How to refresh a bathroom on a budget

Makeover magic

Although neat and serviceable, all-white bathrooms or powder rooms can lack personality. However, a full washroom transformation or renovation is expensive and unnecessary when existing tiles and fixtures are in good condition. The solution? Use specialty paint to create monochrome magic.

Transforming the grout and vanity cabinet from white to black accentuates the graphic appeal of the vertical subway tiles, as well as the curve of the wash basin. Here’s how we did it.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always store products out of the reach of children and pets and always work in a well-ventilated area when working with paint.

Use grout to transform bathroom tiles

Dark grout paint works best for gloss ceramic or porcelain tiles, as it may stain porous natural stone tiles. If you’re not sure, test on a spare tile if you have one, or on an inconspicuous area.

1. Apply grout cleaner

Wearing disposable gloves, use a scourer to scrub tile and grout cleaner over the old grout. Wash down thoroughly with a sponge and leave to dry.

2. Apply paint on grout lines

Working in sections, apply paint along the grout lines using the grout paint applicator, ensuring excess doesn’t pool by blotting with a microfibre cloth. Leave to dry for about 20 minutes.

3. Mist with water and leave to cure

Use a spray bottle to apply a fine mist of water over the paint and leave it for about five minutes. Sponge excess paint off the tiles, rinsing regularly in a bucket of clean water. Leave to cure for two hours.

4. Wipe tiles to polish

Polish the tiles with a clean, dry cloth.

Update bathroom vanity doors

Tackle the vanity unit next. We used Dulux ‘Renovation Range’ cabinet doors paint in ‘Domino’ for our dramatic vanity upcycle.

1. Take off old vanity doors

Using a screwdriver or drill with a driver bit, take the vanity cabinet doors off their hinges and remove the handles. Set handles and screws aside.

2. Clean doors before you start painting

Mask around the sink, walls and hinges with painter’s tape and position a drop sheet on the floor. Clean the cabinet and doors with sugar soap wipes, finishing with a dry microfibre cloth.

Tip: Remove all grease and dust from the vanity to help achieve the best finish.

3. Apply paint primer to cupboard doors

Apply primer over the door fronts and outside of the cabinet using an angled paintbrush for cutting in and a mini microfibre roller and tray for flat areas, leaving to dry.

4. Now apply your chosen paint colour

Using a clean brush, roller and tray, apply two coats of paint, leaving to dry after each.

Tip: Seal paint equipment in plastic wrap between coats to prevent it from drying out.

5. Finish the painting makeover with clear coat

Prepare the clear coat by following the packaging instructions, then apply with a clean mini roller, leaving to dry overnight. Repeat for a second coat, leaving to dry thoroughly.

Tip: We opted for two coats of clear coat as extra protection from moisture in this wet area.

6. Reinstall doors

Use a screwdriver to rehang the doors and reinstall the handles.

Keep in mind…

• Ensure the room is well-ventilated when painting.
• Before installing bathroom accessories on the wall, use a stud finder to check for wiring and pipes. Turn off the power before drilling and use fixings suitable for your wall type. Call a professional if unsure.

To add a touch of luxury to your bathroom

Check out our range of stylish bathroom decor.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered

Photo Credit: Natasha Dickins