Cabinet Painting: Pro Results, Diy Secrets

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh new look without breaking the bank. It is a time-consuming project, but with the right tools, materials, and a bit of patience, it can be a manageable and rewarding DIY project. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to achieve a professional-looking finish and some tips to make the process easier. We will also discuss the benefits of hiring a professional cabinet painter if you decide to go that route.

Choose the right paint type and colour

Choosing the right paint type and colour is crucial for achieving a professional-looking cabinet painting job. Here are some factors to consider when making your selection:

Paint Type

The two main types of paint to consider are oil-based paint and latex paint. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Latex paints are generally easier to work with as they dry faster and can be cleaned up with water. They are also more environmentally friendly due to their lower volatile organic compound (VOC) levels. However, oil-based paints tend to provide a more durable and smoother finish, making them a popular choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens. They offer a harder paint film and level out better for a smoother surface. Keep in mind that oil-based paints have stronger odours and take longer to dry, requiring more patience.

Paint Colour

When it comes to paint colour, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the backsplash and countertops should be your main reference points as they are visually connected to the cabinets. Choose a colour that complements the main colours, tones, and undertones of your backsplash and countertops. For example, if your backsplash and countertops have warm tones, consider warm colours for your cabinets, such as off-white, cream, or beige. Conversely, if they have cool tones, explore cooler colours like grey or blue. You can also opt for a neutral shade like linen or bone for a timeless look that highlights authentic materials like marble and quartzite.

Additionally, consider the desired finish. Semi-gloss, satin, and eggshell finishes are popular choices for kitchen cabinets as they provide a smooth and easy-to-clean surface while offering some level of durability. High-gloss finishes can give your kitchen a modern and polished look, but they may show imperfections more easily.

Remember to sample your paint colours properly by placing the samples vertically alongside your backsplash and countertops to ensure you achieve the desired look.

Prepare your work area

Before you begin painting, it's important to prepare your work area. This includes clearing the cabinets and countertops, removing hardware, and cleaning the surfaces. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Choose a suitable workspace: Select an area where you can set up a paint station, such as a garage, basement, or well-ventilated outdoor space. This area should be clean and dust-free to ensure that debris doesn't get into the wet paint.
• Protect your surroundings: Cover the floor of your workspace with drop cloths or plastic tarps to catch any paint drips or spills. If you're painting near walls or other surfaces that you don't want to get painted, use painter's tape to mask them off.
• Set up a work table: Create a sturdy work surface by placing a table or sawhorses on the drop cloths. This table will be used for painting cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and shelves. Make sure it's level and can support the weight of the cabinets.
• Gather your tools and supplies: Have all your tools and supplies nearby, including sandpaper, brushes, rollers, paint trays, primer, and paint. You may also need a screwdriver or drill to remove hardware.
• Remove cabinet doors and hardware: Number each cabinet door and its corresponding location inside the cabinet with painter's tape and a marker. Remove the doors, drawers, and all hardware, such as handles, knobs, and hinges. Keep the hardware organised and safe, as you'll need it again later.
• Clean the cabinet surfaces: Use a degreaser spray or trisodium phosphate (TSP) and a rag to thoroughly clean all surfaces of the cabinets, doors, and drawer fronts. This will remove any grease or grime that may prevent the paint from adhering properly.

Remove cabinet doors and hardware

Removing the cabinet doors and hardware is an essential step in achieving the best results when painting your cabinets. This process may seem daunting, but it is relatively straightforward and will significantly improve the outcome of your project. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Prepare your workspace:

Before you begin, ensure you have a clear and well-ventilated area to work in. It is recommended to set up a designated paint station in a garage, basement, or outdoor space. Protect the surrounding surfaces with drop cloths or old newspapers, and have all your tools and materials easily accessible.

Label the doors and hardware:

Before removing the cabinet doors, use a permanent marker to label each door and its corresponding hardware. This will make it easier to reassemble everything later. You can use tape and a marker to label the doors with corresponding numbers or letters.

Remove the doors:

Using a screwdriver or drill, carefully remove the screws that hold the cabinet doors in place. Gently pry the doors off their hinges, being cautious not to damage the doors or hinges. Set the doors aside, keeping them in order to avoid confusion during reassembly.

Remove the hardware:

Now that the doors are removed, you can focus on taking off the hardware, such as handles, knobs, and hinges. Use your screwdriver or drill to detach these pieces, placing them in labelled bags or containers for safekeeping. If you plan to reuse the hardware, clean them with a degreaser solution and a rag to remove any grease or grime.

Clean and prepare the surfaces:

Before painting, it is crucial to clean and prepare the cabinet surfaces, doors, and drawer fronts. Use a degreaser spray and a rag to thoroughly wipe down all areas, ensuring you remove any grease or dirt that may prevent the paint from adhering properly. Once cleaned, rinse the surfaces with water and allow them to dry completely. If there are any cracks or imperfections, fill them with wood filler and let it dry before proceeding.

