Cabinet Refinishing · Feb 2026
Cabinet base: stained vs painted dark
Cabinet base: stained vs painted dark. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Feb 2026. 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
Stained Wood Bathroom Vanity Painted Soft Black with Brass Knobs
This double bathroom vanity started as stained wood in a warm medium brown. The before photo shows raised panel doors, a row of three drawers, round polished brass knobs, and light gray floor tile. The grain was visible, but the finish read dated next to the white countertop. In the after photo, the same cabinet base is painted a soft black with a smooth, even satin look. The panel profiles and drawer edges still show crisp shadow lines, so the woodwork detail did not get lost under the color. The brass knobs went back on and now stand out against the dark paint. The hinges stay visible on the face frame, and the toe kick is painted to match so the base reads as one solid piece. A black bath mat and the warm wall color make the darker vanity feel planned for the room. The photos were taken in Feb 2026.
How We Took This Vanity from Stained to Painted
- We removed the doors, drawer fronts, and brass knobs, then labeled each piece so every door and drawer went back to the exact spot it came from.
- We masked the countertop edge, the tile floor, and the wall behind the vanity so no dust or paint landed on the surfaces staying in place.
- Every surface was cleaned with a degreaser, since bathroom cabinets collect lotion, hairspray, and soap film that keep paint from bonding to stained wood.
- We scuff sanded the stained finish to dull the sheen, vacuumed the dust, and applied a bonding primer made for slick, previously finished cabinet surfaces.
- Two finish coats of a dark cabinet enamel went on with light sanding between coats, keeping the panel grooves and drawer edges smooth and free of drips.
- After the paint had time to firm up, we rehung the doors, set the drawers, and reinstalled the original brass knobs so they pop against the black.
Paint Colors Similar to This Soft Black Vanity
These are similar colors to consider if you like this look. They are not the exact paint used on this vanity, so always test a sample first.
Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258
A true, deep black that matches the bold look of this vanity and gives polished brass knobs the strongest possible contrast on cabinet doors.
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069
A soft charcoal black that feels a little warmer and less stark, a good fit if you want the dark vanity look without pure black.
Sherwin-Williams Caviar SW 6990
A rich off black with a hint of warmth that works well on bathroom cabinets beside cream counters and warm yellow or beige walls.
Questions About Painting a Stained Vanity Black
Can you paint over a stained wood vanity without stripping it?
Yes. Most stained vanities do not need stripping. The key is a thorough cleaning, a scuff sand to dull the old finish, and a bonding primer. Those steps give the paint something to grip. Skipping them is the most common reason painted cabinets chip or peel in a bathroom.
Does black paint show more dust and fingerprints on cabinets?
Dark colors can show dust, lint, and smudges more than mid tones. A satin or semi gloss sheen helps because it wipes clean easily. Many homeowners find a quick wipe with a soft damp cloth once a week keeps a black vanity looking sharp.
Can I keep my old brass knobs after painting?
Often you can. Brass and gold hardware usually looks great against black or charcoal paint. We remove the knobs before painting and reinstall them after. If the finish on the knobs is worn, a simple cleaning or a swap to new hardware can finish the look.
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