How to Refinish a Bathroom Vanity

Refinishing a vanity is the most effective way to modernize a bathroom without the massive expense of a full teardown. Bathrooms are brutal on cabinets; the combination of humidity, hair products, and water splashing means you cannot treat this like painting a bookshelf or a dresser. Done well, this project leaves you with a factory-like, hard finish that resists peeling and moisture for years. The secret to a professional-grade result lies entirely in the prep work. If you skip the cleaning or use a cheap, hardware-store craft paint, you will be back here in six months touching up chips. We are focusing on a high-adhesion strategy that requires patience, specifically when waiting for the primer to cure before the topcoats go on.

1. Disassemble and Label Everything. Unscrew the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Remove all handles and hinges, and place them in labeled plastic bags so you don't lose the screws.
2. Scrub Away Hidden Grime. Wipe every surface down with a heavy-duty degreaser or TSP alternative. Bathroom cabinets collect hairspray and oil film, which will prevent paint from sticking if not removed.
3. Dull the Surface for Grip. Use a 120-grit sanding sponge to scuff the entire surface of the vanity. You aren't trying to strip the wood to bare grain, just dulling the finish so the primer has something to bite into.
4. Lock in the Foundation. Apply a high-quality, water-based bonding primer using a foam roller for the flat areas and a small sash brush for the corners. Let this cure according to the manufacturer's time, typically at least 4 hours.
5. Apply First Color Layer. Apply your cabinet-grade enamel paint with a fresh foam roller. Work in thin, even layers to avoid runs, focusing on keeping the edges sharp.
6. Seal the Professional Look. Once the first coat is fully dry, lightly buff the surface with a 220-grit sanding sponge. Wipe away the dust and apply your final coat of enamel.