How To Paint Over Trailer House Kitchen Cabinets

Painting over trailer house kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a new look without breaking the bank. It is a simple DIY project that can be completed in a weekend and will save you a lot of money compared to replacing the cabinets. The key to a successful paint job is diligent prep work, so make sure to clean and sand the cabinets before painting. Choose a high-quality primer and paint, such as latex or oil-based paint, to ensure a durable and long-lasting finish. With the right tools and techniques, you can transform your trailer house kitchen cabinets and give them a fresh new look.

What type of paint should I use?

The type of paint you should use to paint over trailer house kitchen cabinets depends on the material of the cabinets, the finish you want, and the time and effort you are willing to put into the project.

Materials

The first thing to consider when deciding on the type of paint is the material of your cabinets. Trailer house cabinets are often not made of real wood but instead have a wood grain printed plastic paper coating on MDF or fiberboard. The key to successfully painting these cabinets is in the prep work. Use a good primer—it will ensure that your paint job lasts a long time.

Finish

If you are going for a factory-smooth finish, you should sand down the top layer of the protective finish. If you are painting existing kitchen cabinets, use 120-grit sandpaper to level out any imperfections, and then finish with 220-grit for a smooth surface.

Time and Effort

Oil-based paints are known for their resilient finish and are scrubbable, but they take a long time to dry between coats—up to 16 hours—and they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be dangerous. Latex paint is quicker to dry and has lower levels of VOCs, but it doesn't create a very smooth and hard-wearing finish. Alkyd paint is a water-based paint with an enamel finish similar to oil paint, and it is tougher than oil-based paint, but it can be harmful if not painted in a ventilated area.

Can I paint over vinyl?

Yes, you can paint over vinyl. However, it is important to note that vinyl is a plastic material that is resistant to most types of paint. Therefore, you will need to use a paint that is specifically designed to adhere to plastic. Look for paints that are 100% acrylic or urethane and acrylic resin blends, which are typically labelled as "exterior paint".

Before painting, it is important to clean the vinyl surface with soap and water to ensure that the paint will adhere properly. You may also want to consider using a primer to ensure that the paint job is consistent and has good adhesion. Once the surface is prepared, you can apply the paint with a roller or a paint sprayer, being sure to apply multiple light coats rather than one thick coat.

How do I prepare my cabinets for painting?

Painting your trailer house kitchen cabinets is a great way to refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank. Here are some steps to prepare your cabinets for painting:

Assess the condition of your cabinets:

Before starting the painting process, it is important to examine the condition of your cabinets. If the cabinets are made of cheap materials and have grown frail with age, it might be better to replace them instead of painting. However, if the cabinets are still in good shape, you can move on to the next steps.

Empty the cabinets and remove the doors:

Start by emptying the cabinets and removing the doors, drawers, and hardware. Label each part with painter's tape to ensure you know where everything goes during reassembly. Place the hardware in a safe place and keep them organised.

Clean the cabinets:

Use a degreaser solution or trisodium phosphate (TSP) to clean the cabinets and remove any grease, dirt, or oils that may prevent a perfect finish. Once cleaned, rinse the cabinets with water and let them dry. You can also use an abrasive pad dipped in a liquid deglosser for this step.

Repair any damages:

Fill any dents, holes, scratches, or other imperfections with wood filler. Use a putty knife to smooth it out and let it dry. If you are planning to use the same hardware, do not fill the hardware holes.

Sand the cabinets:

Sand the cabinets with medium-grit sandpaper to help the paint adhere better. Use a sanding block or an orbital sander for this step. For laminate cabinets, be careful not to sand too deeply, as you only need to lightly sand the surface.

Vacuum and wipe the cabinets:

After sanding, use a vacuum and a tack cloth to remove any dust from the cabinets. It is important to ensure that the cabinets are completely dust-free before moving on to the next step.

Prime the cabinets:

Apply a coat of primer to the cabinets. Use a brush for detailed areas and corners, and a roller for larger, flat surfaces. Let the primer dry completely before moving on. If needed, lightly sand the primer and wipe away any dust before painting.

Choose the right paint:

Select a high-quality paint that is suitable for the type of cabinets you have. For wood cabinets, you can use either oil-based or latex paint. For laminate cabinets, choose a special bonding primer and paint. Make sure the paint is acrylic and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cure times.

Prepare your workspace:

Painting cabinets can be a messy process, so make sure to cover your countertops, appliances, walls, and floors with rosin paper, plastic sheeting, or drop cloths. Set up a worktable or area where you can place the cabinet doors, drawers, and shelves for painting. Ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated.

Gather your painting supplies:

Invest in good-quality brushes and rollers to achieve the best results. You will also need paint trays, liners, and safety gear such as a dust mask.

