Transform Cabinets With A Weathered Beach Look (2024)

Painting your bathroom cabinets can completely transform the look and feel of your space. If you're going for a weathered beach look, there are a few key steps to follow. First, you'll want to choose the right paint colours—think light and airy, with maybe a pop of colour. Then, you'll need to prepare your cabinets for painting by removing hardware, cleaning, and sanding. When it comes to painting, use a combination of brushes and rollers to get a smooth, even finish. Finally, you can add some distressing details to give your cabinets that beach-worn look. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a beautiful and relaxing coastal vibe in your bathroom.

How to Paint Weathered Beach Look Bathroom Cabinets

Prep work: clean surfaces, fill holes, scratches and sand

To achieve a weathered beach look for your bathroom cabinets, you'll need to start by preparing the cabinets through cleaning, filling holes and scratches, and sanding. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Cleaning:

Before you begin any repairs or painting, it's essential to clean the cabinet surfaces thoroughly. Use a degreasing cleaner, such as trisodium phosphate, following the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure to rinse the surfaces with water and a sponge or cloth afterward to remove any residue. This step ensures that your paint will adhere better and creates a smooth base for your desired finish.

Filling Holes and Scratches:

If your cabinets have any holes or scratches, you'll need to fill them to create a smooth and even surface for painting. Here are the steps to follow:

• Remove Cabinet Doors: Take off the cabinet doors and drawers if they are detachable. Unscrew and remove any existing hardware, such as knobs or hinges. Keep the hardware and screws together in a safe place if you plan to reuse them.
• Sand the Holes and Scratches: Use sandpaper (120 to 150-grit) and a sandblock to smooth out the holes and scratches. Ensure that the surrounding surface is flush with the wood. Remove any dust or debris with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Apply Wood Filler: Use a putty knife to apply a wood filler or putty over the holes and scratches. Slightly overfill them, as you will sand them down later. Allow the filler to dry completely, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Sand Again: Once the filler is dry, use 220-grit sandpaper to sand in circles over the filled areas until they are flush with the cabinet surface. Check for any dips, and apply a second layer of filler if needed. Wipe off any dust or debris after sanding.

Sanding:

• Light Sanding: Use a fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) to lightly sand the cabinet surfaces, doors, and door fronts. This step helps create a dull appearance, improving the adhesion of the primer or paint.
• Wipe Down: After sanding, use a damp cloth to wipe down the surfaces, removing any remaining dust. You can also use a vacuum to ensure that the cabinet and surrounding areas are free of dust.

By following these steps, your bathroom cabinets will be ready for the next stages of painting to achieve that desired weathered beach look. Remember to take your time and work in a well-ventilated area during the preparation process.

Choose the right paint and primer

Painting your bathroom cabinets can be a fun and easy DIY project to give your bathroom a new look. When choosing the right paint and primer for a weathered beach look, there are a few things to consider.

First, you'll want to decide between using acrylic or alkyd paint. Acrylic paints are water-based, low-fume, and easy to clean up with water. On the other hand, alkyd paints are oil-based, require good ventilation due to their solvents, and need mineral spirits for cleanup. However, alkyds provide a harder, more durable finish, making them more suitable for the moist environment of a bathroom.

When it comes to primer, shellac or oil-based primers are typically recommended for bathroom cabinets. Shellac is a good option if you want to minimise brush marks and have the flexibility to use either oil-based or water-based paint over it. If you're looking for maximum adhesion to various bathroom surfaces, consider using an acrylic waterborne bonding primer, which can be top-coated with almost any type of paint.

For a beachy, weathered look, you might want to choose a colour that evokes a coastal vibe, such as shades of blue, beige, or grey. You can also distress the cabinets with different grades of sandpaper to give them a rustic, sun-and-salt-sprayed appearance.

Remember, the key to achieving a smooth and durable finish is in the preparation. Make sure to clean, sand, and fill any holes or scratches on your cabinet surfaces before applying primer and paint.

Painting technique: brush, roller or spray?

When it comes to painting bathroom cabinets to achieve a weathered beach look, there are three common painting techniques to consider: spraying, rolling, or brushing. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best method for your project will depend on various factors.

