Transform Your Kitchen: Paint Your Cabinets Like A Pro

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh look without breaking the bank. It's a straightforward DIY project that can be completed in a weekend, depending on the size of your kitchen and how quickly you work. However, it is time-consuming and requires careful preparation and multiple steps to ensure a smooth and durable finish.

The first step is to choose the right type of paint and primer for your cabinet material – wood, laminate, or metal. Then, you need to remove the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware and give them a thorough cleaning to remove any grease or dirt. After that, you'll need to sand the surfaces to create a rough texture that will help the paint adhere better. Once the surfaces are prepared, you can start painting, using a combination of brushes and rollers for the best results. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying and curing times between coats.

With some careful planning and attention to detail, you can give your kitchen cabinets a brand-new look that will last for years to come.

Choosing the right paint

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to update your kitchen without the cost of installing brand-new cabinets. The right paint will depend on a few factors, including the material of your cabinets, the colour scheme of your kitchen, and your budget.

Oil vs. Latex vs. Alkyd Paint

There are a few different types of paint that are suitable for kitchen cabinets. Oil-based paints are known for their resilient finish and are super easy to clean. However, they take a long time to dry between coats (up to 16 hours) and can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be dangerous.

Latex paint is a good choice for most kitchen cabinets as it offers lower levels of VOCs and is quicker to dry. Advances in water-based paint formulas mean that latex paint can now stand up to scrubbing and cleaning.

Alkyd paint is a water-based paint with an enamel finish similar to oil paint. It is tougher than oil-based paint and leaves a hard, semi-gloss finish that is durable and can stand up to scrubbing. Alkyd paints require less prep work and can be harmful if not used in a ventilated area.

Choosing the Right Colour

When choosing a colour for your kitchen cabinets, you'll want to consider your countertops, flooring, and overall colour scheme. While you don't have to match everything, it's important to choose a colour that complements the other elements in your kitchen. If you live in a warm climate with lots of natural light, you may want to avoid dark paint, which can absorb heat. Very pale and very dark shades also show wear and tear more quickly than mid-range hues.

Best Paint Brands

Some of the best paint brands for kitchen cabinets include Benjamin Moore, Behr, Sherwin-Williams, Valspar, Glidden, and Clare. When choosing a paint, look for one that is designed for high-touch surfaces and offers good coverage, durability, and stain resistance. It's also important to consider the finish, with semi-gloss or high-gloss being the best options for kitchen cabinets as they stand up better to daily use and are easier to clean.

Preparing to paint

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to update your kitchen without the cost of a full remodel. It is a time-consuming project, so it is important to prepare properly.

First, you will need to gather your supplies. You will need paint, of course, but also paintbrushes, rollers, and trays. You will also need sandpaper, primer, a drop cloth or plastic sheeting, and cleaning supplies. If your cabinets are made of laminate, you will need a special bonding primer. You may also want to get some wood filler to repair any damage to the cabinets.

Before you begin painting, you will need to remove the cabinet doors and hardware. Number each door and its corresponding location with painter's tape to make reassembly easier. You should also remove everything from inside the cabinets, as the painting process will be messy.

Next, clean the cabinet surfaces with a degreaser to remove any built-up grease and grime. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a good option for this. Be sure to rinse the cabinets thoroughly and let them dry completely.

Once the cabinets are clean, you can begin repairing any damage. Use wood filler to fill in any dents, holes, or scratches. Smooth the filler with a putty knife and let it dry completely.

After the filler is dry, you can begin sanding the cabinets. Use a medium-grit sandpaper to scuff up the existing finish and create a slightly rough surface for the primer and paint to adhere to. Be sure to wipe away any dust created during sanding with a damp cloth.

Finally, if you are painting laminate cabinets, you will need to sand the laminate lightly before applying primer. Be careful not to sand too deeply, as this can damage the laminate.

Priming the cabinets

Priming your kitchen cabinets is a crucial step in the painting process. Primer provides a suitable surface for the paint to stick to and helps cover any imperfections. Here is a step-by-step guide to priming your kitchen cabinets:

Step 1: Paint the Cabinet Frames

Begin by priming the cabinet frames. Work from the inside out, starting at the back and moving towards the front. Use a brush to get into corners and detailed areas. Be sure to use even strokes and finish back into the wet primer.

