Transforming Finished Maple Cabinets With Paint

Maple cabinets are a common feature in many homes, but their golden honey tones can sometimes look dated. Painting them is a budget-friendly way to modernise your space without committing to a full renovation. However, it's important to note that maple is a hardwood with a closed grain and a smooth surface, so painting it can be tricky and may require the help of a professional.

Remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware

Painting finished maple cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a new look. It is a time-consuming process, but it can be a surprisingly affordable DIY project. Before you start painting, you will need to remove the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Set up a workspace: Find a suitable area where you can lay out the doors, drawers, and hardware. This could be a couple of sawhorses or a flat surface in a garage or separate workspace.
• Number the doors: Before removing the doors, it is important to number them. Use a black marker to write a number in the hinge cavity of each door, starting with the upper cabinets from left to right. This will make it easier to put them back in the correct order later.
• Remove the doors: Take off the cabinet doors and lay them flat on your workspace. Removing the doors is essential as it will prevent drips and allow you to paint every surface of the cabinet, inside and out.
• Store the hardware: Place the screws and hardware from each door in separate labelled bags so they don't get lost. You can also include the corresponding number for each door on the bag.
• Remove drawers: Just like the doors, remove all the drawers from the cabinets. Numbering the drawers can also be helpful, especially if they are different sizes or shapes.
• Clean the cabinets: Before painting, it is crucial to clean the cabinets to remove any dirt or grease. Use a solution of water and dish soap, or a product specifically designed for grease removal, such as Krud Kutter Original.

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to successfully painting your finished maple cabinets. Remember to take your time and work in a well-ventilated area.

Clean cabinets with dish soap and a scrubbing pad

To clean your maple cabinets before painting, you'll need some Dawn dish soap and a coarse scrubbing pad (green).

First, remove the cabinet doors, drawers, pulls, and hardware. Set up a couple of sawhorses and lay the doors down flat to work on them. After removing the hinges from the door, number each door in the hinge cavity with a black marker and place a piece of tape over it. When numbering the doors, start with the upper cabinets and count each one from left to right. Store the screws in a Ziploc bag so they don't get lost.

Now, you're ready to start cleaning. Mix some Dawn dish soap with warm water and scrub the cabinets with your coarse scrubbing pad. This will help remove dirt and grease so that the primer and paint will bond well with the surface. Make sure to wipe down all the surfaces you plan to paint. If your cabinets are particularly greasy, you can also use a product like Krud Kutter Original.

After scrubbing, wipe down the surfaces with a tack cloth or use an air compressor to blow out any remaining dust from the inside corners of the panels.

Sand the cabinets

Sanding is an essential step in preparing maple cabinets for painting. Maple is a hardwood, but its hardness is slightly softer than oak. Therefore, using sandpaper that is too coarse can damage the wood fibres and create a hairy-like texture. The recommended grit for sanding maple cabinets is 220-grit, which is sufficient to remove the surface gloss and expose the bare wood without causing damage.

The best tool for sanding maple cabinets is a random orbital sander. Sanding by hand will take significantly longer and will not be as effective. All surfaces of the cabinets, including doors, drawers, and wall boxes, need to be thoroughly sanded. After sanding, it is important to wipe down the surfaces with a tack cloth or use an air compressor to blow the dust out from the corners of the panels.

Sanding is also necessary between coats of primer and paint. This helps to remove any crumbs or dust particles that may have settled on the drying paint, ensuring a smooth finish. For sanding between coats, a finer grit, such as 320-grit, can be used.

Prime the cabinets

Priming maple cabinets is an important step in achieving a smooth and durable finish. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Choose the Right Primer:

Oil-based or shellac primers are the best options for maple cabinets. These primers effectively seal the surface and act as a strong bond coat. Avoid using latex primers as they may not adequately seal wood surfaces and may not create a durable finish.

Prepare the Cabinets:

Before priming, ensure that the cabinets are thoroughly cleaned and sanded. Use a random orbital sander with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any gloss and expose the bare wood. Wipe down the surfaces with a tack cloth to remove any dust. If there are inside corners or detailed areas, use an air compressor to blow out the dust.

Application Techniques:

You can apply the primer using an airless sprayer, brush, or roller. Spraying is the preferred method as it provides the best finish and saves time. If you choose to spray, equip your airless sprayer with a fine finish spray tip. Brushing and rolling are acceptable alternatives but may create a noticeable texture.

Recommended Primers:

For spraying, a recommended primer is B-I-N by Zinsser. This primer is ideal for spray application and levels nicely on the surface. If you prefer brushing or rolling, Cover Stain oil primer is a suitable option.

Drying and Storage:

After applying the primer, allow the cabinets to dry thoroughly. You can use a drying rack or set up a couple of sawhorses to place the doors and drawers while they dry. The Door Rack Painter is a great option as it allows you to paint both sides of the door on the same day.

Sanding Between Coats:

Before applying the second coat of primer, lightly sand the first coat with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections. Wipe the surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust particles before proceeding with the next coat.

Number of Coats:

Apply two coats of primer to ensure adequate coverage and a uniform finish. Allow each coat to dry completely before proceeding to the next.

By following these steps and allowing adequate drying time between coats, you will achieve a well-primed surface that is ready for the final coats of paint. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area when using oil-based primers and always follow the safety instructions on the product labels.

Apply two to three coats of paint

Once you have prepared the surface of your maple cabinets for painting, you can begin the painting process. Painting maple cabinets is best done by a professional, as maple is a very smooth wood, and any imperfections will be visible.

The first step is to apply a coat of primer. Oil primer or shellac primer are the best options for maple cabinets, as they seal the surface and act as a bond coat. Latex primers, on the other hand, are not recommended as they do not seal wood surfaces well. After priming, you can start applying the paint.

It is recommended to apply two to three coats of paint to your maple cabinets. Using a sprayer to apply the paint will result in a smoother and more uniform finish. If you are using a sprayer, you will need two coats of paint. However, if you are painting by hand, you will likely need an extra coat, especially if you are using white paint.

When choosing a paint, opt for a semi-gloss paint, as this will give your cabinets a nice sheen and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Pro Classic acrylic semi-gloss from Sherwin Williams is a good option, as it levels nicely when sprayed. Another option is Advance by Benjamin Moore, although this paint dries very slowly. If you are looking for a faster-drying option, consider Pro Classic, which has a recoat time of only four hours, allowing you to apply the second coat on the same day.

Frequently asked questions