What supplies do I need to paint my cabinets?

Painting your trailer house kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a new look without breaking the bank. Here is a list of supplies you will need to paint your cabinets like a pro:

Supplies for preparing cabinets for painting:

• Screwdriver or drill: To remove cabinet doors, drawers, hinges, and hardware.
• Ziploc bags: To store the hardware and hinges.
• Permanent marker: To label the Ziploc bags, doors, and drawers for easy reassembly.

Supplies for cleaning cabinets before painting:

• Drop cloths or plastic sheeting: To cover areas surrounding the cabinet boxes and to set the doors and drawers on while cleaning.
• Rubber gloves: To protect your hands during the cleaning process.
• Degreaser: To remove grease and grime from the cabinet surfaces.
• Heavy-duty scour pads: To scrub off grease and grime.
• Denatured alcohol: To cut through tough grease.
• Spray bottle: To apply the denatured alcohol mixture.
• Clean towel: To dry off the cabinets after cleaning.
• Mask: To protect yourself from the fumes of the cleaning agents.

Supplies for repairing cabinets before painting:

• Painter's tape: To cover the backside of holes before filling them.
• Paintable wood filler: To fill in gouges, dents, and dings on cabinet surfaces.
• Putty knife: To smooth out the application of wood filler.
• Sandpaper: To sand down excess wood filler and create a smooth surface.
• Caulk: To fill gaps between the cabinet and the walls or ceiling.

Supplies for sanding cabinets before and during the painting process:

• Small electric sander: To speed up the sanding process and ensure an even finish.
• Sandpaper: Use different grits for sanding after cleaning and in between coats of primer and paint.
• Vacuum with a brush attachment: To remove dust from cabinet surfaces.
• Tack cloth: To pick up fine particles of dust after vacuuming.

Supplies for workspace preparation:

• Rosin paper or contractor paper: To protect floors from paint drips or overspray.
• Painter's tape: To secure the protective paper or drop cloths in place.
• Tables or paint buckets: To elevate and support cabinet doors and drawers during painting.

Supplies for priming and painting cabinets:

• Primer: Choose a primer suitable for your cabinet surface, such as a shellac-based primer or a laminate primer.
• Paint: Select a paint formulated for kitchen or bathroom use, such as an oil-based enamel paint or a latex paint.
• Door risers or painter's pyramids: To elevate cabinet doors and drawers during painting, reducing points of contact with the painting surface.
• Paint stir sticks: To mix the paint thoroughly.
• Paint pour spout: To facilitate easy and mess-free pouring from the paint can.
• Working paint container: To prevent contaminating the paint in the can with dust or debris.
• Paint can opener: To open the paint can.
• Face mask: For protection when working with oil-based paints or spray painting.
• Paint roller: A small roller for cabinet boxes and a larger roller for flat cabinet doors and sides.
• High-quality paintbrushes: For a smooth and even finish.
• Paintbrush cleaner: To clean and maintain paintbrushes.
• Paint sprayer: For a professional-looking finish (optional but recommended).

How long will it take to paint my cabinets?

Painting your trailer house kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a new look without embarking on a complete remodel. It is a time-consuming process, and depending on the number of cabinets, it could take you a weekend or two to complete the project.

The whole process of painting your kitchen cabinets takes approximately 2 weeks. In some cases, this timeframe might be extended to 3 weeks. For example, if your kitchen doors need to be stripped or a clear coat needs to be removed, you will need to allow for additional time.

For the cabinet paint to dry, it usually takes about 1–2 weeks. This is what is called "dry to the touch". After the paint is dry to the touch, the curing process begins, and this takes a little longer, about a month or 30 days to be exact. During this time, the paint becomes increasingly less vulnerable to scratching and other damage as it approaches its maximum hardness. You can begin using your cabinets before they are completely cured, but you should take special care during the curing process until your kitchen cabinets are completely dry or finish curing.

To speed up the curing time, you can use a dehumidifier to help remove extra moisture and humidity from the air.

• Empty the cabinets, clear off the counters, and remove any freestanding appliances: 1–2 hours.
• Set up a worktable for painting doors, drawers, and shelves: 1 hour.
• Remove the doors, drawers, and shelves: 2–3 hours.
• Clean all the surfaces: 2–3 hours.
• Prime the cabinet boxes: 2–3 hours.
• Sand, caulk, and fill: 2–3 hours.
• Paint the cabinet boxes: 2–3 hours.
• Prep, prime, and paint the doors, drawers, and shelves: 2–3 hours.
• Put back all the pieces: 1–2 hours.

Please note that these timings are approximate and may vary depending on the number of cabinets, the condition of the cabinets, and your level of expertise.

Frequently asked questions