Oil-Based Cabinet Painting: A Step-By-Step Guide

Painting your cabinets is a great way to refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank. While it may sound like a simple job, it can be harder than you think. One of the most important steps is choosing the right kind of paint. Oil-based paints are highly recommended for kitchen cabinets as they adhere well to the wood surface, allowing for a smooth application. They also create a high-gloss finish, are more durable, and require fewer coats. However, oil-based paints have longer drying times, emit strong odours, and can be more difficult to clean up.

Choosing the right paint

When choosing the right paint for your cabinet project, it's important to consider the pros and cons of each type of paint and the specific needs of your project. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between oil-based and water or latex-based paints:

Oil-Based Paints:

• Pros: Oil-based paints adhere well to wood surfaces, allowing for a smoother application. They create a high-gloss finish with minimal visible brush strokes. Oil-based paints form a smooth, resistant shell that can tolerate wear and tear. They require fewer coats, fade less over time, and are highly durable.
• Cons: Oil-based paints often contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), emitting strong chemical odours during application and drying. Proper ventilation and protective gear are necessary. The odour may linger for several weeks. Oil-based paints have limited colour options and longer drying times compared to water-based paints. They can also be more challenging to clean up, requiring turpentine or mineral spirits.

Water or Latex-Based Paints:

• Pros: Water or latex-based paints have very low VOCs and emit minimal odour, making them safer for you and your family. They offer a wide range of colours and finishes, including satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. These paints are easy to work with, dry quickly, and are simple to clean and maintain. They are highly resistant to chipping, scratches, chalking, and colour fading.
• Cons: Water or latex-based paints may not be as wear-resistant as oil-based paints, especially in high-traffic areas. They are more sensitive to temperature and moisture, so a clear coat may be necessary for added protection.

Other Considerations:

When making your decision, keep in mind the level of durability required for your cabinets. Glossy finishes, whether oil or water-based, offer a highly durable and easy-to-clean surface. Semi-gloss paints provide a balance between eggshell and high-gloss finishes and can complement any kitchen or bathroom style.

Additionally, consider the environmental impact and safety of the paint. Water-based acrylic paints have lower chemical odours than oil-based options and are breathable and water-resistant. Alkyd paints, often associated with oil-based paints, are enamel finishes that offer durability and performance, perfect for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Ultimately, the best paint for kitchen cabinets is one that is designed for high-use areas, provides a durable finish, and meets your specific project needs and design preferences.

Preparing the work area

Firstly, identify a suitable work area outside of your kitchen. An ideal location would be a garage, as it provides ample ventilation with the large door open and can be heated during cooler seasons. Alternatively, you may choose a basement or an unused room, ensuring proper ventilation to the exterior. Lay down sheet plastic on the floor of your chosen work area and secure it with tape. This will protect the floor from paint drips and spills. Set up a worktable or sawhorses on top of the plastic sheeting.

Next, gather all the tools and materials you will need for the project and keep them close at hand. This includes items such as a sander, sandpaper, brushes, roller covers, buckets, paint, and primer. Having everything within reach will make your work process more efficient and organised.

Before starting the painting process, it is essential to remove the cabinet doors and hardware. Attach small pieces of painter's tape to the face of each cabinet door and mark them with numbers to indicate their respective positions. This numbering system will make it easier to reinstall the doors in the correct places later on. Use a cordless drill or screwdriver to remove the cabinet hinges, bagging each hinge and its screws into a sealable plastic bag. Label the bags to correspond with the door numbers. Remove all items from inside the cabinet boxes, including lights, hood fans, hooks, or wire racks.

The next step is to remove the drawer fronts and drawers. Apply painter's tape to the drawer fronts and mark them with numbers, just like you did for the cabinet doors. Use a drill or screwdriver to unscrew the drawer pulls and fronts, if they are removable. Most drawer fronts are attached with four to five screws.

Now, it's time to clean the cabinet boxes. You can use either a liquid degreaser with thick shop towels or trisodium phosphate (TSP) and a sponge for this step. If your cabinets are not excessively dirty or greasy, a degreaser and towels should suffice. Spray the degreaser onto the fronts and backs of the cabinet boxes, paying extra attention to areas near fixtures, as they tend to accumulate more dirt and grease. If you opt for TSP, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves. Mix the TSP powder with warm water, submerge a sponge, and wipe down the cabinets. Rinse the TSP solution off with a sponge soaked in clean, cold water.

With the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware removed, and the cabinet boxes cleaned, you have successfully prepared your work area for painting. Remember to take your time during this process, as proper preparation is key to achieving a smooth and durable finish on your cabinets.