Spraying involves using a spray gun to apply paint to a surface. This technique is favoured for large, flat surfaces and can cover more area in less time compared to other methods. However, spraying requires more preparation work, such as masking nearby objects, and can result in overspray and dotting. Spraying is often used in conjunction with brushing or rolling to achieve the best results.

Rolling uses a paint roller and is the most common technique for interior walls. It provides a smooth finish but is slower and requires more effort than spraying. Rolling is ideal for areas where precision and control are needed but may not be suitable for small spaces or detailed work.

Brushing, the most accurate and slowest technique, is typically used for trim, edges, or detailed areas. It requires skill and precision to apply paint evenly and avoid drips or brush marks. Brushing can produce a textured finish and is well-suited for working around obstructions like windows and doors.

For a weathered beach look, you might consider using a combination of these techniques. Start by using a roller for smooth and even coverage on the cabinet's surface, ensuring precision and control. Then, use a brush for any detailed areas, such as crevices or decorative trim, to add depth and a textured finish.

Additionally, to achieve a distressed and weathered look, you can use different grades of sandpaper to distress the cabinets after painting. This technique helps create a rustic appearance, allowing the natural wood to show through in some areas.

Finishing touches: sanding between coats and after final coat

Finishing Touches: Sanding Between Coats and After the Final Coat

Sanding between coats of paint is a crucial step in achieving a smooth and professional finish for your bathroom cabinets. Here are the detailed instructions for this important process:

• Light Sanding Between Coats: After applying the first coat of paint, let it dry thoroughly. Then, use a fine-grit sandpaper, such as 220-grit, to lightly sand the painted surface. This process will help remove any bumps or imperfections and create a smoother finish for the next coat. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you only need to scuff the surface gently.
• Removing Imperfections: Pay close attention to areas with drips, sags, dust nibs, or paint bubbles. These imperfections can be effectively removed by sanding them smooth. Use a light touch and work in the direction of the wood grain to avoid leaving noticeable sanding marks.
• Sanding Primer: If you are using a primer, such as shellac or oil-based primer, it is essential to sand it before applying the first coat of paint. This step will ensure that the paint adheres properly and create a smoother base for your finish.
• Choosing the Right Sandpaper: Select a fine-grit sandpaper that is suitable for the level of defects on the previous coat. If the previous coat has many major defects, using too fine of sandpaper will make the process tedious. On the other hand, if the sandpaper is too coarse, it may leave sanding marks that require additional sanding and touch-ups.
• Power Sanding vs. Hand Sanding: For small projects like bathroom cabinets, hand sanding is generally recommended. Power sanders, such as a finishing sander, can be useful for larger projects, but they may be too aggressive for this application and remove too much paint. If you do use a power sander, opt for a mild option, such as a quarter-sheet finishing sander.
• Clean the Surface: After sanding, it is crucial to remove all the dust and debris from the surface. Use a vacuum with a bristle brush attachment to ensure a perfectly clean and smooth surface. You can also use a tack rag, which is a sticky cloth used to prepare surfaces before finishing.
• Repeat as Needed: Continue this process of painting and light sanding between each coat, except for the final coat. Each round of sanding will improve the smoothness of the finish and help the next coat of paint adhere better.
• Final Coat and Sanding: After applying the final coat of paint, let it dry completely. You do not need to sand the final coat unless you plan to buff the surface. However, if there are any minor imperfections or raised grain, you can gently sand these areas by hand to create an even and flawless finish.

Remember, the key to successful sanding is to work gently and avoid over-sanding. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain, and use the appropriate grade of sandpaper for the level of defects. By following these steps, you will achieve a beautiful, weathered beach look for your bathroom cabinets.

Reassembly: reattaching hardware and doors

Once your bathroom cabinets are painted and dried, it's time to reassemble the hardware and doors. If you're adding new hardware that requires drilling new holes, do so now with a power drill.

Next, attach all the hardware. If you labelled the pieces when you removed them, use the labels to guide you in reattaching them in the correct places. If you're using new hardware, refer to your notes or photos to guide you.

Finally, reattach the doors and drawers. Again, use any labels or markings to guide you. Ensure that all doors and drawers open and close properly.

Your bathroom cabinets are now ready to use, but remember to treat them with care for the first few weeks while the paint fully cures.

Frequently asked questions