Transform Kitchen Cabinets With Chalk Paint

Painting kitchen cabinets with chalk paint is an easy, budget-friendly way to update your kitchen. It is a forgiving and user-friendly method, ideal for beginners and experienced DIY enthusiasts. The paint is specially formulated to stick to almost all surfaces without sanding or priming. However, it is important to thoroughly clean the cabinets before painting.

Cleaning the cabinets

To achieve the best results when painting your kitchen cabinets, it is important to thoroughly clean and degrease them before painting. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly and that there are no contaminants on the surface that could cause it to chip or separate from the cabinets.

Start by removing all hardware from the cabinets, such as hinges, knobs, and pulls. Then, use a heavy-duty degreaser to remove any grease, grime, or dirt that has built up on the surface. You can use liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, or a product specifically designed for degreasing, like Krud Kutter or Dirtex Powder Cleaner. Spray the degreaser onto the cabinets and let it penetrate the grease for a few minutes before scrubbing with a coarse pad or brush. You may need to reapply the degreaser several times to remove heavy buildup. After scrubbing, wipe down the cabinets with a clean, wet rag to remove any remaining residue.

Once the cabinets are clean and dry, you can begin prepping them for painting. If you are using chalk paint, you may not need to sand or prime the cabinets. However, if there are any grease spots remaining, you may need to apply a primer or multiple coats of paint to cover them up. It is important to follow the specific instructions for the type of paint you are using.

In addition to cleaning the cabinet surfaces, don't forget to clean the hardware as well. If your hinges are greasy, you can soak them overnight in a mixture of dish soap and water to remove the grease. For external hinges, you can also spray them with a spray paint designed for metal surfaces, such as oil-rubbed bronze spray paint, to give them a fresh look.

By taking the time to thoroughly clean and degrease your kitchen cabinets before painting, you will ensure that your paint job looks smooth and professional, and will last for years to come.

Choosing the right paint

• Consider the type of paint: Chalk paint is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets due to its matte finish and easy application. However, other types of paint, such as latex or enamel, can also be used. Assess the pros and cons of each type of paint before making a decision.
• Select a reputable brand: Opt for well-known brands like Annie Sloan, which is known for its high-quality chalk paint. Other options include Rust-Oleum, Valspar, and Sherwin Williams.
• Choose the right colour: Opt for colours that complement your kitchen's style and décor. If you're aiming for a bright and airy space, consider whites or light neutrals. For a more dramatic look, go for darker shades like graphite or coco.
• Take into account the finish: Chalk paint typically has a matte finish, but you can also add a sealant for extra protection and a different aesthetic. Wax is a popular choice for a natural finish, but it requires regular maintenance. Alternatively, consider a poly sealer for a harder, more durable finish.
• Prepare the surface: Ensure your cabinets are clean and free of grease before painting. Lightly sand the surface to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. Filling any holes or scratches with wood filler can also help create an even surface.
• Test the paint: Before committing to a particular paint, consider testing it on a small area or a hidden section of the cabinet. This will allow you to assess the paint's coverage, durability, and overall appearance before proceeding with the full project.

Painting the cabinet bases

Step 1: Remove Hardware and Clean the Cabinets

Start by removing all the hardware from your cabinets, including hinges, knobs, and pulls. This will make the painting process easier and ensure that you don't get paint on any of the hardware. Once everything is removed, give the cabinets a thorough cleaning. Use a degreasing detergent or soap and water, and scrub well to remove any grease or grime buildup. This step is crucial, as any grease or dirt on the cabinets can cause the paint to not adhere properly or can show through the paint.

Step 2: Lightly Sand the Cabinets (Optional)

Lightly sanding the cabinet bases before painting is optional but can help create a smoother surface for the paint to adhere to. If you decide to sand, use a light-grade sandpaper and a sanding block. Go over the surfaces lightly, just enough to scuff up the existing finish. After sanding, be sure to wipe down the cabinets again to remove any dust or debris.

Step 3: Prime the Cabinets (Optional)

Priming the cabinet bases is also optional but can help the paint adhere better and create a more durable finish. If you decide to prime, use a primer suitable for the type of cabinets you have (wood, laminate, etc.). Follow the instructions on the primer and allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Paint the Cabinet Bases

Now it's time to paint! Choose a high-quality chalk paint in the colour of your choice. You may need to thin the paint slightly with water, especially if it has been sitting for a while. Using a brush or a small roller, apply the paint to the cabinet bases in smooth, even strokes. Be sure to get into all the corners and crevices. Let the first coat dry completely, then apply a second coat if needed for full coverage.

Step 5: Distress the Cabinets (Optional)

If you want a distressed look for your cabinets, you can lightly sand or distress the edges of the cabinet bases after the paint has dried. This will give your cabinets a rustic, shabby-chic appearance. Go slowly and lightly at first, as you can always distress more if needed.

Step 6: Protect the Paint with a Top Coat

Once you are happy with the paint job, it's important to protect it with a top coat or sealant. You can use a wax, such as Annie Sloan's Clear Wax, or a water-based polyacrylic or polyurethane finish. Follow the instructions on your chosen product, and apply two to three coats for added durability. Allow the top coat to dry completely between coats and before replacing any hardware.

Step 7: Reattach Hardware and Enjoy Your New Cabinets!

Once the paint and top coat are completely dry, you can reattach the hardware to your cabinet bases. Stand back and admire your handiwork! Your kitchen will feel like new with its freshly painted cabinet bases.

Waxing the doors

To wax your cabinet doors, start by removing any hardware and giving them a good clean with warm water and simple soap – avoid using chemicals as you don't know how they will react with the paint. Once your cabinets are dry, you can begin waxing. Use a wax brush to apply a good amount of wax to the doors, making sure to get into all the corners. You don't want to rub too hard, just make sure that the wax goes into the paint.

It is a good idea to have a cloth with you to remove any excess wax or any specks of dust. You will likely need to apply two to three coats of wax to make your finish really strong, leaving a good gap between each layer so that the wax has time to harden. At least a day between coats is recommended, but a week is even better if you can manage it.

Once the waxing is complete, you can polish your cabinets to give them a nice sheen. This process is sometimes called buffing. It doesn't take a lot of effort to get a nice sheen, and you can use a cotton cloth to do this. Remember that the wax can take up to two weeks to fully harden, so be gentle with your cabinets during this time, even though you can use them.

Buffing the wax

Buffing is different from removing excess wax. Buffing creates a shine on your cabinets and is only possible once the wax has dried. You should leave your cabinets overnight to allow the wax to dry fully, and don't attempt to buff until the following day. If you don't wait 24 hours, you'll find you're simply removing the wax or wiping it around.

To buff the wax, you can use a lint-free cloth or a polishing brush. Buff with firm pressure and use circular or back-and-forth motions on the same spot until you've achieved the desired level of shine. The more you buff, the shinier your finish will be.

If you want an even shinier finish, you can use a buffing brush and then slide the brush into a nylon pantyhose and buff again. The nylon causes a little more friction, which will make the finish even shinier.

Frequently asked questions