How to Repaint Your Under Sink Cabinet

Lead Image for How to Repaint Your Under Sink Cabinet
  • 2-3 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 50-100
What You'll Need
Primer
Paint
Paint brush
Paint roller
Paint stripper
Sandpaper
Putty knife
Paint scraper
Painters tape
Old newspapers
What You'll Need
Primer
Paint
Paint brush
Paint roller
Paint stripper
Sandpaper
Putty knife
Paint scraper
Painters tape
Old newspapers

An under sink cabinet is usually exposed to high humidity, especially when it in the bathroom. With time, the paint on the cabinet will crack and peel, leaving unsightly furniture. The best way to fix the issue is to apply paint with strong water sealing qualities instead of buying a new under sink cabinet. Here is how it is done.

Prepping the Under Sink Cabinet

Remove all hardware from the cabinet before starting the job. Unhinge the doors to allow easier repainting. Using a putty knife or a scraper, remove the peeling or cracked paint to make the paint stripping easier. Once most of the cracked paint has been removed, apply paint stripper according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you decide not to use a paint stripper, simply sand the old paint.

Before applying the primer and paint, tape the corners of the walls and other hardware that should not be painted. Place old newspapers on the floor to protect it from paint splatters. Removing paint from surfaces is a tedious process, so make sure to properly prepare the area.

Priming the Cabinet

Allow the cabinet to dry and be free from the paint stripper before priming. Sand the surface with rough grit sandpaper to provide a rough surface where the primer can easily bond. When choosing a primer, consider the material that was used to build the cabinet.

For a uniform prime, use a mini roller. Although a paintbrush can also be used, a paint roller can make the priming process a lot faster and more uniform. Prime the surfaces evenly and allow the product to dry. The drying process will depend on the type of primer used.

Applying the First Coat

Choose a good paint for the job. Any paint will do as long as it is designed for cabinets that are exposed to high degrees of moisture. Sand the surfaces of the primed cabinet with a fine-grit sandpaper. The purpose here is to lightly sand the surfaces to produce a rough surface. Apply the first coat evenly and allow it to dry.

Applying the Finishing Coat

The finishing coat is very important because it shields the cabinet from moisture and other contaminants. Apply it thickly, but uniformly. Allow the coat to dry before reinstalling the hinged parts of the cabinet.