How to Refinish an Oak Bathroom Cabinet

Apply a smooth coat of paint with a paint roller.

Although oak bathroom cabinets may be sturdy, they also might be standing in the way of your desire to update your bathroom's appearance. You can refinish oak bathroom cabinets with paint to update your bathroom. Sand, prime and paint the current finish to transform your cabinets from an outdated oak color to a sleek, contemporary color scheme.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Masking tape
• Detail sander, medium and fine-grit pads
• Primer
• Paintbrush
• Paint

Instructions

1. Remove the cabinet hardware, such as knobs and drawer pulls, with a screwdriver.

2. Tape all of the edges of the sink, faucet and other parts of the cabinet that require protection from paint with masking tape.

3. Sand all of the wooden parts of the cabinet with a detail sander. Use a progression of medium to fine-grit sanding pads to complete the preparation of the cabinet for a new finish.

4. Apply a primer coat to the cabinet. Allow the primer to dry for at least four hours. Paint the cabinet with a top coat of paint. Allow the top coat to dry for at least four hours and apply a second coat.

5. Remove the tape from the protected areas of the cabinet. Reinstall the removed knobs and drawer pulls with a screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• Select a satin or semi-gloss paint in a contemporary color to provide a durable and stylish update to your bathroom cabinet.

• Wear eye protection when sanding.

References

• Cottage Magpie: How to Paint and Trim Oak Cabinets
• This Old House: Pro Secrets for Painting Kitchen Cabinets
• Diamond Vogel: Allowance of Drying Time: Interior Latex Paint