It might be the smallest room in the house, but the toilet doesn’t have to be an afterthought. This classic Aussie outhouse was screaming for a makeover, and this transformation reminds us why we love paint so much. It’s quick, easy and packs a punch, especially in small spaces.
Here’s how we did it:
Step 1:
Prep! It always starts with prep. We began by filling any holes in the walls with Selleys Spakfilla Rapid. A newly installed VJ panel half wall also meant that the small, shallow nail holes need to be filled with the Spakfilla.
Additionally, shelving had been removed from above the toilet leaving behind dried glue and holes in the wall. We sanded this back as much as possible and filled remaining divots with Selleys Spakfilla, leaving it to dry fully.
Finally, we caulked the gaps around the top of the VJ panel half wall with Maverick Gap Sealant and smoothed it out before allowing it to dry.
Step 2:
Once the Selleys Spakfilla Rapid and Maverick Gap Sealant had fully dried, it was time to sand. With an orbital sander using 120 grit sandpaper, we worked our way around the small room, focusing on the Spakfilla areas. Once the surface was level and smooth, we used a microfibre cloth to remove the sanding dust.
Step 3:
Next, we applied masking tape around the light fixtures on the ceiling and the window frame (keeping the tape fanned out to further protect these areas from accidental roller marks). Then, using masking film, we covered the toilet to prevent paint drips.
Step 4:
Now it was time to prime. 1x coat of Dulux 1Step Prep Water-Based Primer was applied to the ceiling, walls and VJ panels. For the ceiling and the walls, we first cut in with a brush around the trims and corners before rolling.
On the VJ panels, we made sure to cut in to each groove with a small brush before rolling. Although this may add some more time to your project, it is the key to achieving an amazing finish.
Expert Tip - The VJ panels were said to be “pre-primed”. However, this doesn’t mean you can skip priming them. Pre-primed means primed for selling and transport, not paint. Priming them will enable your topcoat paint to adhere correctly and give you longevity.
Step 5:
After allowing the primer to dry completely, we began painting our first coat of Dulux Ceiling White +PLUS Kitchen & Bathroom in our chosen cool white, Dulux Lexicon Half. Being a small room, this outhouse was cramped for space. As such, we wanted to make the room feel bigger through the choice of paint colour. Choosing a cool white (like Dulux Lexicon Half) for the ceiling achieved this effect. It instantly brightened this dull space.
Cool whites are a great choice if you are looking to soften the space and make it feel bigger. If you’re not sure what white you need for your next project, check out our guide to choosing the perfect white here.
We started by cutting in with a brush before rolling. Once the first coat was dry, we applied the second coat.
Step 6:
Moving on from the ceiling, we applied 2x coats of Dulux Wash & Wear +PLUS Kitchen & Bathroom Low Sheen to the VJ panel half wall in Lexicon Half to match the ceiling and again, make this small space feel larger.
As we did with the primer, we first cut in to each groove of the VJ panels before rolling. After allowing this first coat to dry completely, the second coat was applied with the same method.
Step 7:
To break up the stark whiteness of Lexicon Half on the ceiling and VJ panel half wall, we decided to embrace colour for the top half of the wall. Because our chosen cool white carries a cool undertone, we decided to lean into this and choose the gorgeous Illusion Blue from Dulux.
We applied 2x coats of Dulux Wash & Wear +PLUS Kitchen & Bathroom Low Sheen in our chosen colour, cutting in before rolling. We allowed our first coat to dry completely before moving on to the second.
Step 8:
The final part of this project was painting the tiles. With the fresh paint on the ceiling and walls, the grey tiles no longer fit this aesthetic of this outhouse. Instead of going through the process of replacing these, which would be more expensive, we decided to paint them with the Dulux Renovation Range.
To begin, we primed the tiles using the Dulux Renovation Range Primer. This product requires you to thoroughly mix in an additive to the primer before applying. Once we did this, we applied 1x coat of the primer. First cutting in around the edges of the tiles before rolling with a mini roller.
We then waited the recommended 4 hours for the primer to dry before moving on to the paint.
Step 9:
Finally, we painted the tiles with the Dulux Renovation Range Floors Satin in White Polar Quarter. As with the primer, we mixed in the additive thoroughly before applying our first coat, cutting in before rolling.
Once the first coat was applied, we left the paint to dry overnight. This was because the Dulux Renovation Range Floors requires a minimum of 8 hours drying time between coats. We returned the next day and applied the second and final coat of paint.
Elevate even your smallest spaces with paint and embrace colour in every room… even if it’s the toilet. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
If you want more project inspo, be sure to check out our bedroom transformation with Porter’s Eggshell Paint or learn how to spray paint a metal fence and take your exterior to the next level.
Head to your local Inspirations Paint store to get expert painting advice for your next project.