If you are like me where you’ve wanted to desperately repaint your bathroom or kitchen cabinets but too scared you’ll be in over your head – I’m here to tell you to do it! This project took me three days—longer than I anticipated—but the results were worth it. I’d consider this to be an easy project that a beginner DIYer can do but one that requires a lot of patience. Most of the time was spent on prep work: emptying the cabinets, removing the doors, taping edges, and protecting the floors. I’m thrilled with not only how it turned out but that I now feel more confident to tackle similar projects in the future.
Why I Repainted My Vanity
The previous owner had painted the vanity a lovely green, but they used a matte finish. While matte paint can look great, it’s not ideal for a bathroom vanity and it looked obvious that it was DIY-ed. I decided to repaint it with an eggshell finish, which is more durable and easier to clean since it’s more water-resistant.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Clean Your Bathroom: A clean, decluttered space makes DIY more enjoyable.
- Wipe Down Cabinets: Remove any dirt or grease.
- Protect Floors: Use drop cloths or plastic sheets.
- Organize Tools and Materials: Have everything within reach before you start.
- Remove Cabinet Doors: This makes painting easier and less nooks to paint around.
- Sand and Clean Surfaces: Lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper so your primer can stick on better, then wipe away dust.
- Apply Primer: Use a brush for edges and a roller for larger areas.
- Paint: Apply two thin coats of paint, letting each coat dry completely.
- Clean Up: Wash your tools and put them away.
Key Learnings
- Choose the Right Paint: A semi-gloss or eggshell finish is ideal for surfaces like bathroom vanities.
- Give Yourself Plenty of Time: The process is less daunting when broken into smaller tasks. Plus, you need to allow time for paint layers to dry.
- Preparation is Key: A beginner can absolutely handle this project, but patience and proper prep work are essential. Empty cabinets, tape edges, and cover anything you don’t want painted. Gather all tools and materials ahead of time.
- Ensure a Smooth Surface: Sand, clean, and prime for the best results. If needed, lightly sand between coats for smoothness.
- Use Thin Coats: Apply one layer of primer and two layers of paint for a flawless finish.
- Stay Organized and Clean: Use plastic bags to wrap tools between coats. Things can get out of hand quickly so keep ensuring your space stays organized and clean while working.
What You’ll Need
- 12-Piece Paint Kit: I recommend this if you are a beginner DIY-er with no tools at home, it'll save you so much time researching and shopping for what you need.
- Primer: I used BIN primer since I already had it at home but I plan to try Ooh Paints’ primer next time.
- Paint: I used Deep Sleep in eggshell finish by Ooh Paints.
Thoughts on Ooh Paints
I’m genuinely impressed with Ooh Paints. The low odor and smooth adhesion made the process enjoyable, and the quick-drying formula allowed me to work faster. The paint kit was a game-changer, especially for beginners, as it’s compact, organized, and eliminates the guesswork of gathering supplies.
While the curated colour selection is a plus for most people, I’m someone who loves diving deep into endless colour options. Still, having fewer options can simplify decision-making and reduce overwhelm—a win for many DIYers.
Repainting your bathroom vanity can be a rewarding and confidence-boosting DIY project. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and proper prep, you’ll achieve a professional-looking result you’ll be proud of!