Bathroom Vanity Transformation with DIY Chalk Type Paint

Vanity

Today I’m going to show you how painting your cabinets can save you lots of money and mess and completely transform the look of your space.  This is an easy project that can be done in a day using DIY Chalk Type Paint.
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You may already know that I started using DIY Paint a few months ago.  I am absolutely in love with the coverage it gives me and the color choices are fantastic.

How to Paint an Oak Bathroom Vanity

For this particular project I used “Layered Chocolate“.

It’s a beautiful rich brown that looks good enough to eat!

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When painting any surface you must start by doing a deep clean.  I like to use wipes because they’re easy to throw in my toolbox and carry along but you can use anything you choose.

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After throughly cleaning I like to tape off the area.  This isn’t a must but something I like to go ahead and do.

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Next it’s time to start painting.  The first coat is always the worst coat.  It’s that point for most people where they start to wonder if they’ve made a mistake.  It almost never looks good and can cause a little anxiety.

Hang in there…..

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because in about an hour you’ll be ready for the second coat and that’s where the magic starts to happen.

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Some colors will require a third coat but for this project I only needed two.  The amount of paint you use depends on the end result you desire.

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Once your painted surface has dried, usually about an hour or two depending on your climate, it’s time to apply a topcoat.

DIY Liquid Patina is one of the greatest topcoats I’ve found.  It is very easy to apply and dries in a very short amount of time.

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Patina can be applied with a damp sponge, cloth or brush.  I like using a damp brush.

As you can see once applied Patina looks milky.  Don’t worry it dried clear.

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And just like that you’ve taken dated cabinetry and transformed it for a fraction of the cost of replacing it!How to Paint an Oak Bathroom Vanity-14

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23 Comments

  1. Beautiful job!! Would this work for my kitchen? Can you wipe down the surface with damp cloth? If so how much paint and liquid patina would I need to purchase for an average size kitchen? Thank You for great ideas!!! Sue

    1. Hi Sue,

      I would work just fine. Amount of paint really depends on the size of your kitchen, the current color and the color you want to go to. I’d say 3 or 4 quarts of paint would be good and 4 or 5 patinas.

      🙂 Beth

  2. i would like to do this but i am wondering if the paint will end up drying tacky causing the paint to come off once the door s are shut and reopened?

    1. Once the paint is dried you need to seal with a topcoat. In this case I used patina. After it’s dried and cured there shouldn’t be any reason for the paint to be tacky or chip.

      Hope this helps! Thanks!

      Beth

  3. Which one holds up better? Heirloom Traditions or Annie Sloan?

    1. Hi Tiffany,

      I use Debi’s Design Diary Chalk and Clay Paint. It holds up better than anything else I’ve used.

      Thanks,
      Beth

  4. Hi! I am going to buy this and do the same with my bathroom vanity. Im wondering if I could get away buying the 8 oz. for both patina and paint. My bathroom cabinets are probably about 1/3 less than what you have. It is about 46 inches long. What do you think?

    1. Hi Alisa,

      It would depend on the color of the surface and the color you want it to be. To be on the safe side I’d get the 16 oz pint. I hope this helps!

      Thanks,
      Beth

  5. Richie kulich says:

    What color is the chaulk paint in the photo attached to this page please let me know thanks and the company that makes it

    1. Hi Richie,

      The color I’d Layered Chocolate by DIY Paint. Here’s a link if you’d like to purchase, http://bit.ly/2byyh7A

      Thank you,
      Beth

  6. What did you paint the cabinets with?

    1. Brush, sponge, rag… I’m worried that you will be able to see the Brissels

      1. Hi Ashely,

        It is important to use a soft bristle brush to prevent brush strokes. I sell several on my site if you want to take a look.

        Thanks!
        Beth

    2. Ashley,

      I used DIY Chalk and Clay paint.

      Thanks,
      Beth

  7. Barb pryor says:

    Did you do any surface prepping besides just cleaning the wood with wipes? Any sanding or bonding?

    1. Hi Barb,

      My process is clean, lightly sand and then clean throughly again.

      Thanks,
      Beth

  8. Would this be better than General Finishes milk paint for kitchen cabinets? Which holds up better to kids? Thanks!

    1. Hi Breanne,

      Your prep will determine how your paint holds up. I recommend chalk and clay paints when my clients want a shabby chic/vintage look and GF Milk Paint when my clients want a more streamlined non-distressed look.

      Thanks,
      Beth

  9. Does the chalk paint stand up to moisture in the bathroom? Also, did you have to remove all the hinges on the cabinets before you painted?

  10. Virginia L says:

    Can you paint under the sink? Mine is stained,if so what kind of paint would I use?

    1. Hi Virginia,

      I’m not sure I understand the question. I paint the entire vanity regularly just like in this post. If your surface is stained like these cabinets I would recommend DIY Chalk and Clay Paint or General Finishes Milk Paint. Thanks for your question. I hope this helps!

      🙂 Beth

  11. Hey! Looks fantastic! I decided to redo my cabinets with a charcoal chalk paint. I currently have the same cabinets and hardware lol
    What colour hardware did you go with for the new look?? I was thinking dark on dark, but now I’m thinking I’d like to go light.

    1. Hey Melissa,

      I would say to use what you like. Maybe even hold a couple different ones next to them and stand back and see what you like? Usually people do something close to their faucet but these days people are changing things up and mixing finishes. Thank you for your kind words and for reading!

      🙂 Beth

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