White bathroom cabinets are a classic look that can be easily updated to grey. Painting your cabinets is a quick and easy way to give your bathroom a fresh new look. Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect grey finish on your white cabinets.
- Begin by sanding your cabinets with a medium-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface and help the paint stick better
- Next, wipe down your cabinets with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris from sanding
- Once your cabinets are clean and dry, apply a coat of primer and let it dry completely
- Once the primer is dry, start painting your cabinets with a white paint designed for use on laminate surfaces
- Use long strokes in the same direction to avoid creating streaks
- To create the grey effect, mix some black paint into the white paint until you achieve the desired shade of grey
- Apply this mixed colour in the same way as you did with the white paint, using long strokes in one direction only
- Let your newly painted grey cabinets dry completely before adding new hardware or putting them back into use
Contents
- Best White Paint for Bathroom Cabinets
- How to Paint Bathroom Cabinets That are Not Wood?
- What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Bathroom Cabinets?
- Painting Bathroom Cabinets Without Sanding
- How Do You Paint Bathroom Cabinets That are Already Painted?
- Can I Paint Over Bathroom Cabinets Without Sanding?
- What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Bathroom Cabinets?
- Do You Need Primer to Paint Bathroom Cabinets?
- Conclusion
Best White Paint for Bathroom Cabinets
There are a lot of different white paints out there, and it can be tough to decide which one is best for painting bathroom cabinets. However, we have a few recommendations that might make the decision easier for you. First of all, if you want a true white color, we recommend using Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White (CC-20).
This paint has a nice clean white color that will give your cabinets a fresh look. If you want a slightly off-white color, we recommend using Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster (SW 7008). This shade of white has just a touch of creaminess to it, which can help to warm up the space.
Finally, if you want something in between these two extremes, we recommend using Behr’s Ultra-Pure White (UL200-16). This is a nice middle-of-the-road option that will give you some flexibility in terms of how white your cabinets turn out.
How to Paint Bathroom Cabinets That are Not Wood?
If your bathroom cabinets are not made of wood, you can still paint them to give them a fresh new look. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Clean the cabinets thoroughly with soap and water, or a degreaser if they are very dirty. Be sure to remove all hardware before cleaning.
- Sand the cabinets lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to roughen up the surface so that the paint will adhere better. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.
- Apply a primer designed for use on non-wood surfaces. This will help the paint stick to the cabinets and prevent peeling later on.
- Paint the cabinets with a high-quality latex paint in the color of your choice.
Use a brush or roller designed for use with latex paints for best results. If you want a smooth finish, you can use a foam roller instead of a traditional one.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Bathroom Cabinets?
One of the most important things to think about when painting bathroom cabinets is the type of paint you use. Water-based latex paints are a good option for bathroom cabinets because they’re easy to work with and clean up. They also have good durability and resist mildew.
Painting Bathroom Cabinets Without Sanding
One of the most common questions we get here at The Paint Studio is whether or not you need to sand your cabinets before painting them. The short answer is NO, you don’t! We have had great success using a product called Cabinet Rescue by Renovator’s Supply.
It’s a bonding primer that adheres to surfaces without sanding and it has held up beautifully for our customers. If your cabinets are in decent shape, meaning the paint isn’t chipping or peeling and the surfaces are smooth, then you can probably just give them a good cleaning with TSP (trisodium phosphate) and start painting. If your cabinets are in rougher shape, then Cabinet Rescue would be a better option since it will help to smooth out any imperfections in the surface.
Cabinet Rescue comes in white and can be tinted to any color so it makes a great primer coat for painting. We recommend using a high quality latex paint for the topcoat since it will hold up better over time than oil-based paints.
How Do You Paint Bathroom Cabinets That are Already Painted?
Assuming you would like tips on how to paint over existing paint on bathroom cabinets:

- If the current paint is in good condition, sand lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper to help the new paint adhere. If the paint is chipping or peeling, remove all loose paint before beginning this project.
- Clean the cabinets thoroughly with trisodium phosphate (TSP) and a scrub brush, then rinse with clean water and allow to dry completely.
- Apply painters’ tape along the edges of countertops, backsplashes and any other areas you don’t want painted. Cover floors with drop cloths as well.
- Use a primer specifically designed for use on laminate surfaces if your cabinets are laminate; otherwise, an all-purpose primer will suffice. Apply primer with a brush or roller, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to painting.
- Paint your cabinets using a high-quality latex paintbrush or roller specifically designed for use on kitchen and bathroom surfaces—this will resist mildew and stand up to repeated cleaning better than other types of paint. Begin painting at the top of your cabinets and work your way down; this will help prevent drips and streaks from forming as you work.
Can I Paint Over Bathroom Cabinets Without Sanding?
If you want to paint over your bathroom cabinets without sanding, you can do so by using a primer and painting in thin, even layers. You’ll need to start with a clean surface, so make sure to wipe down your cabinets with a damp cloth before beginning. Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting your cabinets with a brush or roller.
Be sure to work in small sections and use even strokes for best results.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Bathroom Cabinets?
Picking the right paint for your bathroom cabinets can seem like a daunting task. There are so many different types and finishes of paint, how can you possibly choose? But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
First, you need to decide what type of finish you want for your cabinets. Do you want a glossy finish that will be easy to clean? Or a matte finish that will give your bathroom a more relaxed feel?
Once you’ve decided on the finish, then you can start choosing your paint. If you want a glossy finish, then an oil-based paint is probably your best bet. It will give your cabinets a nice sheen and it’s easy to wipe down if they get dirty.
However, oil-based paints can be tricky to work with, so if you’re not confident in your painting skills, then another option might be better for you. If you want a matte finish, then latex paint is probably your best bet. It’s easier to work with than oil-based paint and it won’t give off any fumes while you’re working with it.
Plus, it’s easier to touch up if needed.
Do You Need Primer to Paint Bathroom Cabinets?
When painting cabinets, a layer of primer is always recommended. This helps to create an even surface for the paint to adhere to and also helps to prevent any bleed-through of the wood grain. If you’re using a light colored paint, then a white primer will help ensure that your final color is true to what you see in the can.
For darker colors, a gray or black primer can be used.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to give your bathroom cabinets a makeover, painting them grey is a great option. It’s a trendy color that can give your space a fresh, modern look. Plus, it’s easy to do yourself if you’re feeling handy.
Here’s how to paint white bathroom cabinets to grey:
1. Start by cleaning the cabinets thoroughly with soap and water. Then, use sandpaper to rough up the surface so the paint will adhere better.
2. Next, apply a primer specifically designed for painting laminate surfaces. This will help the paint stick and avoid peeling down the road. Once the primer is dry, start painting!
3. Use a brush or roller designed for painting cabinets for best results. Apply two or three coats of paint until you achieve the desired coverage and color saturation.
Finally, add new hardware to complete the transformation.