Domestically Speaking

making a happy hearth...

You are here: Home / diy / Builder Boring to Gorgeous Gray Cabinets

By 32 Comments

Builder Boring to Gorgeous Gray Cabinets

Sharing is caring!

Builder Boring to Gorgeous Gray Cabinets.  Does your home have boring builder grade cabinets?  I gave our master bathroom cabinets a quick and easy update with paint and hardware.  I’ve got all the step-be-step directions below for painting your bathroom cabinets.

Upgrade your Boring Builder Grade bathroom cabinets with paint & hardware - get all the details here!

Builder Boring to Gorgeous Gray Cabinets

Here’s the bathroom cabinets that I started with.

Boring Builder Grade Bathroom cabinets before paint

Don’t you just LOVE what paint and hardware can do!!!  AMAZING

Painting Bathroom Cabinet Supply List:  (affiliate links provided for your convenience)

How to Paint Your Bathroom Cabinets:

1 ~ Sand lightly.

I was using primer, so I wasn’t super concerned with the shine/stick factor, but I wanted to make sure everything was smooth.  I ran my hand over the surfaces and sanded as needed.

2 ~ Clean.

You can use TSP, especially in a kitchen or any surfaces that are sticky/greasy.  I just used a damp cloth and wiped them down well making sure to remove all the sanding dust.

 

3 ~ Remove doors and drawers.

The easiest part.  And even better if you get your kiddos to help.  Make sure you keep your screws in a baggie and number your doors so you place them back in the same spot.  I just took a piece of painter’s tape and numbered them 1-4 and stuck them to the back of each cabinet door.

4 ~ Prime.

I used Zinsser’s Bulls Eye 1 2 3 Primer.  I’ve used this primer on many pieces of furniture and I’ve been very please with the results.  You can check out a storage auction dresser I used it on.

I started my favorite Purdy brush and worked on the cabinet fronts first.  I cut in under the cabinets and along the wall side of the cabinet

Then I used a foam roller and rolled the remainder of the cabinet fronts.

Then I repeated the process on the doors and the drawers.  I started with my brush getting the curves and edges and then went over the whole surface with the foam roller.

I only used 1 coat of primer.  My cabinets were obviously white prior, so if you have a dark cabinet and you’re wanting to go lighter I’d suggest 2 coats of primer.

5 ~ Sand/Wipe

After letting your surfaces dry for a couple hours, use your fine sandpaper to remove any paint drips or rough surfaces.  Once again, I use my hands to feel for them.  Then wipe your surface down with a tact cloth or a damp, lint free cloth.

Upgrade your Boring Builder Grade bathroom cabinets with paint & hardware - get all the details here!

 

6 ~ Paint.

I used Glidden’s Pebble Gray. I love this gray.  I used it on my Family Sign too.  I added Floetrol to my paint.  Floetrol is a paint additive which helps to eliminate brush marks and makes it go on smoother.  It helps slow the dry time a bit too, which is good when you’re painting in the heat of summer!

Upgrade your Boring Builder Grade bathroom cabinets with paint & hardware - get all the details here!

 

I used the same method as with the primer.  Just start with the brush and finished with the roller.

Then I let the paint dry overnight.

7 ~ One more Sand/Wipe

Repeat step #5

8 ~ One more Coat of Paint.

Repeat the paint process in step #6

I let everything dry a couple days before assembling and adding hardware.

Upgrade your Boring Builder Grade bathroom cabinets with paint & hardware - get all the details here!

 

Check out some tips and tricks on adding hardware and share where I found the gorgeous ones I used.

Here’s some other updates this bathroom has had.

Cedar Plank Bathroom Wall

Rustic Industrial Master Bathroom Update

Upgrade your Boring Builder Grade bathroom cabinets with paint & hardware - get all the details here!

 

 

32 Comments Filed Under: bathroom, diy, HOW TO, paint Tagged With: , ,

Comments

  2. Great DIY project! I dispose my kitchen cabinets but I stink at furniture painting so I love with them. I’m going to get that additive and pick up a foam roller and practice so maybe I can do my kitchen this summer. And grey would be my choice too!

    Reply

  7. Beautiful transformation Maryann – I love all things grey right now, this color is so gorgeous! Love Zinsser primer and purdy brushes too! I’ve never tried floetrol but will look for it the next time I have a furniture painting project! Pinned!

    Reply

    • Awesome Selene ~ Make sure you link them up to my Power of Paint Party that starts at 7pm on Tues.

      Reply

  11. Very nice Maryann! You made a seemly complicated job look easy! I might want to try changing the color one day too!

    Reply

    • It really is pretty easy Julie… I think it’s getting over the worry that’s the hardest part 🙂

      Reply

    • It’s an eggshell finish Anne. I already had the paint on hand and since it’s in the master bath I think it will survive. I wouldn’t use it for the kitchen or kiddos’ bath though.

      Reply

  13. Just gorgeous! I’ve been thinking about my boring cabinet for a while, and painting it seems like the perfect solution. Just need to decide on a colour! Thanks for sharing

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

You might also like…

Copyright

For use of any images you must obtain written permission from Domestically Speaking. You can obtain more information in Privacy Policy / Disclosures. Domestically Speaking and it's owner, employees and affiliates are not liable in any way for injury or loss (whether physical, emotional, monetary or any other kind of loss) resulting from any inspiration, ideas, directions or information gained from this website. We advise you to always follow manufacturer instructions, take appropriate safety precautions and hire a professional when in doubt. We love it when you use our site for inspiration, but by using it, you agree that you do so at your own risk.

Privacy Policy

Categories

Google
google-site-verification: google65e6a17e0c4dc1ff.html