How to Paint a Bathroom Vanity

Sand the vanity, clean thoroughly, prime with bonding primer, then apply two coats of high-quality paint designed for moisture-prone areas.

1. Strip and Label Everything. Take off all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware like knobs and hinges. Label everything with painter's tape so you know what goes where. Lay down drop cloths around the vanity and open windows for ventilation. If possible, move the doors and drawers to a garage or basement for easier painting.
2. Scrub Away Hidden Grime. Wipe down every surface with a degreasing cleaner or TSP substitute. Bathrooms accumulate soap scum, hair products, and moisture that can prevent paint from adhering properly. Pay special attention to areas around handles and the top edges where hands touch most often.
3. Rough Up the Finish. Use 150-grit sandpaper to lightly sand all painted surfaces. You don't need to sand down to bare wood, just rough up the existing finish so the new paint will stick. For detailed areas like raised panels, use a sanding sponge. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth when finished.
4. Erase Every Flaw. Use wood filler to fill any dents, scratches, or old hardware holes you won't be reusing. Let it dry completely, then sand smooth with 220-grit paper. This step makes the difference between a professional-looking job and an obvious DIY project.
5. Lock in Adhesion. Use a high-quality bonding primer designed for previously painted surfaces. Apply with a brush for detailed areas and a foam roller for flat surfaces. Primer prevents bleed-through and ensures your topcoat adheres properly. Let dry completely according to the manufacturer's directions.
6. Lay Down Coat One. Apply your first coat of paint using the same brush and roller technique. Use paint specifically designed for bathrooms or kitchens since these handle moisture better. Work in thin, even coats rather than trying to cover everything in one thick application. Paint all surfaces in the same order you primed them.
7. Perfect the Surface. Once the first coat is completely dry, lightly sand with 220-grit paper to smooth out any brush marks or imperfections. This creates a perfectly smooth surface for the final coat. Remove all dust before proceeding.
8. Seal Your Finish. Apply your second coat of paint using the same technique as before. This coat should provide full, even coverage. Take your time with this coat since it's what people will see. Allow to cure for the full time recommended on the paint can before reassembling.
9. Put It All Back Together. Once the paint has fully cured, reinstall all hinges, drawer slides, and cabinet hardware. Rehang doors and reinstall drawers. Check that everything opens and closes smoothly. You may need to adjust hinges slightly if paint thickness has changed the fit.