How To Paint Pvc Cabinets: A Step-By-Step Guide

Painting over PVC cabinets is possible, but it can be challenging. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of high-quality plastic that is durable and cost-effective but difficult to paint. The process requires careful preparation, including cleaning, sanding, priming, and, most importantly, the use of specialised paints designed for use on plastic surfaces.

The best paint to use on PVC cabinets

Painting over PVC cabinets is a great way to save money and give your kitchen a new lease of life. However, it can be tricky to get the paint to stick to the plastic surface without chipping or peeling. Here is a guide to the best paint to use on PVC cabinets.

Preparation

Before painting, it is important to take the cabinets apart, clean them thoroughly, and sand the surfaces to make them more textured. This will help the paint adhere better. It is also a good idea to take pictures of how the cabinets and drawers looked before you started removing screws, so you know how to put them back together.

Primer

Priming is a crucial step in the painting process. Oil-based primers are the safest bet for PVC, such as the Kilz Odourless Oil Primer. If you prefer a latex primer, a good option is Benjamin Moore's Stix, which will also prime kitchen cabinets effectively. Allow the primer to dry for at least half a day before painting.

Paint

When it comes to choosing the best paint for PVC cabinets, durable acrylic latex paint is recommended. This type of paint will provide a long-lasting and smooth finish. It is important to note that you might need two coats of paint, depending on the original and new colours of the cabinets.

Clear Coat

If your kitchen cabinets go through a lot of wear and tear, you may want to consider applying a thin coat of clear polyurethane varnish to protect the paint job.

Reassembly

Finally, reassemble your PVC cabinets, making sure that the paint is completely dry before reattaching the hardware.

Recommended Products

• Kilz Odourless Oil Primer
• Benjamin Moore Stix Latex Primer
• Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
• Behr Urethane Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel
• Benjamin Moore Advance Hybrid Alkyd Enamel

How to prep PVC cabinets for painting

Painting over PVC cabinets is possible, but it can be difficult to get the paint to stick to the plastic surface. To prep your PVC cabinets for painting, follow these steps:

Step 1: Take Apart the Cabinets

Use a screwdriver to disassemble the cabinets. Take pictures of how the cabinets and drawers looked before you started removing screws, as this will help when it's time to reassemble them. Keep screws and hardware together by taping them and sticking them to the inside or underside of a piece that isn't being painted. Remove as many doors, knobs, and drawers as possible to make the painting process easier.

Step 2: Clean the Cabinet Surfaces

Kitchen cabinets accumulate a lot of dirt and grease over time. Clean the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with a damp cloth soaked in a mixture of warm water and dish detergent or trisodium phosphate (TSP) if there is excessive grease and grime. Dry the pieces thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Scuff and Sand the Cabinet Surfaces

Use fine sandpaper (220 grit) to scuff-sand the cabinet surfaces. Sanding will create a textured surface on the plastic, which will help the paint adhere better. Clean the cabinet pieces again to remove any loose fragments left over from the sanding process.

Step 4: Apply Primer

Use an oil-based primer or a latex primer designed for plastic surfaces, such as Kilz Odourless Oil Primer or Benjamin Moore's Stix primer. Spread a thin coat of primer on the cabinet surfaces using a natural bristle paintbrush or a sponge roller. Allow the primer to dry for at least an hour or two, then apply a second coat using a foam brush. Leave the primer to dry for at least half a day before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Paint the Cabinets

Choose a durable acrylic latex paint in your desired colour. Apply the paint using a foam brush or roller, or use a paint sprayer if you want a smoother finish. You may need to apply a second coat, depending on the original colour of the cabinets and the new colour you are painting them. Allow the paint to dry completely before reassembling the cabinets.

Step 6: Apply a Clear Coat (Optional)

If your cabinets go through a lot of wear and tear, you may want to apply a thin coat of clear polyurethane varnish to the cabinet surfaces using a clean cloth. This will provide an added layer of protection and help your paint job last longer.

The importance of priming before painting PVC cabinets

Painting over PVC cabinets is a great way to save money and give your kitchen a new look. However, it is important to prime your cabinets before painting to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Here are some reasons why priming is crucial:

Primer Creates a Smooth Base:

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of high-quality plastic that is durable but challenging to paint. Priming PVC cabinets creates a smoother surface by filling in the unevenness of the plastic material. This helps the paint adhere better and creates a more uniform finish.

Improved Adhesion:

Primer contains a higher concentration of solids and special adhesive elements, which enhance its bonding properties. When applied to PVC cabinets, primer creates a stronger bond between the paint and the plastic surface, reducing the chances of peeling, chipping, or scratching.

Hiding the Old Colour:

If you are painting your PVC cabinets a lighter colour or a significantly different shade, primer is essential. It has a higher concentration of pigment solids, ensuring that the new colour you choose shows up accurately and that the old colour doesn't bleed through.

