How to Refinish Wood Vanities

Wood vanities add warmth and charm to any bathroom, but over time, humidity, wear, and age can take a toll. Fortunately, you don’t need to replace them — restaining or repainting a bathroom vanity is a simple DIY project that can refresh its look, extend its life, and save money. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to restain a bathroom vanity.

Preparation

Gather all the items needed for refinishing: cleaning products, sponge/cloths, screwdriver, painter’s tape, sandpaper, hand sander, shop vacuum, stain or primer and paint, paintbrush, and polyurethane finish. Clean the vanity thoroughly to remove hairspray, soap scum, and other residues. Remove drawers, handles, and knobs, storing them in a bag for later.

Strip the Paint

Work in a well-ventilated area and place doors and drawers on drop cloths. Apply a chemical stripper with a paintbrush, wait as directed, and scrape off the old finish. Wipe with a clean cloth and sand with 180-grit sandpaper, always following the wood grain. Apply painter’s tape around the vanity to protect surrounding surfaces.

Prime, Paint, or Stain

Vacuum excess dust, then apply primer if your paint doesn’t include it. Allow it to dry fully. Next, apply the chosen stain or paint, and finish with a polyurethane coat designed for bathrooms. Let everything dry completely before reattaching drawers, doors, and hardware.

Bathroom Vanity Widths and Types

Vanities come in a variety of styles and sizes, including single, double, wall-mounted, and free-standing. Sizes range from 24” to 72”, accommodating small spaces or multiple sinks for larger bathrooms. Refinishing works for nearly any vanity, making it easy to restore or upgrade your bathroom without replacing the cabinets entirely. Modern Bathroom offers a full selection of vanities to suit your needs.

Shop our complete collection of vanities today to find the perfect design and size for your bathroom.