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Post added: 06.28.2022

How To Paint Bathroom Cabinets? Choosing The Right Paint And Color Full Guide

bathroom with cabinets painted light colours

Bathroom cabinets and vanities are subtle to wearing much more than cabinet furniture in other rooms in the home. That does not mean you have to replace cabinets every time they become dull and draw down the rest of the bathroom design. If they aren't damaged by water leaks then you may refinish bathroom cabinets with paint. This makeover will take much less effort and budget out of you and may provide you with a satisfying result. 

If you choose to paint your old bathroom cabinets you may not only refresh their initial look but also select a completely different colour or even remove the paint layer and stain wooden cabinets to highlight their natural grain. A paint finish for bathroom cabinets will additionally protect their surfaces from humidity and heat. 

Bathroom Cabinets

The painting job can be done by a professional; in this case, an expert will evaluate the cabinet condition and determine its materials to select a proper finish and technique. However, you may choose to do DIY painting of bathroom cabinets as well. Then, you will need to learn how to paint bathroom vanity cabinets and what finish paints to suit your units best. Before you start a project you should explore how to remove vanity cabinet doors and hardware and then how to paint the inside of bathroom cabinets, every drawer, unit legs, and backing side and might even need to unassemble the countertop with the sink. If you are self-assured, this Cut2size blog will provide you with guidance on what tools you will need and how to paint bathroom cabinets.

Types of bathroom cabinets that can be repainted

painted light warm grey cabinets in the bathroom

Almost all types of cabinets can be repainted but some cabinets that are made of a specific material, engineered or not, need a special type of paint and paint techniques to be properly done. Results can vary depending on the material and the type of paint used. Here are some bathroom cabinet types that you can easily repaint.

  1. Wooden cabinets

You can paint wood bathroom cabinets easily. This is what makes wood a very popular material for cabinets. However, bathroom paint with wood cabinets does not have the same results because wood comes in a variety of types. If your cabinetry for example is made of oak, you should know the proper way how to paint oak bathroom cabinets. The process might be different from painting on engineered wood. Seek the assistance of a professional cabinet painter to avoid damaging your expensive cabinets.

  1. PVC cabinets

Kitchen cabinets that are made of PVC can also be painted too. PVC cabinets are becoming popular in bathrooms because of their durability and affordability. If you have one of these, you can give it a fresh look by repainting it with oil-based primer paint.

  1. Laminate cabinets

One of the questions we often get a lot is can you paint laminate bathroom cabinets? The answer is yes. You can paint over laminate bathroom cabinets even though their surface is not ideal to paint. Don’t worry because it can still be done. How to paint bathroom laminate cabinets? The trick is to use a primer first. When painting over laminate, primer is extremely crucial. Since laminate is smooth and non-porous, unlike wood, it requires something to hold on to which is something that primer can do.

  1. Melamine cabinets

Melamine cabinets are made of raw particleboard with ornamental paper filled with resin securely glued to both ends. Painting melamine, thermofoil, and laminate surfaces successfully depends on using the appropriate paint and brushes. High-quality latex, acrylic, and chalk paints are just a few of the paints that may be used to paint melamine bathroom cabinets, although the majority of them need priming.

  1. Glossy Cabinets

If your cabinets are glossy and you’re wondering if you can paint shiny bathroom cabinets, the answer is yes. You can definitely paint shiny surfaces. However, you have to prep correctly and choose the right paint to get the best result. Begin by cleaning the glossy cabinets thoroughly. After the glossy surface is dry, sand it or apply a de-glosser. Let it dry for at most 10 minutes before priming and painting.

Best Paint For Bathroom Cabinets

well painted white bathroom cabinets

What kind of paint for bathroom cabinets would be ideal to use? Not all paint is suitable for cabinets especially those in the bathroom. In this part of the blog, we’ll enumerate the best type of paint for bathroom cabinets to give you an idea of what type of paint to use for bathroom cabinets when doing a repainting job.

  1. Chalk paint

Chalk paint is considered the best paint option for DIY enthusiasts. Chalk paint on bathroom cabinets is very easy to manage because it requires no prep work and you don’t need to apply a primer like you do when using other types of paint. Chalk paint for bathroom cabinets really holds up well which is why it is a good paint to use in bathroom cabinets. There are also paint finishes that you can apply over chalk paint to make it waterproof.

  1. Spray paint

For a polished, skilled appearance, spray paint for bathroom cabinets is frequently advised by paint professionals. Spray painting your cabinets is an excellent alternative if they have high panels and many spots that could be challenging to paint with a paintbrush or roller.

What is the best spray paint for bathroom cabinets? Bathroom cabinets can be painted using solvent-based spray paint that is both universal and specially made for the surface you want to paint. Solvent-based paint is used mainly by experts because of its tough and long-lasting finish.

