I have the basic white contractor's base cabinets in my bathroom-can they be painted? What's the best way?
by
Margie
+3
I would love to paint a rich brown, but I don't want the color peeling down the line--Help
6 answers
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This will depend a bit on "what" the current cabinets are made of. Some versions use a RTF (rigid thermo foil) which is a bit "plastic" like with out some solid prep and a good primer this will be a challenge to have it stick well and last. Melamine is also a tough material to paint. If these are already painted then some scuff sanding / primer and paint and you should be looking good.
KMS Woodworks
on Mar 27, 2013
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Thanks. The cabinets are a wood composite--something like you would see in a Lowe's or Home Depot.
Margie
on Mar 27, 2013
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That is what the core is made of...do you know what the finished surface is. Some builder grade stuff was a white paper like veneer.
KMS Woodworks
on Mar 27, 2013
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You could always try chalk paint or Caromal Colours Paints (Textured and Reclaim) they stick to just about everything.
Mary Insana
on Mar 27, 2013
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Yes, you absolutely can paint a basic builder's grade vanity with great results! I have done it! I also painted the medicine chest/mirror. This vanity and mirror were in the house when we bought it but I saw it at either Home Depot or Lowes and it's about the cheapest quality vanity cabinet you can buy. I painted it 3 years ago and even though this is a very high traffic bathroom, the paint has held up extremely well. I've had no problems with peeling or chipping paint. Painting it not only made the bathroom feel cozier but, in my opinion, the vanity doesn't look as cheap now either. I've attached before/after photos for you to see. Instead of sanding (I hate sanding), I used a product called "liquid sandpaper" or "deglosser." You can find it in any hardware store. I personally like Klean Strip Sander-Deglosser. When you wipe the cabinet down with it, it cleans off any dirt and old grunge but more importantly, it leaves some "tooth" for your primer to grip to. After using the liquid sandpaper, I applied a thin coat of primer. You can use latex Kilz or Zinsser Bullseye 123 but my preference is Valspar Multi-purpose Latex Primer (in the blue can and sold at Lowes) It's tough as nails! After the primer dried for a couple hours, I applied 2 thin coats of black interior latex paint with a small foam roller and brush. (I would recommend using the best quality paint you can afford. More than likely, you will only need a quart, or less.)
Shari
on Mar 27, 2013
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Thanks everyone - I'm going to give it a 'go' at painting.
Margie
on Apr 01, 2013
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