How to Paint a Bathroom Vanity Top Yourself

Looking to update your bathroom on a budget? Painting the vanity top is an easy and affordable way to transform the space. With some simple preparation and the right materials, you can paint your existing bathroom vanity top to match your color scheme instead of purchasing a costly replacement.

In this DIY tutorial, you'll learn everything needed for repainting laminate and solid surface bathroom vanity tops. From necessary supplies and prep work to paint application tips, this guide covers all the details on how to paint a bathroom vanity top yourself.

Necessary Supplies for Painting Bathroom Vanity Top

Before starting any painting project, it's important to gather all the necessary supplies. For painting a bathroom vanity top, you'll need:

• Paint designed for bathtubs, sinks, and tiles (such as Rust-Oleum Specialty Tub & Tile paint)
• Sandpaper (400-grit wet/dry sandpaper)
• Tack cloth
• Paintbrush and foam roller
• Drop cloths
• Painter's tape
• Cleaning supplies like bleach, Lime-A-Way, Soft Scrub, etc.
• Safety gear - gloves, respirator mask, goggles (optional)

Choosing the right type of paint is crucial for getting long-lasting results and avoiding future blistering or peeling. Epoxy-based and specifically formulated paints for sinks and tubs provide maximum adhesion and durability on bathroom vanity tops.

Prepping the Vanity Top Surface

Cleaning and Sanding the Vanity

Thoroughly cleaning and lightly sanding the vanity top prepares the surface for painting. Here are the necessary steps:

1. Remove plumbing fixtures like faucets and drain pieces from the vanity top.
2. Clean the sink basin with bleach, Soft Scrub, or other abrasive cleaner to remove grime buildup.
3. Use Lime-A-Way or CLR to dissolve any hard water deposits or soap scum rings.
4. Lightly sand the entire vanity top surface with 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper to scuff up the glossy coating.
5. Wipe away all sanding residue with a tack cloth.

Proper cleaning and sanding ensure maximum paint adhesion. The sanding process creates microscopic grooves for the paint to cling to.

Filling Cracks and Holes

Inspect the vanity top closely for any small cracks or holes needing filled and patched. Use painter's caulk or spackling paste to fill imperfections for a smooth finish.

After cleaning, sanding, and patching, the vanity should now have a dull, matte surface ready for painting.

Priming the Vanity Top

Priming is an essential step before painting any surface. Quality all-purpose primer or specially formulated sink and tile primer provide added protection by sealing the vanity and allowing for better paint adhesion.

Use a foam roller or paintbrush to apply a smooth, even coating of primer over the entire vanity top and be sure to reach edges and corners. Allow the primer to fully dry as specified on the product directions before painting.

Choosing Paint Color and Finish

Gloss vs Matte Finish

When selecting paint for a bathroom vanity, consider whether a gloss or matte finish better fits your needs:

• Gloss: More durable and moisture-resistant surface but shows imperfections more
• Matte: Hides flaws better and matches well with other matte surfaces like concrete and natural stone

Paint Color Ideas

The right paint color choice can make all the difference. Some popular vanity paint colors include:

• White - clean, brightens space, easy to match
• Light gray - sleek, modern look
• Navy blue - dramatic pop of color
• Black - sophisticated style

Opt for semi-gloss or gloss sheen for dark vanity colors to prevent visible brush marks. For white or light vanities, matte or eggshell finishes hide imperfections well.

Applying Paint Coats

Brush vs Roller

While spraying paint is the quickest method, brushing and rolling provide better control for DIY vanity painting. Use these application tips:

• Foam roller: Quickly covers large flat spaces
• Trim brush: Handy for cutting-in edges and corners
• Avoid excessive brushing/rolling to prevent visible marks in the finish

Painting Technique

Proper painting technique ensures fully covered surfaces without brush marks or drips:

1. Use painter's tape for clean edges along walls or countertops.
2. Cut-in edges first with brush.
3. Roll paint evenly over flat areas using a mini foam roller.
4. Apply multiple coats for full coverage allowing proper drying time between coats.
5. Inspect for any missed spots and touch up if needed.
6. Remove all tape immediately after painting before cure.

Adding New Hardware

The finishing touch comes from updating the vanity's hardware like faucets, handles, and drain pieces. New metal fixtures instantly provide a fresh facelift along with the painted top.

Look for hardware finishes that coordinate with your vanity color choice and overall bathroom style - oil rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, polished chrome, matte black etc. Updating your hardware is an easy upgrade that completes the vanity's transformation.

Allow several days for the paint to fully cure and harden before regular use of your vanity. Avoid placing anything heavy on the surface or excessive water exposure.

For ongoing protection, use a sink-and-tile sealant to lock in the finish. Gentle cleaners are also crucial for maintaining your painted vanity without damaging the surface over time. Harsh chemicals and scrubbing can wear down the paint.

Touch up any nicks or scratches right away with leftover paint to prevent moisture seeping underneath. Periodically repainting also keeps your vanity looking fresh and new.

Even a do-it-yourselfer can achieve professional looking results with the right preparation and painting methods. The simple tricks for painting bathroom vanity tops shared here allow you to easily upgrade your space on a budget.