Step 2: Paint Large Areas

For large, flat areas, use a mini roller to apply the primer. It doesn't have to be perfect; its purpose is to create a base for the finish paint. Work on one area at a time. After covering the surface, go over it again with a dry roller or brush to remove any buildup. This step is called "laying off".

Step 3: Paint the Doors and Drawers

Now, move on to the doors and drawers. Start with the backside, applying a smooth, even coat. Once that coat is dry, flip the door over and paint the front, starting with the detailed areas. Ensure the primer doesn't pool in the corners and feather out the edges. Then, use a foam roller for the larger, flat surfaces. Use painter's tripods to lift the doors and drawers, making it easier to paint the edges.

For drawers, it is usually best to only paint the front piece, as painting the sides and bottom can cause sticking. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, which usually takes a few hours.

Step 4: Sanding

Some primers recommend sanding before painting. If so, lightly sand the primed surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to and remove any imperfections. Be sure to wipe off any dust with a damp cloth after sanding.

Priming your kitchen cabinets is an important step to ensure the paint adheres well and your finished product looks smooth and professional.

Painting the cabinets

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank. It is a straightforward DIY project, albeit a time-consuming one. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a professional finish:

Step 1: Preparation

First, you need to assess the condition of your cabinets. If they are already painted, you can paint over the existing coat, but it is important to note that this may affect the final aesthetic and adhesion of the new paint. If the existing paint is in poor condition, it is best to remove it completely. You should also determine if your cabinets are made of wood, laminate, or metal, as this will impact the type of paint and primer you need.

Step 2: Gather Supplies

Purchase high-quality paint and primer suitable for your cabinet material. For wood cabinets, you can use either latex or oil-based paint. If your cabinets are laminate, you will need a special bonding primer. Acrylic latex-based paint is durable and easy to clean up. Make sure to have all the necessary tools, such as brushes, rollers, sandpaper, and degreaser.

Step 3: Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Take off all the cabinet doors and hardware. Label each door and its corresponding location with painter's tape to ensure easy reassembly. Place the hardware in a safe location.

Step 4: Clean and Repair

Use a degreaser, such as trisodium phosphate (TSP), to thoroughly clean the cabinet surfaces, removing any built-up grease and grime. Repair any damaged areas with wood filler and let it dry. Lightly sand the cabinets to create a rough surface for better paint adhesion.

Step 5: Prime

Apply a thin, even coat of primer to the cabinet surfaces, including the doors and frames. Use a high-quality paintbrush and/or foam roller for a smooth finish. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 6: Paint

Now it's time to paint! Use a high-quality paint in the colour of your choice. Apply two thin, even coats of paint, following the direction of the wood grain if applicable. Use a paintbrush and/or foam roller to avoid streaks or brush marks. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one.

Step 7: Reassemble

Once the paint is completely dry, reassemble the cabinets. Reattach the doors, drawers, and hardware. Enjoy your freshly painted kitchen cabinets!

Reassembling the cabinets

Once your cabinets are painted and fully cured, it's time to reassemble them. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Reinstall the doors and drawers. Use the labels you made earlier to ensure that each component goes back in its correct spot.
• If you are using new cabinet hardware that requires drilling new holes, use a special jig designed for cabinet or drawer hardware (also known as a mounting template) to ensure everything is lined up correctly.
• Install new hardware such as knobs and hinges.
• If you are reusing the old hardware, make sure to clean it before reinstalling. You can also refinish it with spray paint to give it a new look.
• If you removed the hinges earlier, you will need to reinstall them.
• Adjust the doors and hardware as needed.
• Stand back and admire your handiwork!

Additional Steps

Now that your cabinets are painted and reassembled, you might want to consider some additional steps to complete your kitchen makeover:

• Add shelf liners to your cabinets. There are various options available, including decorative liners that stick to the surface and padded liners that help protect the shelves.
• Install under-cabinet lighting or a new backsplash to further enhance the look of your kitchen.
• If you removed your appliances during the painting process, now is the time to put them back in place.

Frequently asked questions