One of the most cost-effective methods of updating your bathroom cabinets is through refinishing them to give your room a new, modern appearance without having to remodel it entirely. If your cabinets are becoming dull, old, or simply need to be refurbished, this DIY project can make your bathroom look fresh.
We will take you through the process of refinishing bathroom cabinets, step by step, in this guide, even if you are a first-time refinisher. Let’s get started!
Why Refinish Instead of Replace?
The advantages of refinishing are worth knowing before we get into the how-to:
- Cost-efficient: Refinishing is a fraction of the cost that you would spend to replace cabinets.
- Green: Refinishing existing cabinets is better than throwing cabinets into landfills.
- Customizable: Select the specific color and finish that you desire.
- Fast completion: It can be completed within a weekend, in most instances.
What You’ll Need
Tools & Supplies
The List of Materials and Tools You Will Need to Refinish Your Bathroom Cabinets is Below:
- Screwdriver or drill
- Sandpaper (80, 120, and 220 grit)
- Degreaser or cleaner (as TSP)
- Wood filler (optional)
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths or old sheets
- Foam rollers and paint brushes
- Primer (oil-based or bonding)
- Paint or stain (semi-gloss is the best)
- Crystal topcoat (not required but may be used to provide extra protection).
- Protective aids (mask, goggles, and gloves)
Prep the Work Area
Prepare Your Workspace Before You Start:
- Clean the Bathroom: Remove the rugs, toiletries, and objects surrounding the cabinets.
- Cover the Surfaces: Place drop cloths and cover floors and the adjacent fixtures.
- Keep the Air Moving: Open the windows and run a fan.
Remove Doors and Hardware
- Use a screwdriver or drill to take off the cabinet doors, drawers, and all hardware.
- Write the name of every door and drawer on painter’s tape so that you can know where it fits afterwards.
- Keep screws and hardware in a container in order to prevent loss.
Clean Thoroughly
- Bathroom cabinets are usually clogged with soap, hair sprays, and moisture. The surface must be cleaned to get proper adherence.
- Wipe down with warm water and trisodium phosphate (TSP).
- Wash well and allow to dry before proceeding.
Sand the Surfaces
Sanding will even out flaws and provide a surface to which the primer or stain can adhere.
- Rough sand: 80-grit sandpaper should be used on older or glossy finishes.
- Smooth sand: Smooth with 120-grit, then use 220-grit to finish.
- Clean up all surfaces using a tack cloth or a rag towel, to get out dust.
Tip: When using a sanding machine, be careful not to destroy the surface of your cabinets, if they are laminate or MDF.
Fill Holes or Dents
- If you are replacing the hardware, or have dents in your cabinets, ensure to putty them up.
- Any holes or blemishes must be fixed with wood filler.
- Allow to dry, and sand before proceeding.
Apply Primer
- Primer enhances your paint so it bonds, and it also gives the paint a longer life particularly in a damp area such as the bathroom.
- You can use a bonding primer when dealing with a slick finish on your cabinets.
- Use a brush or roller applying in a fine coat.
- Allow the primer to dry as per instructions of the manufacturer (typically 4 to 6 hours).
Pro Tip: Never forget priming particularly when changing a dark color to a light one, or when painting on top of a stainless wood.
Paint or Stain
Next is the fun part, which is the addition of color or finish.
If Painting:
- Select a good latex or enamel (bathroom paint) paint (semi-gloss or satin is best).
- Large surfaces should be done with a foam roller and corners and details with a brush.
- Use 2 to 3 coats, with adequate drying time between each coat (4 hours or so).
If Staining:
- Use a brush or rag, and apply wood stain evenly.
- Wipe with a clean cloth.
- Allow to dry between coats and reapply, should you wish it to be darker.
Seal the Finish
- To enhance the longevity, particularly in a humid bathroom, it is recommended to apply a clear polyurethane topcoat.
- Use polyurethane that is water-based to prevent yellowing.
- Apply in long and straight strokes with a brush.
- Allow a minimum of 24 hours to dry.
Reassemble Cabinets
Once Everything is Dry:
- Install the hardware again or update the hardware.
- Mount the doors and drawers to the frame of the cabinet.
- Browse to check for any needed touch up.
