What Type of Paint to Use on Bathroom Cabinets

Primer Undercoat

• A primer undercoat should be applied to previously painted bathroom cabinets prior to finish coating with paint. Bathrooms accumulate excessive humidity and moisture, which can cause the paint on improperly prepped cabinets to bubble, blister or peel. After sanding the cabinet, apply an acrylic undercoat primer to seal the wood. Paint strongly adheres to primer on a sanded surface. Acrylic water-based primer is impervious to moisture penetration and it dries faster than oil, allowing application of paint the same day.

Semi-Gloss Paint

• The sleekness of semi-gloss paint allows cleaning of bathroom cabinets without marring or rubbing off the new paint finish. Using a superior semi-gloss paint will provide long-lasting durability. A quality brand of semi-gloss paint will also self-level on the cabinet, minimizing noticeable brush marks that form from cutting-in. Semi-gloss paint also stands up well to moisture and water marks that occur in steamy smaller bathrooms. Paint primed bathroom cabinets with an acrylic water-based semi-gloss paint. For bathrooms with extreme moisture, paint the cabinets with a gloss paint instead.

Enamel

• Enamel dries hard and forms an extremely durable finish that prevents moisture and surface damage. Bathroom cabinets in a busy family bathroom are more prone to wear and tear and a coat of enamel provides adequate long-term protection. Enamel paint is usually stain resistant, allowing wiping of dirt and soap residue without comprising the paint finish. Latex enamel paints dry fast and usually allow re-coating on the same day. Oil-based enamel dries in the most durable finish, but the surface takes hours to completely dry.

Eco-Friendly Paint

• Eco-friendly paints deliver the same quality and advantages as traditional paints, but contain less harmful chemicals and fumes. These paints are sold in low-VOC and zero-VOC products. The specialized bathroom paints are perfect for painting a bathroom vanity or cabinet. Choose a low-VOC paint specifically intended for bathrooms or moisture. Prime the cabinets first and paint the surface with two coats of semi-gloss or gloss paint. Low-VOC paints are available as both oil-based and water-based products.