A builder grade oak vanity gets an easy update in this simple oak bathroom vanity makeover. An easy DIY tutorial using lime wash.
We bought a house! We closed on our little 1930’s farmhouse last summer and the list of DIY projects is long.
So far we’ve completed:
- The Shaker Kitchen Cabinet Makeover
- New Flooring/Paint
- Adding a bedroom
- Wall Removal to Open Kitchen
- Shiplap Ceiling and Walls
But one of the items that has taken the back burner has been our bathroom. It was covered in wallpaper, had peeling linoleum and…
The classic oak bathroom vanity. You know, the one with the marble top and orange wood?
We wanted to do a temporary update on the bathroom before completing a full gutted remodel down the road.
We added new peel and stick vinyl flooring.
I gave the bathroom vanity a makeover using Liming Wax and painting the top white with Tub and Tile Paint.
Oak Bathroom Vanity Makeover Supplies
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- Sander
- Sandpaper – 100 grit, 150 grit
- Tub and Tile Paint
- Krud Kutter
- Liming Wax
- New Handles
- New Hardware or Touch up Paint
- New Faucet or Spray Paint
Instructions
Painting the Top and Sink
This was my first time using the Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Kit.
The tile paint is made from epoxy so it is very durable. It was a quick and painless process! I was able to prep and paint two coats in the same day.
The fumes are very strong so be sure to ventilate the room well.
Here’s how I painted the vanity top white and had got results.
(Make sure to read the instructions that come with the paint and follow all manufacturer warnings.)
First, clean the top and the sink well with Krud Kutter.
Then, hand sanded the top with 400 grit sandpaper. Clean off the any sanding dust and give it a wipe with a tack cloth just before painting.
Mix the two cans of tile paint together. Paint the top with a foam roller – using a brush to catch any drips.
Let dry for two hours and then paint an additional coat. Allow 3 days before getting the top wet.
I opted to replace the bathroom faucet with a new matte black faucet. You can also opt to paint the faucet.
Sanding the Vanity
Remove the drawers and doors of vanity. Starting with 100 grit sandpaper, use an electric sander to remove the finish.
Bye bye, orange oak!
Sand in the direction of the grain until you can see raw wood. Use a piece of sandpaper or block sander to get into grooves and edges.
Check out the doors on your cabinets. I was thrilled when I realized I could flip the doors, and the inside looks like shaker cabinets!
See the one on the left? Thats the inside of the door on the right. I flipped it and added the hardware on the other side.
Once the finish is completely removed, you can move on to the next step.
Using the Liming Wax
Wipe off any dust left from sanding. Using a clean rag, apply a small amount of liming wax onto the raw wood.
At first it was very white and I was worried it wasn’t going to turn out good. Keep going, rubbing in a small circular motion.
Then, use another towel and some good ol’ elbow grease to remove the liming wax. Keep removing until you are satisfied with the results. I love the soft bleached wood look the liming wax creates.
Finishing Up
Because wax is a sealer, I didn’t add anything addition on top of the liming wax.
I used this touch up paint to paint the outdated hinges black. This gives a big update on the appearance with just a little bit of work.
After that, I added new pulls. I chose these bar rods.
Then I added a new matte black faucet like this one. I have painted bathroom fixtures and been pretty pleased with the results as well.
Heres the vanity all finished.
I LOVE the bleached wood look, and I think this is a great little update before a complete bathroom remodel.
If you want to save this for later, you can pin it here:
Let me know what you think!
I’ll see you next project,
Leah