Bathroom vanities are often manufactured from medium density fiberboard, but whether your white one is MDF, plywood or a different material, you may usually repaint it white or a different color without much trouble. Think about spraying the brand new paint, particularly if the vanity is MDF, because that is the very best way to generate a smooth, textureless finish. Whether you spray or brush, the bulk of the job is made up of preparation, such as disassembling the vanity, cleaning and sanding.
Obtaining the Vanity Ready
Removing everything from inside the vanity isn’t a requirement for painting it, but you’ll be able to work more readily and with less chance of contaminating your bathroom necessities should you do. Empty and remove all the drawers, and unscrew the handles. Place everything in a safe place. If you do not have room to line up the doors and drawers along the wall, then it is best to paint them in a different room. Cover the floor with plastic; tape hiding paper around the exterior of the cabinet, and you’re all set to start.
Cleaning and Scuffing
You do not need to take out the finish before painting your own vanity, but you do need to completely clean it. Use a solution of 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate per gallon of water, which will remove the flux live a bathroom fixture is very likely to collect. Rinse thoroughly with water and permit a lot of drying time speed up the drying, even if desired, by wiping the vanity down with a clean rag. TSP etches the current finish, but you should also sand the vanity by hand with 220-grit sandpaper to scuff it. This also knocks down any bumps in the old finish brought on by moisture.
Priming and Finishing
You should brush or spray a coat of primer before you paint so the new finish adheres properly without bubbling, dripping or separating. Scuff this with 220-grit sandpaper, then apply at least two coats of finish. If you spray, then each coat should be a wet coat, meaning that the surface should be glossy and even-colored when you’re finished spraying. If you decide to brush, use directly, even strokes which finish in the wet edge of the prior stroke. It’s best to start at the very top of vertical surfaces and work down; in this manner, it is possible to catch any drips as they form rather than have them appear after you’re done.
Adding the Extras
Your newly painted vanity will look its best with bright, shiny hardware. You might want to consider replacing the drawer handles and hinges, but if you soften them, it is possible to restore brass or polished brass ones by polishing them with brass cleaner and providing them a coat of protective clear lacquer. If you replace the hinges, then you’ll probably need new holes to get them. If you’ve planned ahead, you’ll have filled the old holes before painting. Drill pilot holes with an 1/8-inch drill bit, which is narrow enough to offer traction for most cabinet hinges. After carefully predrilling, rehanging the cabinet doors is a breeze.