Sealing the Surface:

Primer acts as a seal, trapping any unwanted odours or stains within the lower layers and preventing them from rising to the surface. This is especially important in kitchen cabinets, where food odours or grease stains may be present.

Longevity:

Priming your PVC cabinets will extend the life of your paint job. The extra adhesion provided by the primer will delay peeling, bubbling, and other signs of wear and tear, saving you time and money in the long run.

Surface Preparation:

Before priming, it is crucial to clean and sand your PVC cabinets to ensure the surface is ready for painting. This preparation process improves the final result and ensures the primer and paint adhere correctly.

In summary, priming your PVC cabinets before painting is a crucial step that will enhance the overall quality and longevity of your paint job. It ensures better adhesion, hides the old colour, seals the surface, and creates a smoother finish. By taking the time to prime, you'll achieve a professional-looking result that will last for years to come.

The best tools to use when painting PVC cabinets

Painting PVC cabinets is a great way to save money and give your kitchen a new look. However, it can be challenging to get the paint to stick to the plastic surface. Here are the best tools to use for painting PVC cabinets:

Natural Bristle Paintbrush:

Start by using a natural bristle paintbrush to apply a thin coat of primer to the PVC cabinet surfaces. You can also use a sponge roller for this step.

Sandpaper:

Before applying the primer, scuff-sand the cabinet surfaces with very fine sandpaper (220-grit). This will create a textured surface for the paint to adhere to. Sanding is crucial in helping the paint stick to the PVC and preventing chipping and peeling over time.

Primer:

There are several primers suitable for PVC cabinets, but oil-based primers are the safest bet. The Kilz Odourless Oil Primer and Benjamin Moore's Stix (latex-based) are recommended options. The primer will help the paint adhere better and create a longer-lasting finish.

Paint:

Choose a durable acrylic latex paint specifically designed for PVC and other plastics. This type of paint will be more likely to stick to the PVC surface than regular wall paint. Select your preferred colour, keeping in mind that you might need a second coat, depending on the original and new colours.

Foam Brush or Roller:

When it's time to apply the paint, use a foam brush or roller for a smooth, brushstroke-free finish. You can also use a paint sprayer, especially if you're painting smooth, glossy cabinets, as this will help you avoid streaks in the finish.

Polyurethane Varnish (Optional):

If your cabinets go through a lot of wear and tear, consider applying a thin coat of clear polyurethane varnish for added protection. Use a clean cloth to apply it.

Screwdriver:

Don't forget to have a screwdriver handy! You'll need it to take apart your PVC cabinets before painting and then to reassemble them once they're dry.

Cleaning Supplies:

Before painting, clean the cabinet surfaces thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. You can use a mixture of warm water and dish detergent or trisodium phosphate (TSP) for this step. Ensure the cabinets are completely dry before painting.

How to finish painted PVC cabinets

Painting over PVC cabinets is a great way to save money and give your kitchen a new lease of life. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to finish painted PVC cabinets.

Step 1: Break it Down

First, take apart your cabinets using a screwdriver. Remember to take pictures of how the cabinets and drawers looked before you started removing screws, as this will help when it comes to reassembling them. Keep screws and hardware together by taping them to the inside of the cabinet. Remove as many doors, knobs, and drawers as possible to make the painting process easier.

Step 2: Clean the Cabinet Surfaces

Wipe down the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with a clean damp cloth to remove dirt and oils. You can soak the cloth in a mixture of warm water and dish detergent, or use trisodium phosphate (TSP) for excessive grease and grime. Dry the pieces thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Scuff and Sand Cabinet Surfaces

Use very fine sandpaper (220-grit) to scuff-sand any finished cabinet surfaces. This will create a more textured surface, allowing the paint to stick better. Clean the cabinet pieces again to remove any loose fragments left over from the sanding process.

Step 4: Apply Primer

Use an oil-based primer, such as Kilz Odourless Oil Primer, or a latex-based primer like Benjamin Moore's Stix. Spread a thin coat of primer on the cabinet surfaces using a natural bristle paintbrush or a sponge roller. Allow the primer to dry for at least an hour, then apply a second coat using a foam brush. Leave to dry for at least half a day.

Step 5: Paint the Cabinets

Choose a durable acrylic latex paint in your desired colour. Apply the paint using a foam brush or roller, following tips for painting evenly. Depending on the original colour of the cabinets and the new colour, you may need to apply a second coat. For smooth, glossy cabinets, use a paint sprayer to avoid streaks in the finish.

Step 6: Apply a Clear Coat (Optional)

If your cabinets go through a lot of wear and tear, consider applying a thin coat of clear polyurethane varnish to protect the paint job. Use a clean cloth to apply the varnish.

Step 7: Rebuild Your Cabinets

Once the paint is completely dry, reattach all the pieces you removed, using the pictures you took earlier as a guide.

Frequently asked questions