Cabinet Refinishing
Bathroom vanity painted gray
Bathroom vanity painted gray. These are before and after photos from the job. This cabinet refinishing project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Two Stained Bathroom Vanities Painted a Soft Gray with Brushed Nickel Knobs
This primary bathroom has two vanities facing each other across a corner soaking tub with a marble look surround. The before photo shows both cabinets in a reddish brown stain, with the doors and drawer fronts removed and the open boxes showing the plumbing. Tape lines the base and tub edge, paper covers the tub deck, and drop cloths fill the floor. A dust extractor with a hose sits in the middle of the room, and patching compound, tape, and tools are on the floor. In the after photo, both vanities are a soft medium gray with raised panel doors and brushed nickel knobs. The white tops and sinks stay in place, and the gray looks calm beside the white and gray veining of the tub surround. Wood look plank flooring in a dark gray brown and light gray walls tie the room together. Glass globe light bars hang above each mirror.
How We Painted These Bathroom Vanities Gray
- We removed the doors, drawer fronts, and knobs from both vanities, then taped the countertop edges and covered the tub deck and floor.
- A dust extractor was hooked to our sander so we could scuff the stained finish while keeping the dust out of the bathroom and the rest of the home.
- We cleaned the boxes and doors with a degreaser to remove soap and lotion film, then filled dings and old hardware holes and sanded them smooth.
- Every surface got a bonding primer so the gray would grip the stained wood and the reddish tone would not show through the finish coats.
- Two coats of soft gray cabinet enamel went on the boxes, doors, and drawer fronts, with a light sanding between coats for a smooth feel.
- We reinstalled the doors and drawers, mounted brushed nickel knobs, pulled the tape and paper, and cleaned the tub, tops, and floor.
Paint Colors Similar to These Gray Bathroom Vanities
These are similar colors to consider for gray bathroom cabinets. They are not the exact color used on these vanities, so try a sample first.
Sherwin-Williams Dovetail SW 7018
A soft, warm mid gray close to these vanities, deep enough to hide wear while staying light beside white tops.
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168
A slightly deeper gray with warmth that suits bathroom cabinets next to marble look surfaces and brushed nickel hardware.
Sherwin-Williams Dorian Gray SW 7017
A lighter gray option for vanities if you want the look shown here with a bit less contrast against light gray walls.
Questions About Painting Bathroom Vanities
Does bathroom humidity affect painted vanities?
Moisture can affect paint if the prep is poor. Cleaning off soap and lotion residue, sanding, and using a bonding primer and durable cabinet enamel help the finish resist humidity. Running the bath fan during and after showers also helps painted cabinets last longer.
Can I keep my countertop and sink when painting a vanity?
Yes. Most vanity painting jobs leave the countertop, sink, and faucet in place. Painters tape the edges of the top and protect the floor and nearby surfaces. This makes painting a quick way to update a bathroom without plumbing work.
How is dust controlled when sanding cabinets inside a home?
Many painters connect their sanders to a dust extractor or HEPA vacuum that pulls dust away as they work. Drop cloths and plastic protect floors and nearby rooms. This keeps the home cleaner and helps the paint go on a dust free surface for a smoother finish.
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