How can I address the damage to my bathroom vanity caused by water pooling due to the sink’s shape?
Asked by Serena Van der Elst 
1 month ago
Last Updated: October 21, 2024
Do you have any ideas on how to fix the bathroom vanity? The sink shape is causing water to pool on top and run down the sides, damaging the blue material and causing the material underneath to expand. It’s not as easy as just pushing it back into place.
Fill the gap with caulk, remove the peeling laminate, apply bondo to smooth out the top of the trim, or replace it with a new piece. Paint it and give the 7 year old a bucket to play with water outside.
Unfortunately, it seems like the cabinet carcass may be made of fiberboard, which absorbs water and causes the fibers to swell or warp. I don’t think there is a solution other than eventually replacing the vanity.
Yeah, it looks like a replacement will be necessary
Appreciate it. We actually installed it just a year ago. I understand that there’s no perfect solution, but removing it isn’t an option at the moment.
Oh no! I totally get where you’re coming from.
I managed to extend the life of a fiberboard vanity by scraping off the deteriorating material, filling it with wood putty, sanding it smooth, and then painting it. Applying new paint will also help seal any cracks between panels and prevent future damage. It’s likely that the back sides of the trim pieces from the store are made of bare fiberboard with the pieces already painted, so there isn’t a continuous water barrier.
Apply caulk generously and paint over it. Cherish the memories of the 7 year old! Some things in life are more valuable than a vanity!
It seems like it’s just trim, not anything for support. If it were me, I would simply take it off and swap it with a new piece. Maybe choose something with a slight taper that won’t hold water as much. You could match the paint or go for an accent color. Turn it into a fun little project. Get some extras and have the 7 year old lend a hand.
I would consider removing all of the trim, maybe filling in any holes and painting the cabinet to cover up where it was. Our bathroom cabinet is elevated on a small box to prevent any drips from soaking in.
Hmm, that could work.
Switch out the sink counter for a different shape to avoid the issue from happening again.
Yep, I’m thinking about it.
If it were me, I’d fix the damage, use primer, and paint the cabinet with oil-based paint.
Thanks! I’ll check out removing the trim. I just realized that the same thing is beginning to occur with the trim on top, so getting a new sink is definitely something I will probably do to avoid it happening again in the future