How To Paint Outdated Cabinets | Easy Inexpensive DIY Bathroom Updates?

Painting outdated cabinets can be a cost-effective way to update a bathroom without undergoing a full renovation. Here's a simple guide to help you with this DIY project:

Materials Needed:

• Screwdriver
• TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) or a degreaser
• Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
• Painter's tape
• Primer (designed for cabinets)
• Acrylic latex-based paint for cabinets
• Paintbrushes or a foam roller
• Optional: new hardware for cabinets

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Area:

   • Remove all items from the cabinets.
   • Using a screwdriver, remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware.
   • Clean the work area to keep it dust-free.

2. Clean the Cabinets:

   • Wipe down all surfaces with TSP or a degreaser to remove grease and dirt. This ensures the paint will adhere properly.

3. Sand the Surfaces:

   • Using medium-grit sandpaper, sand all the surfaces to roughen up the finish, which helps the primer adhere better.
   • Wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
   • For a smoother finish, go over the surfaces again with fine-grit sandpaper.

4. Apply Painter's Tape:

   • Use painter's tape to protect the walls, countertops, and any other areas adjacent to the cabinets that you don't want to get paint on.

5. Prime the Cabinets:

   • Apply a coat of primer to all surfaces. Primer is crucial for ensuring that the paint sticks and that the old finish doesn’t bleed through.
   • Let the primer dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Paint the Cabinets:

   • After the primer has dried, start applying your acrylic latex-based paint.
   • Use a brush for the smaller areas and foam roller for the larger flat surfaces to get a smooth finish.
   • Apply a minimum of two coats of paint, allowing adequate drying time between coats, as per the paint instructions.

7. Reassemble the Cabinets:

   • Once the paint is completely dry, carefully remove the painter's tape.
   • If you're adding new hardware, drill any new holes needed for the hardware and attach it. Be gentle so as not to chip your new paint job.
   • Reattach the doors and drawers.

8. Final Touches:

   • Inspect for any touch-ups and gently sand any drips or imperfections with fine-grit sandpaper.
   • Clean up the area, and enjoy your newly updated cabinets!

Additional Tips:

• Proper ventilation is essential for safety and to allow the paint to cure correctly.
• Test the color on a small, inconspicuous area before fully committing.
• Give yourself enough time to complete the project without rushing. The drying time is crucial for a durable finish.
• Invest in high-quality brushes and rollers for the best finish and ease of application.

This DIY project can dramatically change the look of your bathroom at a fraction of the cost of a professional renovation.