Budget Friendly Bathroom Makeover

$100
48 Hours
Easy
Bathrooms don’t have to cost a small fortune to make a huge change.

If your bathroom is structurally in good condition, you can update it with a minimal cost. Take this bathroom built in 1988, some would look at this and immediately want to rip it out and start from scratch. The problem is, it can cost 5,000+ and sometimes it’s just not in the budget.

So, What’s the solution? ...
... You can paint the out-dated counter top and sink!!!!
In this case, the sink is part of the counter top. Now I must admit this is the first time I’ve painted the inside of a sink. But if you think about it the sink is made of the same materials as the counter top, so why wouldn’t it hold up.


It’s all in the prep.



Here are the step by step instructions:


  1. If you want to change the faucet do it before you paint.
  2. Sand the counter top and sink with 320 grit sand paper. It gives it “tooth” and takes the sheen off.
  3. Then clean then with TSP. .This is the most important step to make the paint stick.
  4. Paint the counter top with 2 coats of primer, I like to use Stix. Use a 6 ” sponge roller to apply the primer.
Let primer dry 2-3 hours between coats



Paint the counter top and sink with 2 coats of Advance paint from Benjamin Moore. Again use a 6″ sponge roller. allow paint to dry 8 hours between coats. You can use any color you want.



Apply 3-4 coats of semi gloss clear



Here’s the results. Looks like a brand new sink and counter!
Now here’s how you paint the cabinets! Follow steps 1-3 the same steps as you did on the counter tops. Tint the paint to the desired color. There is no need to use a sealer on the cabinets. The transformation is amazing! Not to mention it will save you thousands of dollars. Get my free tips for painting cabinets here.
This entire bathroom was transformed with just paint!


In my opinion, there is no need to spend thousands of dollars when you can get amazing results like this!
If you would like to receive my monthly blog for step-by-step painting and faux finishing transformations, please sign up here.


You can also join my private Facebook group - ASK CHERYL PHAN - and I'll be happy to help answer your painting questions and would love to see your before and afters!
Cheryl Phan
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  1 question
  • Kathy Barie Kathy Barie on Apr 24, 2023

    I’m not sure how long ago you did this but am curious about the durability of paint in the sink. Even though it’s the same as the countertop the sink gets a LOT more use than the countertop in way of cleaning, toothpaste, soap mouthwash & whatever else might come in contact with it that’s not necessary going to be in contact with the top at the same intensity.

Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 11 comments
  • Cheryl Phan Cheryl Phan on Apr 24, 2023

    Hi Maranda: I know it's a lot of work, But that doesn't mean a beginner can't do this. Everone has to start somewhere. That's why I give step-by-step instructions. It's not as hard a you think.

    • Christine Christine on Apr 24, 2023

      It doesn't look difficult at all. You just need patience letting the primer and paint dry between coats. Sanding is pretty easy. I do prefer velour rollers over foam, though - less chance of bubbling or that funny texture you sometimes get with foam.

  • Cheryl Phan Cheryl Phan on Apr 25, 2023

    I found that the key to not getting the bubbling is to not overload the roller with paint and to apply light pressure when rolling. There are many different tools to use, it's really what you're comfortable using.

Next