Updating a Bathroom Vanity
![Shabby Chic Bathroom With Gray Vanity Gray Shabby Chic Bathroom Vanity With Mirror Reflecting Backyard View](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/8/3/original-Layla-Palmer_bathroom-vanity-update-beauty_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.suffix/1400957351177.jpeg)
Materials Needed:
- 2" paintbrush
- high-adhesion primer (preferably one that's engineered specifically for baths)
- semi-gloss, latex paint
- non-yellowing, water-based polyurethane
- sanding block
- 80-grit sandpaper
- screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on the type of screws on the vanity)
- new door and/or drawer pulls (optional)
- new faucet (optional)
Clean It Up
Wipe down the vanity with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely.
![Clean Vanity With Damp Cloth How To Update a Bathroom Vanity: Step 1](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/22/0/original_Layla-Palmer-bathroom-vanity-update-beauty-step1_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.suffix/1400958573606.jpeg)
Remove Hardware
Using the appropriate screwdriver, remove all door and drawer pulls from the vanity. It's also a good idea to remove the doors and drawers from the vanity because they'll be easier to paint if they're lying flat.
![Remove Hardware From Vanity How To Update a Bathroom Vanity: Step 2](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/22/0/original_Layla-Palmer-bathroom-vanity-update-beauty-step2_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.suffix/1400958611394.jpeg)
Sand It
Using a sanding block wrapped in sandpaper, lightly sand the entire surface of the vanity, including the fronts of all doors and drawers. Move in the direction of the wood grain to minimize the appearance of fine scratches. Once the cabinet, doors and drawer fronts are sanded, wipe them all with a damp rag and allow each piece to dry completely.
![Sand Entire Surface of Vanity How To Update a Bathroom Vanity: Step 3](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/22/0/original_Layla-Palmer-bathroom-vanity-update-beauty-step3_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1400958573682.jpeg)
Prime It
Coat the entire vanity and all door and/or drawer fronts with a high-adhesion primer specifically engineered for bathroom cabinetry. Move in the direction of the wood grain, using long, smooth strokes. Watch for drips, and when finished, allow to dry.
![Coat Entire Vanity With Primer How To Update a Bathroom Vanity: Step 4](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/22/0/original_Layla-Palmer-bathroom-vanity-update-beauty-step4_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.suffix/1400959462209.jpeg)
Paint
Coat the entire vanity and all door and/or drawer fronts with two coats of semi-gloss latex paint.
![Paint Entire Vanity How To Update a Bathroom Vanity: Step 5](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/22/0/original_Layla-Palmer-bathroom-vanity-update-beauty-step5_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1400959461978.jpeg)
Distress the Edges
For a cottage-style look, use the sanding block to lightly distress the edges of all of the doors and/or drawer fronts.
![Distress Edges for Cottage Style Look How To Update a Bathroom Vanity: Step 6](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/22/0/original_Layla-Palmer-bathroom-vanity-update-beauty-step6_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1400959462245.jpeg)
Seal the Finish
To protect the new paint job, coat the entire vanity and all doors and/or drawer fronts with a layer of non-yellowing, water-based polyurethane.
Attach Doors, Drawers and Hardware
Re-attach the doors, drawers and hardware using the appropriate screwdriver. If the hardware on the vanity is outdated, consider replacing it with updated knobs or handles. Most home improvement stores carry a wide variety of hardware to choose from, and switching them out is a quick, inexpensive way to update the look.
![Attach Door, Drawers and Hardware Vertical Stainless Steel Door Pulls](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/22/0/original_Layla-Palmer-bathroom-vanity-update-beauty-step8_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.suffix/1400959461987.jpeg)
Replace Faucet
If the faucet could use an update, replace it with one that coordinates with the new style of the vanity.
![Replace Faucet to Update Vanity How To Update a Bathroom Vanity: Step 8](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/22/0/original_Layla-Palmer-bathroom-vanity-update-beauty-step9_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1400959461969.jpeg)