Can I paint this vanity unit?
It’s discoloured and I want to spruce it up for my daughter, I’m not sure what it’s made of, I don’t think it’s wood, it has a shiny smooth finish, please can someone tell me the best products and methods to use. Thanks 👍
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This piece has lots of potential to be a pretty little vanity.
You may want to consider painting only sections of the vanity, such as the fronts of the drawers, the legs, or the mirror frame. This would be much less work and expense that painting the entire vanity, and the existing factory finish on the countertop may be more durable than a spray painted surface.
Swapping out the drawer knobs for new ones is also a fast and easy way to add new life to older furniture.
Very pretty! Of course you can paint it. Sand it well to get some of the shine off. Prime it with a high adhesion primer and then paint with an enamel or mineral paint. :)
Since it is already painted. I would sand a little and repaint . I would highlite the carved areas with another color or if using chalk paint - wax . Maybe glass knobs but definitely different ones
First, thoroughly clean with TSP. Scuff with fine steel wool to make a better surface for the new paint to adhere to. Then wipe away any residue with denatured alcohol. Then you can paint.
As for product, I have used everything from house paint to chalked paint for furniture with great results. The biggest drawback to chalked paint is the lack of durability.
I do have another idea rather than a full on paint job. Consider adding a glaze for a different look. It wouldn't be much effort and would bring out the details like the trim above the drawers and the work around the mirror. You could use black or brown, depending on your color scheme. You rub it on and after a minute or so wipe off. If not deep enough, repeat. You might at least try that before painting.
You can spray paint it. Any spray paint should work on your vanity. First, make sure you prep it well, a light sanding and then cleaning it with a tack cloth.
Do a very good job of cleaning it first, warm soapy water with dish soap and wipe a rinse of clear water. Let dry, sand it down to rough up the surface paint with high grit sand paper, 180, this will give the new paint something to adhere to. Wipe it down with a damp rag so no sandings remain. When you go to spray it, use light coats to avoid runs.
Here are 2 links for transfer designs, that would make it stand out:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=iron+orchid+transfers&hvadid=77859235876463&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_lf71uppwz_e
Or you can can look up: https://ironorchiddesigns.com/decor-transfers/
This information may help!
https://www.homestoriesatoz.com/furniture/how-to-flawlessly-spray-paint-furniture.html
Hello. I use both spray and paint on Zinsser BIN primer, the one with the shellac base for most furniture projects.
Going from a dark stain to a light color—- a shellac based primer is essential. I spray the primer, lightly sanded with 400 grit, cleaned the dust with a tack cloth and then applied a second coat.
Spray paint
Rustoleum recommendations
PREPARE:
Always work in a well-ventilated area. Cover the floor and nearby items with a drop cloth. Lightly scuff any glossy surfaces and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Use Painter’s tape to hide any surfaces you don’t want to paint.
PAINT:
Using slow, back-and-forth motions, spray paint each item with several light coats of spray paint, making sure to overlap each stroke slightly. Apply 2-3 coats of spray paint, waiting a few minutes in between each coat.
FINISH:
Let spray paint dry for approximately 1 hour before handling.
Tip: Use of 2X Ultra Cover Primer or Bulleye 123 provides better paint coverage and color.
Here are some ideas
https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20vanity
Based on the style and details such as the legs, I'm pretty sure the vanity is wood. The top might be formica but doubtful. If so, even that can be painted by scuff sanding, wiping down, a great bonding primer x2 coats and then paint.
The rest of it most certainly is wood, which is good. You could put CitriStrip on it to remove whatever "shiny" surface was applied. Cover her with saran wrap and let the CitriStrip do it's thing. Use a plastic scraper so you don't damage the wood and scrape the gunk right into a lined garbage bag. Wash/spray with a hose and scrub to remove all remnants of the stripper and gunk. I would remove the hardware first and fill the holes with bondo, sand smooth. You can then replace the little boring knobs with something terrific once you're done painting!
Do a scuff sand and use that great primer and then paint with a great paint. You can use a cabinet paint that self-levels so you don't see brush strokes.
William's link has tons of pics but here are a few similar to your vanity style that have been redesigned
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bathroom/vanities/painted-antique-vanity-in-rhine-river-by-benjamin-moore-9072725
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/furniture/stormy-seas-vintage-vanity-40021803
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bathroom/vanities/glam-vanity-makeover-25642639
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bathroom/vanities/custom-vanity-30978208 (you can do "color blocking" by putting on painters tape and painting within the shapes)
Be brave! Have FUN! You CAN do this! 😎
Antique Vanity in Rhine River by Benjamin Moore
Stormy Seas Vintage Vanity
Glam Vanity Makeover
DIY Custom Vanity
Spray paint should work.
Chalk paint is my go to. Two coats. Dries really fast. Spray paint is subject to drips if you aren't careful and that is a pain to fix. You have to sand and try to match the layer or layers you already have on it.
you could distress it or paint it even if it is not wood https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GpvmZFbBr8
There are lots of vanity projects here that you might like:
https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20vanity
I would do two coats of primer to cover up any discoloration and then latex paint in a color of choosing. Then a furniture wax.
Hi! Here's one I did for my granddaughter:
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/small-dressing-table-makeover-9251600
A Dressing Table Given a Fresh Start
Sand to scuff it up then paint and seal
I repainted mine with chalk paint https://www.homeroad.net/2018/03/repairing-water-damaged-bathroom-vanity.html
You can totally paint this! Check out the product I used so I didn't have to sand when I painted my kitchen cabinets: https://happydealhappyday.com/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-without-sanding/
I personally think it should be possible to spray paint.
Thank you :)
of course that you can ... What a loverly project to have !
Since you don't think it's wood, then it could be melamine (paper thin plastic) over MDF (medium density fiber).
If it is this, Do Not Sand it! Once that plastic film is pierced or gauged, the MDF will suck up any liquid (like chalk paint) and "mushroom".
I would spray it with enamel paints.
You can make stencils or borders with painters' tape & masking.
Chalk paint would be the easiest