  1. Seal paint

Seal paint on bathroom cabinets is applied after the project is complete to protect your cabinets and extend their life. A clear finish not only gives your cabinets a beautiful appearance but also helps to keep them free of scuffs, scratches, and chips. A clear coat finish would be an excellent option for a kitchen with natural daylight.

  1. Waterproof paint

Waterproof paint can be used within the house in bathrooms or basements, or it can be used outside the house on things like boats, birdbaths, or water tanks. It is either completely waterproof or completely water-resistant. Typically, waterproof paint for bathroom cabinets can be latex, or oil basis and used to create the seal, all of which may deliver a powerful waterproof barrier.

Paint Ideas For Bathroom Cabinets

dark brown painted bathroom cabinets

We’ve determined the types of cabinets that can be repainted as well as the best paint for bathroom cabinets. Now, let’s talk about painting bathroom cabinet ideas and bathroom cabinet paint colours. What paint colours for bathroom cabinets would be ideal? There are many paint colours for bathroom cabinets out there to choose from but as we all know, they can affect the overall scheme of our bathroom interior. So choosing the best paint colour for bathroom cabinets is a very important step. Here are the best colours to paint bathroom cabinets.

  1. Grey-colored paint

Grey is a go-to color when it comes to painting cabinets whether it be in the kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. Grey paint for bathroom cabinets is so popular that the colour is divided into several tones. You can find many grey paint colours for bathroom cabinets on paint swatches to find the perfect shade that will match your bathroom’s interior. Paint your bathroom cabinets grey to create a timeless and versatile bathroom design.

  1. White paint

Given that white is a hue that is linked with cleanliness, white paint for bathroom cabinets helps a bathroom feel tidy and airy. Paint bathroom cabinets white if you have a very tiny bathroom and you want to create the illusion of more space. White paint for bathroom cabinets will make the space brighter and more spacious. How to paint bathroom cabinets white? Prepare the cabinet by sanding it and have all the essential equipment ready to be able to paint fast and smoothly.

  1. Blue-coloured paint

We are all familiar with blue's relaxing and restorative qualities as well as the harmony and peace it fosters in a space. Blue paint colours for bathroom cabinets go incredibly well with a variety of other common cabinet finishes, including grey, green, and even black. You can opt for blue chalk-painted bathroom cabinets if you are looking for an easier method to paint.

  1. Black paint

In a clean, contemporary bathroom, if you paint bathroom cabinets black, it would look absolutely fantastic. It complements metallic accessories wonderfully and clears off any visual distractions in your room. Using the best black paint for bathroom cabinets in your décor guarantees that it stays current since it never goes out of style. Moreover, you can affordably spruce up a black bathroom with occasional design changes. How to paint bathroom cabinets black? The best technique perhaps is to use spray paint to make the result clean and without uneven strokes or spots.

Cost to paint bathroom cabinets

Wondering how much does it cost to paint bathroom cabinets? There are several methods available to accomplish this task. The price will depend on the amount of work if you call to handyperson and the type of paint chosen. Since different cabinet paint coverings will cost differently.


Some material and labour costs might be different in your area compared to other locations. The information we’ve provided in this table is a basic estimate just to give you an initial idea of the average cost to paint bathroom cabinets in Canada.

Valentina Melnikova
Valentina Melnikova
Lead Designer at Cut2Size
Hi there! I’m a millwork designer and an owner of a kitchen cabinet manufacturing company. With a team of professionals, I work on designing and manufacturing high-end millwork. Combining professional designing and manufacturing skills is what allows us to develop and translate our plans into a reality through our uniqueness and exclusive ideas. Our employees are highly skilled and creative thinkers that also utilize their professionalism and experience to take millwork to the next level. I’m very familiar with the industry and I take on each project from the design to the final product. With that said, if you’re looking for design advice or technician help, you’re in the right place.
FAQ
How to paint bathroom cabinets without sanding?

You can paint your bathroom cabinets without sanding but first, you have to clean the surface of the cabinet before applying a primer. Sanding may be needed for specific types of surfaces such as high gloss cabinets.

How to paint bathroom cabinets that are not wood?

You can definitely paint almost all types of cabinet materials as we previously noted above. However, certain materials might require special treatment, paint product, finish, or painting technique to achieve a smooth result.

Can you paint high gloss kitchen cabinets?

Yes, you can, as long as you do the proper preparation required and you pick the right paint that is suitable for high gloss cabinets. Poor planning will give you a bad painting result so it is better to do your research and do trials to avoid making costly mistakes.

What is the best paint finish for bathroom cabinets?

Semi-gloss is often the best coating for painting bathroom cabinets. It guarantees optimum durability and is perfect for basements and bathrooms, which have high moisture levels.

How long do painted cabinets last?

You should anticipate your freshly painted bathroom cabinets to last 8 to 10 years with regular maintenance. However, there are a few things that might significantly reduce this duration, requiring you to repaint them three to four years sooner.

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