TOTAL CONTRAST

Lift A Plain White Bathroom With A Monochrome Makeover To Meet A Modest Budget

Photography JAMES MOFFATT Project and styling SAMANTHA POINTON

Although neat and functional, this all-white bathroom lacked personality. However, a full reno would have been expensive and wasteful, considering the wall tiles and fixtures were in great condition. The solution? Specialty paint to create monochrome impact.

Taking the grout and vanity cabinet from white to black accentuates the graphic appeal of the vertical subway tiles, as well as the pleasing curve of the basin. Replacing the plain medicine cabinet with a chic black-framed mirror completed the look. Here’s how we did it.

Grout Result

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 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 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 touch-dry for about 20 minutes.

3 Use a spray bottle to apply a fine mist of water over the paint, leaving 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 Polish the tiles with a clean, dry cloth.

Vanity Flair

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

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

2 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 to help achieve the best finish.

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

4 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 stop it drying out.

5 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 Use a screwdriver to rehang the doors and reinstall the handles. 5 7

Keep in mind…

n Ensure the room is well ventilated when painting. n Follow paint manufacturer’s instructions for preparation of surfaces and application of paint, including paint drying/curing times.

n 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.

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