Freshen up your bedroom vanity with a contemporary paint job.
Transform an old worn bedroom vanity with a fresh coat of paint. Flip through interior design and decorating magazines or use bedding fabric for color inspiration. Keep the old hardware or replace knobs and pulls for a new look. Several coats of paint are required when painting furniture. Understand that the project may take several days to complete. Always work in a dust-free environment with plenty of ventilation.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Remove all drawers and doors from the vanity set. Mask off the vanity mirror by placing painter's tape onto the mirror. Cover the remaining mirror area with plastic for additional protection. Mask off any other items that should not be painted, including fabric on a vanity's chair or stool. Cover the seat portion with plastic for added protection.
2. Unscrew all hardware, including knobs and pulls. Place hardware into a plastic bag if reusing.
3. Designate a paint area. Place canvas drop cloths on the floor. Cover the area with additional plastic sheeting as needed.
4. Sand the entire vanity to degloss the surface; use a fine- to medium-grit sandpaper and sand the surface in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
Painting
5. Open windows for ample air circulation. Wear latex gloves for additional protection.
6. Pour a small amount of paint into a paint tray. Use a foam roller and apply the paint to the vanity using a light, even roll. Cover the surface of the furniture and accessories, including stool and mirror. Use a two-inch brush for areas the roller cannot reach. Do not apply paint thickly; instead apply several coats of paint. Allow paint to dry 24 hours.
7. Decide if additional decorative paint treatments should be included. Antique and distress the vanity by lightly sanding the edges. Rub the corners using the sandpaper to remove a top portion of paint. Remember the underlying paint or wood stain will show through. Glaze the vanity by mixing umber paint with glaze; mix one part paint to four parts glaze. Wipe onto the vanity with a clean rag, allowing the glaze mixture to sink into the furniture's nooks and crannies. Lightly blot and manipulate the glaze to adjust the coloration. Allow to dry.
8. Apply a thin layer of water-based polyurethane. Lightly brush on the polyurethane in thin coats. Brushing the sealer on too thick will cause it to run and turn cloudy. Understand the sealer sheen, from flat to glossy, will determine the final sheen of the vanity.
9. Remove all masking tape. Add hardware back to furniture. Do not clean furniture within 30 days of painting to allow paint to cure.
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