DIY: How to Paint Bathroom Cabinets Like a Pro

The tricks to an easy step in transforming your bathroom
In Partnership with BEHR Paint
Filed Under > Styling "How-To's" & Tips

Painting your cabinets and trim in the bathroom, #DIY @waitingonmartha
Simple steps to transform your bathroom and paint your cabinets. @waitingonmartha @behrpaint #spon #DIY
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Transform your bathroom and #DIY paint your cabinets and trim. @waitingonmartha @behrpaint #spon

Yesterday’s reveal of my bold green bathroom makeover hopefully had you itching to dip the brush into the paint can and get started.  As you saw, paint is one of four easy and inexpensive ways to update and completely transform your bathroom.  And while I get that it can feel a bit daunting to go bold with your color choice, I hope hope you can see from yesterday’s collab with BEHR Paint that going bold with just the right color can be one of the best design decisions you make.  

While painting walls is pretty straightforward, it’s the cabinetry and doors that can get a bit tricky.  So I’ve laid out a few easy steps I take whenever I’m tackling a paint project like this.  Check them out below, and tell me, do you have any home DIY projects you’re looking to tackle?  Truly, MKR

No. 1…Remove the cabinets from the hinges, as well as all of the knobs.  This step will make your life a lot easier when you go to sand the surface (which is a must-do). Skipping this step will give you a headache later, so it’s definitely worth your while. Be careful to keep track of all hardware as you do so, as you’ll need it to restore the cabinet doors to their hinges. 

No. 2…Sand the entire area of the cabinet doors.  You’ll want to do this in order to sand down the edges and smooth out the entire surface for the new paint. Don’t go crazy with the sanding, just an easy smoothing of the surfaces will do.

No. 3…Start painting.  Generally, I use at least two coats of paint for cabinetry.  Cabinets and doors tend to chip easier than the rest of the room simply because the amount of natural use they get so wear and tear will show quickly.  I’ve found that two coats of paint cover the surface well, and I always keep a can of touch-up paint on hand for when nicks do happen.  And when painting with bold colors, I paint them all by hand.  You’ll really want to take your time with the blue painter’s tape to appropriately line the edges (check out this great blue painter’s tape how-to, or get your most OCD friend to help you here).  By focusing on perfection on this step, you’re less likely to run into any mess-ups you’ll have to fix later.  And one major tip I have for mess ups is to simply keep a small bucket with cold water next to me as I paint by hand.  Being able to act fast using cold water and either paper towels for small spots or a hand towels for larger areas allows you to fix any oops moments.  

No. 4…Place cabinet doors back onto their hinges and secure. After the paint has completely dried (please do not rush the drying process), remove the blue painter’s tape and secure your cabinetry back in its place. 

No. 5…Add statement making knobs to finish the look. Lastly, place your updated selection of knobs, or as I consider it jewelry, on the newly painted cabinets. I scored some stunning hardware, which compliments the paint color to perfection. 

ADDITIONAL CREDITS:

Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with BEHR Paint, a brand we love and adore.  All opinions are 100% our own. 

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  • I LOVE these cabinets. I’m planning on painting our bathroom cabinets soon but I’m curious if you sealed these. I hate that feeling of paint when it gets a little gummy or sticky with heat or moisture and definitely want to seal them if they are in the bathroom. Thanks!

  • Jill K. / 11.06.2016

    I love what you did with your bath! We are in a similar situation…not our forever home, new construction, just need to put my personal touch on some things while we’re here. What kind of brush did you use on the cabinets to ensure a smooth finish?

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