How to paint bathroom cabinets? Updating your bathroom doesn’t always require a full-scale renovation. We have an easy, affordable way to give your bathroom cabinets a modern refresh without any demolition: by painting your cabinets.
Why go through a messy, costly renovation when a few coats of quality paint can do the trick?
Our Orlando clients love this approach, and you will too. Not only does it save time and money, but it’s also a smart way to boost style and value.
Imagine cabinets that look brand new with minimal downtime and expense. And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a DIY expert. Our cabinet painting process makes it easy and achievable, with professional results that last.
Key Takeaways:
- This blog shows how to paint bathroom cabinets for a stylish bathroom refresh without costly remodeling.
- We detail each step, from cleaning and priming to the final flawless finish, ensuring durability and quality.
- Discover why a professional touch makes your cabinets look new with minimal effort on your part.
How To Paint Bathroom Cabinets?
Our team works with high-quality, professional-grade materials and tools to ensure the best results, starting with careful preparation and the right products.
Tools and Materials:
- Cordless drill or screwdriver
- Sponge, bucket, and protective gloves
- Drop cloths and painter’s tape
- Sandpaper and tack cloth
- Deglosser and wood filler
- Primer, paint tray, and stir sticks
- High-quality synthetic brushes and small paint rollers
- Acrylic enamel or alkyd paint for durability
Step 1: Selecting the Best Primer and Paint
Choosing the right primer and paint is essential. Your cabinets, whether wood, metal, or laminate, need a primer tailored to their surface type. For example, a primer designed for wood won’t adhere well to laminate and can impact the final result. Additionally, we prefer to use a primer that’s tinted to match the topcoat color to reduce the chance of any underlying finish showing through.
Paint Selection: When it comes to bathrooms, durability and moisture resistance are a must. We typically choose between two types of paint: acrylic enamel (water-based) and alkyd (oil-based). Each offers unique benefits for bathroom cabinets:
- Acrylic Enamel – These water-based paints are low in fumes and quick-drying, ideal for smaller, well-used spaces. Cleanup is easy with just soap and water. Acrylic enamels are excellent for creating a high-gloss, easy-to-clean finish that resists moisture and everyday wear.
- Alkyd Paint – This oil-based paint is known for a harder, more durable finish, but it requires mineral spirits for cleanup and proper ventilation while drying. Alkyd paints give bathroom cabinets a smooth, furniture-like finish that holds up well over time.
Both options come in semi-gloss or gloss finishes, ideal for resisting water spots, humidity, and stains. For extra help with paint selection, we encourage homeowners in Doctor Phillips, FL, to stop by local paint shops for expert recommendations.
Step 2: Clearing Out the Cabinets
Before any paint touches the cabinets, we clear out every item inside. Removing toiletries, towels, and other belongings prevents accidental spills or splatters, while also allowing us to clean every cabinet surface. An empty space ensures we won’t miss any spots, and it gives you the opportunity to declutter unused items.
Step 3: Removing Hardware and Labeling Cabinet Parts
One of our key steps for a professional finish is to remove all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Painting directly over hinges or handles can lead to peeling, cracking, and a less polished look. We carefully label each door, drawer, and hinge position so reassembly is seamless and each piece returns to its exact spot.
This labeling ensures that even if pieces are removed for cleaning or drying, there’s no confusion about where they belong. Removing the hardware allows us to give each surface an even coat of paint for a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
Step 4: Cleaning and Prepping Cabinet Surfaces
Good prep work is the foundation of our process. First, we thoroughly clean the cabinet surfaces using trisodium phosphate (TSP), a heavy-duty cleaner that removes grease, grime, and old product residue. TSP helps strip away oils that can interfere with paint adhesion, ensuring a flawless finish.
Sanding the Surface: After cleaning, we lightly sand all cabinet surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper, paying extra attention to any intricate details or trim. Sanding roughens the surface slightly, giving the paint a better “grip” and preventing peeling or chipping. Sanding is particularly important for glossy finishes, as it helps the new primer and paint layers adhere properly.
Step 5: Test, Prime, and Tape
The fifth step on how to paint bathroom cabinets is to apply primer. Before applying primer, we test the paint color and finish on the back of a cabinet door. This step helps us verify that the color will look as intended and that the finish adheres smoothly without streaking or bubbling. Once confirmed, we mask off surrounding areas with painter’s tape and protect the floor with a drop cloth.
Applying Primer: A single coat of primer provides a solid foundation for the topcoat. We use light, even brushstrokes to apply a thin layer, focusing on consistent coverage and smooth application. For cabinets with more detail, we may use a tapered brush to reach small grooves, while flat surfaces benefit from a roller for an even, seamless finish.
Step 6: Painting the Cabinets
With primer dry, we’re ready to start painting! Our approach involves applying multiple thin layers, which allows each coat to dry evenly and prevents unsightly drips or brush marks. Here’s our step-by-step process:
- Doors and Drawers First – Since they’ll take the longest, we begin by painting both sides of each door and drawer front, allowing them to dry fully before flipping to paint the opposite side. Laying doors flat helps prevent drips.
- Roller and Brush Technique – We use a roller on larger, flat areas and a small brush for any detailing or edges. This combination creates a flawless, consistent look, especially on highly visible surfaces.
- Light Coats for Consistency – Rather than applying a thick coat, we apply two or more light coats. This approach reduces the chance of drips, creates an even finish, and ensures the paint adheres effectively for durability. Each coat is given ample drying time, as rushing can lead to imperfections.
Step 7: Painting the Cabinet Frame
Once the doors and drawers are done, we move on to the main cabinet frame. Here, we apply the same method of light, even coats, using a roller for the larger surfaces and a brush for tighter areas. We carefully avoid painting the interior unless specifically requested, as most clients prefer the outside to match the bathroom style without needing a full interior makeover.
Step 8: Reassembly and Hardware Finishing Touches
When the paint is fully cured, we reassemble the cabinets. This includes reattaching doors, drawers, and hardware according to our labeled map. Freshly painted or updated hardware can add the perfect finishing touch, enhancing the overall look and adding a modern touch to the room. If requested, we can also spray-paint hardware for a uniform look or install new handles to complement the cabinet’s color.
Pro Tips for a Seamless Finish
So, how to paint bathroom cabinets? To achieve an ultra-smooth, professional-grade finish, we recommend trusting a professional rather than taking on a DIY approach—especially for larger bathroom projects in Oviedo, FL and nearby areas. Using a power sprayer can create an even coat without brush marks and provides a flawless, furniture-quality look that lasts.
At Cabinet Coating Kings, we also offer a full-service option, where we spray-paint cabinet doors and drawers off-site to ensure an immaculate finish. Our team’s detailed process makes transforming your bathroom cabinets into a sleek, updated centerpiece simple, efficient, and cost-effective. We handle every step, from prep to finish, so your bathroom feels fresh, modern, and completely renewed.
Contact us today at 407-917-9535 for a FREE estimate, and let us bring your vision to life with a beautiful bathroom refresh.