Cabinet Refinishing · Dec 2024
Bathroom vanity painted black
Bathroom vanity painted black. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Dec 2024. 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.
Before and After Photos
Oak Double Bathroom Vanity Painted Black With Brass Faucets
This long double vanity in a primary bathroom started as medium oak with raised panel doors and a center bank of drawers. The before photo was taken mid-job. All the doors and drawer fronts were off, and the bare drawer boxes were showing. Part of the cabinet frame had already turned a dark brown from the first coat, while the left side still showed the oak grain. Blue tape lined the white countertop edges, the walls and the baseboards, and brown paper covered the tile floor. A sprayer hose ran across the floor. In the after photo the whole vanity is a deep black with a soft, low sheen. The doors and drawer fronts are back on with no visible hardware, which keeps the look clean. The black cabinets now stand out against the white counters, brushed gold faucets, warm tan walls and beige tile floor.
How We Painted This Bathroom Vanity Black
- We removed every door and drawer front and labeled them, so each piece went back in its own opening with the hinges lined up.
- The countertop edges, walls and baseboards were taped, and paper went down over the tile so spray and sanding dust stayed off the floor.
- We cleaned the oak to strip off soap film and lotion residue, which is common in bathrooms and keeps primer from bonding.
- Every surface was scuff sanded and wiped down, then coated with a bonding primer suited to slick, finished wood and humid rooms.
- We sprayed the cabinet frame in place and finished the doors and drawer fronts separately, laying them flat so the black would level out smooth.
- Two coats of black went on, with light sanding between coats. Dark colors show every flaw, so we checked the panels closely under bright light.
- Once the finish cured enough to handle, we rehung the doors, reset the drawer fronts, pulled the tape and paper and wiped down the counters.
Paint Colors Similar to This Black Bathroom Vanity
These are similar colors to consider for a black vanity like this one, but they are not the exact color used in this bathroom.
Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258
A true, neutral black that comes close to this vanity and looks sharp against white countertops and gold or brass faucets.
Sherwin-Williams Caviar SW 6990
A soft black with a hint of warmth, a good pick if you want the vanity to sit easier next to tan walls and beige tile.
Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron 2124-10
A very dark charcoal that reads almost black, and it hides dust and water spots on a busy vanity a bit better than pure black.
Questions About Painting a Bathroom Vanity Black
Does paint hold up on a bathroom vanity?
It can, when the prep is right. Bathrooms have steam, soap and lotions that keep paint from sticking to a dirty surface. A thorough cleaning, scuff sanding, a bonding primer and a hard cabinet enamel give the best result. Running the exhaust fan during showers also helps the finish last.
Will black cabinets show dust and fingerprints?
Black shows dust, lint and water spots more than mid-tone colors. A satin or low sheen helps hide fingerprints better than gloss. A soft, damp cloth is usually all you need to clean them. If you want less upkeep, a very dark charcoal gives a similar look.
How long before I can use the vanity after painting?
Most cabinet paints feel dry within hours, but they keep hardening for a while. As general guidance, use it gently for the first few days to a few weeks. Avoid setting wet items on painted edges and do not scrub the doors until the finish has fully cured.
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