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to achieving a professional-looking paint job on your cabinets. Remember to take your time, work in a well-ventilated area, and always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific tools and materials you are using.

Clean the cabinetry

The first step in the cleaning process is to wipe all surfaces down with a degreaser. This is a crucial step as it removes the layer of grease covering your cabinets. Even if the surface of your cabinets doesn't appear dirty, trust me, they are! Grease is basically just thicker oil, and oil and water don't mix. So, if you attempt to paint over it, you won't get a smooth, clean finish, and those tough stains will come back to haunt you by seeping through your fresh new paint job.

You may only plan to paint the outside of your cabinets, but prepping your kitchen cabinets for cleaning involves the whole cabinet, inside and out! Dust can be caked into cracks and crevices and get in the way of your painting project.

Choose a Degreaser

There are several options for degreasers, and the best one for you will depend on your comfort level with chemical agents and your preference for more natural products. Here are some popular choices:

• Trisodium Phosphate (TSP): TSP is a heavy-duty degreaser that can be found at your local home improvement store. It easily cuts through grime and grease on kitchen cabinets. However, it is moderately toxic, so it's important to wear gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves when using it. You will also need to dilute it with water before use.
• Krud Kutter: Krud Kutter is a powerful cleaning agent that is effective at removing grease and stains. It comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle and has a mild smell. It is safe for both people and pets, but it may stain the cabinets if you're not planning to paint them.
• Mineral Spirits: Mineral spirits are a powerful solvent that can cut through tough grease while being mild enough to avoid stripping the wood. However, it takes an extra step to wash it away with soap and water, and it's not suitable for everyday use.
• White Vinegar and Lemon Juice: This natural, non-toxic solution combines the acetic acid in vinegar and lemons to cut through grease. It is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but it may require more effort to thoroughly degrease the cabinets.
• Dawn Dish Soap: Dawn is a surprisingly powerful degreaser that can effectively remove grease from cabinet doors. It is cost-effective and easily accessible, but it takes time to ensure that all the soap is washed away after cleaning.

The Cleaning Process

Once you've chosen your degreaser, follow these steps for cleaning your cabinets:

• Degrease: Using your chosen degreaser and a circular motion, wipe down all surfaces of the cabinet, including the doors, drawers, and cabinet boxes.
• Rinse: After degreasing, use a bucket of clean water and a damp rag to wipe down all the surfaces again, removing any residue from the degreaser.
• Sand: After cleaning, you can begin sanding your wood surfaces. This will smooth out any rough areas and better prepare the wood for the primer and paint.
• Clean: Finally, give your cabinets a final cleaning to ensure that all dust and small particles are removed. You can use a leaf blower and a tack cloth for this step.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning

• Degreaser: Choose one of the options mentioned above or another product that suits your needs.
• Cloth: You will need a variety of cleaning cloths, including a tack cloth (or microfiber cloth), a damp cloth, and a dry cloth.
• Water: Have a bucket or two of clean water to rinse off your degreaser.
• Safety Supplies: Don't forget to protect yourself with safety gear such as eye protection and rubber gloves.

By taking the time to properly clean and degrease your cabinets before painting, you will ensure excellent paint adhesion and a long-lasting finish.

Sand the cabinet doors

Sanding cabinet doors is an important step in achieving a professional-looking paint job. Here is a detailed guide on how to sand your cabinet doors like a pro:

Tools and Materials:

• Sandpaper (150-220 grit)
• Sanding block
• Damp towel
• Vacuum
• Tack cloth
• Orbital sander (optional)
• 3M Softback Sanding Pads (optional)

Process:

• Remove the cabinet doors: Take off the cabinet doors and place them on a work surface that can get messy. Number each door and its corresponding hardware to make reassembly easier.
• Clean the doors: Before sanding, ensure the cabinet doors are clean and free of any grease or grime. Use a degreaser or a mild detergent to wipe down the doors, then rinse and let them dry.
• Choose the right sandpaper grit: For the initial sanding before priming and painting, use sandpaper with a grit of 150 to 220. Finer grits, such as 320 to 420, can be used for sanding between coats of primer and paint or on already painted cabinets.
• Sand with a block sander: For small jobs like cabinets, a block sander provides better control. Sand in a back-and-forth motion, following the grain of the wood, until you've covered the entire surface. This will help remove any previous top coating and create a smooth finish for the paint to adhere to.
• Wipe off excess dust: Use a damp towel to remove the dust created by sanding. You can also use a vacuum and tack cloth to ensure all dust is removed.
• Sand between coats: After priming the cabinet doors, lightly sand the surfaces again with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or higher). This will help create an even smoother finish and remove any airborne debris or dust particles that may have settled in the primer.
• Smooth out wood filler: If you're using wood filler to fill any dents or imperfections, make sure to sand after it has dried to smooth out the surface and ensure a seamless finish.

Remember, always sand after cleaning, not before, to avoid potential contamination and issues with paint adhesion. Take your time when sanding, and don't be tempted to skip this step, as it is crucial for achieving a professional-looking paint job.

Frequently asked questions