Removing cabinet doors and hardware

First, grab a screwdriver and remove the doors and all hardware from the cabinets. Place the hardware in a baggie and mark where it was from, so you can put the cabinet doors back on correctly in the future. For cabinet doors with soft-close hinges, find the clip or latch on each hinge to detach the door, then remove the remaining hardware from the cabinet box with a screwdriver.

If your cabinets have been previously painted and you are using the same type of paint, you can skip the sanding step. However, if you are painting over a cabinet that has already been painted using a different type of paint, you will need to sand and prime the cabinets before painting. This will ensure that the new paint adheres properly and that any imperfections in the prior paint job do not show through.

If you are not planning to paint the inside of your cabinet doors, you will not need to sand or prime them. You can use painter's tape to achieve straight lines along the edges of each door.

Once the doors and hardware have been removed, you can begin the process of filling and sanding any holes or imperfections in the cabinet frames. This will create a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to.

Priming the cabinets

Step 1: Choose the Right Primer

Select a primer that is suitable for the surface of your cabinets. If your cabinets are heavily stained, opt for a stain-blocking primer, which will effectively seal the surface and prevent any stains from bleeding through the topcoats. If your cabinets are not heavily stained, an oil-based or 100% acrylic latex primer will work well.

Step 2: Prepare the Work Area

Before you begin priming, ensure that your work area is properly prepared. Cover your countertops, flooring, and any other surfaces you want to protect with rosin paper or plastic sheets. Set up a worktable for painting, and have all your tools and materials readily available, including your primer, paintbrushes, and rollers.

Step 3: Clean and Sand the Cabinets

Thoroughly clean the cabinet surfaces to remove any grease or dirt that may interfere with the adhesion of the primer. You can use a degreaser solution or a stronger cleaner like trisodium phosphate (TSP). After cleaning, lightly sand the cabinet surfaces to create a rough texture that will help the primer adhere better. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a flexible sponge sanding pad for this step.

Step 4: Apply the Primer

Now, you're ready to start priming! Pour your chosen primer into a paint tray and load your paintbrush and roller. Use a brush for the edges and tight spots, and a roller for the large, flat surfaces. Start at the top of the cabinet and work your way down, brushing the primer across the grain. Then, go back over the wet finish with light brush strokes in the direction of the grain—this is called "tipping off." Make sure to maintain a wet edge as you work, to avoid lap marks.

Step 5: Allow the Primer to Dry

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time, which may vary depending on the type of primer and the humidity and temperature of your work area. Once the primer is dry, lightly sand the surfaces again with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any bumps or imperfections. Remove the sanding dust with a tack cloth or a damp sponge.

Step 6: Spot Prime and Sand (Optional)

If there are any areas where the primer has been sanded away or any spots that need extra attention, use a spray can of fast-drying oil-based primer to spot-prime these areas. After the spot-priming dries, give the cabinets a final light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper. Remove the dust with a tack cloth, and your cabinets will be ready for the paint application!

Painting the cabinets

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area and Cabinets

Clear the area by removing everything from the cabinets, countertops, and shelves. Number each cabinet door with painter's tape and a marker to keep track of their original positions. Remove all hardware, such as hinges, knobs, and pulls, and place them in labelled bags. Clean the cabinet surfaces with a degreaser or a trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution to remove any grease, dirt, or residue.

Step 2: Sand the Cabinet Surfaces

Lightly sand all the surfaces that will be painted, including both sides of the doors, drawer fronts, and cabinet frames. Use fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) or flexible sponge sanding pads for detailed areas. This step helps create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to and ensures a more polished final result.

Step 3: Prime the Cabinets

Apply a coat of primer to the sanded surfaces. For stained cabinets, use a stain-blocking primer or a shellac-based primer. Let the primer dry completely, then lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or finer) to smooth out any bumps or imperfections. Wipe away the sanding dust with a damp cloth or tack cloth.

Step 4: Paint the Cabinets

Choose a high-quality oil-based paint designed for cabinets and high-use areas. Mix the paint with a thinning agent if needed, following the manufacturer's instructions. Start by painting the backs of the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, then move on to the fronts to avoid drips. Use a brush for detailed areas and a high-density foam roller for larger, flat surfaces. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats, following the recommended drying time for your chosen paint.

Step 5: Reassemble the Cabinets

Once the paint is completely dry, reassemble the cabinets by reattaching the hardware and hinges and installing the doors and drawers back into their original positions. Admire your freshly painted cabinets and enjoy your updated space!

Frequently asked questions