Transforming Stained Kitchen Cabinets With A Fresh Coat Of Paint

Painting over stained kitchen cabinets is a cost-effective way to give your kitchen a new lease of life. It can be a tedious process, but with the right tools and preparation, it can be done successfully. The first step is to select the appropriate paint, such as oil-based or latex paint, and the application method, such as a brush or spray paint. The next steps include removing the cabinet doors and hardware, cleaning and sanding the surfaces, applying a primer, and then painting two coats of paint. Finally, a protective coating can be applied to enhance the durability of the paint job.

Choosing the right paint

Firstly, decide on the type of paint. Oil-based paint offers a durable and smooth finish, but it can be challenging to work with due to longer drying times and strong fumes. Latex paint is water-based, making it easier to clean up and providing a low-odor option. However, it may not be as durable as oil-based paint.

Next, consider the finish of the paint. Do you want a matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finish? Keep in mind that glossier finishes are typically easier to clean, which is a big plus for kitchen cabinets.

If you're painting over stained wood, you'll also need to choose the right primer. Select a primer designed to cover stained wood, such as a stain-blocking or bonding primer. If your cabinets are made of knotty wood, choose a white pigmented shellac primer. Shellac is a superior stain-blocking sealant that also prevents tannin bleed-through.

When it comes to application techniques, you can use a brush or a paint sprayer. A brush allows for better control over wet paint and is more affordable, but it may leave brush strokes. A paint sprayer can provide a smoother, more even finish but requires more skill and can be messy.

Finally, consider the level of toxicity of the paint. The paints, primers, cleansers, and strippers can release harmful airborne fumes, especially in confined spaces like kitchen cabinets. For a safer option, select paints that have been certified as safe by non-profit organizations such as Greenguard or Green Seal.

Preparing the cabinets

The first step in painting over stained kitchen cabinets is to prepare the cabinets for the new paint job. This involves several steps to ensure that the final result is smooth and durable.

Firstly, remove the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. This step makes it easier to paint and helps achieve a neat finish. Then, clean the cabinets thoroughly to remove any grease or dirt that could prevent the paint from adhering properly. Use a degreaser or a trisodium phosphate cleanser, also known as TSP, and wipe down the cabinets with a damp cloth. Allow the cabinets to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Once the cabinets are clean and dry, inspect them for any holes, cracks, or other damage. Use spackling paste or wood putty to fill in these areas and create a smooth surface. After the filler has dried, sand all surfaces with sandpaper, such as 120-grit or 180-grit sandpaper, to roughen the surface and remove the glossy top finish. This step helps the primer and paint adhere better to the wood. Use a tack cloth or a damp rag to remove any sanding dust and debris.

At this point, you may want to consider removing the cabinet doors to make the painting process easier. Number the doors and store the corresponding hardware in plastic bags to keep everything organised. Laying the doors flat will help prevent drips, and you can paint the rest of the cabinets more easily without the doors in place.

Applying the primer

Before applying the primer, ensure your workspace is well-ventilated. Apply a coat of primer to create a solid base for your paint. Use a foam roller to paint large, flat surfaces and a soft-bristled brush to cut into tight spots and corners. Ensure that you follow the grain of the wood to avoid drips and brush marks.

If your cabinet is made of knotty wood, choose a white pigmented shellac primer. Shellac is a superior stain-blocking sealant that also prevents tannin bleed-through. While shellac emits a strong odour during application, the smell disperses quickly without leaving any toxic residue.

Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some primers can take up to four hours to dry, while others may need up to 24 hours. You may also want to lightly sand the surface again with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) after the primer is dry for an even smoother finish. Finally, wipe the surface with a tack cloth or a damp rag to remove any dust before proceeding to paint your cabinets.

Painting the cabinets

Step 1: Prepare the Cabinets

Remove the doors, drawers, and hardware from your cabinets. This makes it easier to paint and helps you achieve a neat finish. Thoroughly clean your cabinets to remove any grease or dirt, as this can prevent the paint from adhering properly.

Step 2: Choose the Right Paint

Select a paint specifically designed for cabinets, as these are more durable and can withstand the wear and tear that cabinets endure. Consider the finish you want – matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss. Glossier finishes are typically easier to clean, which is a big plus for kitchen cabinets.

Step 3: Apply a Primer

Use a primer to help the paint adhere better and give you a smoother finish. Choose a primer that can be used over existing oil- and water-based finishes, and if the cabinet is made of knotty wood, opt for a white pigmented shellac primer to prevent tannin bleed-through.

Step 4: Paint the Cabinets

When you are ready to paint, apply thin, even coats, following the grain of the wood to avoid drips and brush marks. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat to reduce the risk of future chips. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 5: Reinstall the Doors and Hardware

Let the cabinets dry for at least 24 hours before reattaching the doors and hardware.

Optional Step 6: Apply a Protective Coating

Consider applying a clear polyurethane coating to protect your newly painted cabinets from scratches, stains, and wear and tear. This step is especially important if your kitchen is exposed to moisture, heat, and frequent use.

Step 7: Final Touches

Reattach your cabinet doors and drawer fronts carefully, ensuring you do not scratch or chip the fresh paint. Finally, add your hardware. You can use your old hardware for a cohesive look or add new hardware for a complete transformation.

Adding the finishing touches

Once you've painted your cabinets, it's time to add those all-important finishing touches. Here are some ideas to elevate the appearance of your cabinet frames and achieve a professional, high-quality result:

Reinstall the cabinet hardware

Replace old knobs, pulls and hinges with new, modern pieces that complement your freshly painted cabinets. Alternatively, you could clean and polish your existing hardware to make it look like new.

Add soft-close hinges

Upgrade your hinges to soft-close ones for a high-end feel and to prevent cabinet doors from slamming.

Update interior shelving

While your cabinets are disassembled, take the opportunity to paint or line the interior shelves for a cohesive and finished appearance.

Seal the paint

Apply a clear sealer or topcoat to protect your paint job and ensure it lasts longer. This is especially important if you've used latex paint, as it may not be as durable as oil-based paint.

Pay attention to the details

Focus on small details such as caulking gaps between the cabinet and wall, or adding trim or moulding for a more custom appearance.

Install lighting

Enhance the look of your newly painted cabinets by adding under-cabinet lighting or updating existing fixtures.

Apply a topcoat

Whether you need a topcoat depends on the usage of your cabinets. For high-traffic areas like kitchens, it is highly recommended. A clear polyurethane sealer can add durability and protection to your painted cabinets, helping to prevent scratches, chips and general wear and tear. Apply it evenly with a brush or foam roller, and allow it to dry completely between coats. Typically, two coats are needed for optimal protection.

Reattach the hardware

When reattaching the hardware, consider using new screws if the old ones are worn out. This ensures a secure fit and can prevent the hardware from loosening over time. Make sure to align the hardware correctly to avoid any misalignment that could affect the cabinet's appearance and functionality. If your cabinet doors have hinges, a small amount of lubricant can keep them operating smoothly and quietly.

Frequently asked questions