The beauty of refinishing is that it restores timeless pieces to its former glory. For some the process of refinishing is therapeutic and a hobby. For others it is a practical and cost savings option to make a bathroom look newer without too much out-of-pocket expense.
Any refinishing project does take time and patience, to ensure that the finished product is to the highest of standards.
Where do you begin to refinish the old bathroom vanity?
First, you will need the following materials.
→ A bag of paint brushes
→ Grit Sandpaper (180-220)
→ Painter’s Tape
→ Paint or Stain
→ Primer
→ Replacement fixtures: Faucet and hardware
Step 1:
Remove all the doors on the vanity any fake drawers and hardware. If you plan to replace the hardware on the doors, take the time to sand down the holes and fill them with wood putty. If the screw spacing is the exact same size, you do not need to worry about this.
Step 2:
This step takes the most time and elbow grease, any finish on the vanity needs to be removed through sanding. Use 220-Grit sandpaper if the materials are wood and 180-grit if the materials are melamine. Melamine is a compound mixed with resin to form a durable material mostly found in Formica, but can be in other products as well. It’s important to scuff up the outer surface to get it ready for the next step.
Step 3:
Clean off all sand and wipe down the vanity. Vacuum any small dust particles. Make certain the surface is absolutely clean. Add painter’s tape to the edges of the vanity sink and any other areas.
Step 4:
Now it is time to paint on the primer. One tip for painting is to have the primer tinted a bit with the final paint color. This eliminates the need for an extra coat of paint. Paint the doors and vanity shell. Make sure to read the instruction on the primer label before proceeding.
Step 5:
After the primer is dry, lightly sand it again with the 220-grit, and apply a second coat of primer. After the second coat has dried lightly, sand it again.
Step 6:
Now apply the paint to the vanity. Remember that preparation is the key to a perfectly smooth finish. So, take your time on sanding and priming to get the best results.
Step 7:
When paint is completely dry, add doors, hardware, and faucet replacements to finish off the new look.