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

The bathroom is often the subject of frequent renovations and upgrades. Aside from it being the smallest room in the house, bathrooms are also used multiple times a day and are vulnerable to moisture, dirt, and damage. When buying a new house, it is almost always the bathroom that needs renovation first. If you are just about to embark on a bathroom renovation or upgrading task, this article is for you. We will be talking about how to paint bathroom cabinets or how to refinish bathroom cabinets with paint.

Regardless of what cabinet type you have, this blog will be helpful to kickstart your painting job especially if you are considering DIY painting bathroom cabinets. A few of the things that will be tackled are paint finish for bathroom cabinets, and how to paint inside of bathroom cabinets. Learn the basics of how to paint bathroom vanity cabinets and paint old bathroom cabinets by reading the entire article. You can also save this for later so you can have a reference once your painting job starts.

Types of bathroom cabinets that can be repainted

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. But 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 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.

4. 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 depend 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.

5. 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 de-glosser. Let it dry for at most 10 minutes before priming and painting.

Best Paint For 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

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 paint bathroom cabinet ideas and bathroom cabinet paint colors. What paint colors for bathroom cabinets would be ideal? There are many paint colors 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 color for bathroom cabinets is a very important step. Here are the best colors to paint bathroom cabinets.

1. Grey-colored paint

Grey is a go-to color when it comes to painting cabinets of all whether it be in the kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. Grey paint for bathroom cabinets is so popular that the color is divided into several tones. You can find many grey paint colors 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.

2. 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.

3. Blue-colored 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 colors for bathroom cabinets go incredibly well with a variety of other common kitchen cabinet finishes, including grey, green, and even black. You can opt for a blue chalk paint bathroom cabinets if you are looking for an easier method to paint.

4. 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 labor 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.