabinets. Lots of helpful and an awesome step by step guide. Thank you! Linda Scott
Thank you and you’re welcome!
You just gave me the courage to paint our bathroom cabinets. Thank you so much.
Oh yay!!! I’m so glad! You got this my friend!
I just love, love, love all the ideas you share. I’ve used the recipes ( lemon Bundt cake is a winner). And admired all the decor ideas. Thanks for sharing your creativity and practical ideas.
You’re so welcome my friend ~
Wow! I love the color of your cabinets. That was a great choice. My cabinets are old and falling apart. They need replacing more than just painting!
Painting is a great start though!
Your cabinet turned out beautiful! I loved the tips on painting bathroom cabinets, I’m seriously thinking of painting my bathroom cabinets now….
wow! You’ll love it!
Beautiful. Love the color.
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
I love watching your videos!
Thank you!
Thank you for brightening my day. I love your inspirations. I just recently painted my kitchen cabinets with Rethunk Junk paint. They look awesome. You should try a small project. So many options.
Yes! Paint makes all the difference!
That’s a great way to update your bathroom.
Definitely!
This is awesome…I would love to repaint kitchen cabinets
Do it! I did my kitchen cabinets as well and it’s the same process!
I love the pretty blue color you used. Thank you for making this tutorial easy to understand and follow. I think I might be painting some cabinets soon after reading this. I always enjoy your posts and am a faithful follower.
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
I’m crazy about this color!
Thank you my friend! I’m so glad you’re here!
Love all your blogs. Melanie Ferguson Southern Crush at Home Your the best and just a beautiful person inside and how. Keep up the good work and I try to catch your lives but if not I do a replay. Thanks for all of your brilliant ideas. Happy Valentines Day!♥️🙏
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
Omg, I cannot believe how easy it was to paint the cabinet in the bathroom. I think I might try it on mine. TFS your creativity with ALL of us.
You’re so very welcome my friend!
I don’t want to paint my bathroom cabinet but would like to paint my kitchen cabinets. You make it sound pretty easy.
The process is the same.
This is good to know. I have left over paint from my kitchen cabinets too. Thanks
There’s always leftover paint! Right?
The color you chose is soooo rich! I love the new look!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you’re here!
Love the color you used!!!
I want to paint the cabinets in my camper….. sounds like a lot of work
Thank you! It’s super easy my friend!
I’m a great fan of yours and love love love everything you do❤️
Awe! Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
Wow….beautiful redo. I’m going to use this method on my built-ins in my dining room. Also, I had no idea that Hobby Lobby had so many different types of knobs and pulls. I love the dragonfly ones. Will be getting those for sure. Thanks for your very detailed post.
Thank you! I’m so glad you were able to watch the inspiration video!
I love the blue gray you used on the cabinets! You make so many diy projects look easy!!
Thank you! They are easy or I wouldn’t do them! LOL! I’m so glad you’re here!
Tried your red velvet fudge recipe. Not only was it yummy but it was so pretty!! Love your blog
wow! I’m so glad it was yummy!Thank you for being here!
You always give me such wonderful ideas. I love watching videos and reading about all your adventures and great instructions for the wonderful crafts.
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
Love reading your blog & watching your video posts. This one especially interested me as I have a guest bath cabinet i WANT to paint. Thank you for all your interesting posts & recipes & helpful hints
Wow! Perfect timing then! Thank you for being here!
Melanie, it is lay but has been a very busy day! I love reading your blogs and seeing your great ideas. Right now, my husband and I are experiencing extreme financial issues, so I am trying to make it an adventure to not give my crafting up but us what I have to repurpose or reinvent your projects to what I have. Keep inspiring.
Barbara Granger
Waco TX
I’m sorry for your troubles. Crafting can sure help relieve some of the stress! Thank you for being here my friend!
Thanks for all the great info.
You’re so welcome!
I forgot to say that ALL are inspiring and makes me want to do whatever you are teaching that day….
WOW! Thank you so much my friend!
Wow, you make it all look so easy.
the vanity looks fabulous and I love the color you chose.
I look forward to more content and inspiration from you!
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
My father-in-law was a wall cleaner on the side – this was back in the early 70s and 80s – spring cleaning kept him very busy as people had him come and do room after room – and his go-to was TSP. I did not think of it until I read your blog today – good to see there is a liquid version – I was only familiar with the power form.
Yes! You need to dilute it a bit but it works! Thanks for stopping by the blog!
Thanks for this blog! I am looking into redoing our bathroom cabinets in both bathrooms. This is very helpful. Wish I had your creativity!
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here! You ARE CREATIVE!
Thank you for all of your great tips and tricks!! I can’t wait to try my hand at making the Leprechaun gnome!!
Thank you! I’m so glad you’ll try it!
Faithful reader
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
I have followed u for a long time. love all of your creative ideas Your Amazing at what you do. stay Blessed my Friend.
Awe you’re so sweet! Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
It turned out beautiful!!!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you’re here!
Love the color!
Awe thank you!
I knew you should clean prior to painting, Thank you for the step by step process. You are so thorough! Jerri
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!
I’m going to be doing my kitchen cabinets soon thanks for the tips. I didn’t know about the wax or the ploy for making the paint last longer. Thanks for the heads up. I will be doing it that way. I am a faithful follower. Love everything you post.
Yay! Thank you so much for following and being a loyal reader! I appreciate you!
You won my Amazon drawing!
Your cabinets are beautiful, and I wish they were in my bathroom. Years ago I moved into a house that had paneled walls throughout, so I know the importance of all the steps. I didn’t love the house with all shades of brown and one tan, it was too masculine. However, I love the look of painted paneling. I used a linen color, and the walls are beautiful, warm and cozy in winter with a fire going in the fireplace. In the spring and summer, they seem crisp and bright with sunlight coming through the windows. Thanks for the hints, people should print them out and have them handy when painting any wood, built-ins or furniture.
Thank you so much for sharing! I have paneled walls in some of my rooms as well! They are a light french gray right now, but the linen color you mentioned sounds beautiful! You’ve inspired me to consider repainting my walls in one of these whites I mentioned in my post… Top 10 Best White Paint Colors and How to Choose
Thank you for being here!
You won my Amazon drawing!
Thank you so much, you have made my day.
You’re so welcome!
Girl I love some Southern Crush.
I am so glad that I stumbled on to you. I love how you are willing so givenly share with us all of your creativity a many talents. God Bless You
Can’t wait to see what’s next each an everyday.
Awe! I appreciate that! Thank you for being here my friend!
Love all your projects!! They are such great inspiration! I actually painted my own bathroom cabinet a few years ago and it needs it again. I’m definitely pinning your tutorial so I do it the right way this time.
Wow! Thank you and I appreciate you!
Love the color of those cabinets!! Thinking about redoing our have bathroom you’re giving me lots of inspiration!!
Yay!!! I’m so glad! Thank you for being here!
I really enjoyed this tutorial. I will be coming back to this one in the Spring. I am going to be remodeling both of our bathrooms this year. This will be a big help. Thank you 😊
Hooray! I’m so glad! Thank you so much!