Revamp Your Cabinets: A Guide To Resurfacing With Paint

Painting your cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a new look without breaking the bank. It is a straightforward DIY project that can be completed in a few days, but it is time-consuming and requires patience for a smooth finish. The process involves removing cabinet doors and hardware, cleaning and repairing surfaces, sanding, priming, and painting. The right tools and preparation are key to achieving a professional finish.

Choosing the right paint

Regardless of the material of your cabinets, you should look for paint that is designed for high-use areas. Some paint manufacturers make extreme-bond paints that adhere well and dry hard. You should also choose a paint that resists scratching.

If you are painting your kitchen cabinets, the best type of paint to use is semi-gloss, gloss, or satin. Matte paint is not practical in kitchens because it is not durable and it is difficult to clean. Semi-gloss paint is a good balance between eggshell and high-gloss paint, and it works well with any style of kitchen. It reflects light and can make colours look more vibrant, but it does accentuate imperfections, so be sure to clean and sand your cabinets before painting. Gloss paint is extremely durable and is often used in modern kitchens, but it will show imperfections, scratches, and fingerprints more easily than other types of paint.

When choosing between acrylic, alkyd, and oil paint, there are several factors to consider. Water-based acrylic paint is breathable and water-resistant, and it does not leave a strong chemical odour. Alkyd paints, which are often thought of as oil-based, are actually enamel finishes with a finish similar to that of oil-based paints. They are perfect for high-moisture rooms and are often stain-resistant. Oil paint, on the other hand, is the hardest and most durable type of paint, but it takes longer to dry and is harder to clean up.

Preparing to paint

Painting cabinets is a time-consuming process that will take several days to complete, so make sure you plan accordingly. It is also important to wear the appropriate safety gear, such as a dust mask or painting safety mask, and to ensure there is proper ventilation by opening windows.

Step 1: Assess the Cabinet's Condition

First, determine the condition of your cabinets. If the cabinets are already painted, they can be painted again if the existing paint is in good condition. If the paint is not in good condition, it will need to be removed. Stripping products are available that make this process easy. Simply apply them with a brush, wait for the stripper to react with the old paint, then use a plastic scraper to peel it away. Once dry, remove any remaining paint with sandpaper.

Step 2: Empty the Cabinets and Remove the Doors

Empty the cabinets. You will be sanding later, which can be a dusty process. Remove the doors, drawers, and hardware. As you are removing the doors and drawers, label where they go with painter's tape so you can reinstall them in the correct spots. Place the hardware in a plastic bag or cup and label where it goes.

Step 3: Remove Dirt and Grease, and Repair Damages

Clean all surfaces with a TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaner to remove any grease and dirt. Repair damaged areas with wood filler. Use a putty knife to press it in and smooth it out. Let it dry according to the directions. Don't fill the hardware holes if you plan on using the same hardware. If you are replacing the hardware, you may need to use wood filler for holes that don't line up with the new hardware.

Step 4: Prep the Area and Sand

Cover your countertops, appliances, and other areas you want to protect. Placing painter's tape on the wall along the cabinet edges can be helpful. Sand everything with medium-grit sandpaper to help the paint stick to the surface. Fold the sandpaper to get into detailed areas on doors, drawers, and corners of the frames. If you are painting laminate cabinets, use a special bonding primer. Some primers require sanding the laminate, but be careful not to sand too deep and damage the laminate. A light once-over will do.

Step 5: Vacuum the Area

Clean all surfaces with a vacuum and a tack cloth. Everything should be dust-free before painting.

Removing cabinet doors

Removing the cabinet doors is an important step in resurfacing your cabinets with paint. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

Step 1: Prepare the Workspace

Before removing the cabinet doors, it is essential to prepare your workspace to make the process smoother. Clear the counters and relocate any tables or furniture to another room. Cover the countertops, appliances, and other areas you want to protect. Placing painter's tape on the wall along the cabinet edges can be helpful to protect the walls from paint.

Step 2: Label the Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Each cabinet door, drawer, and hardware piece should be labelled with painter's tape or markers to ensure proper installation during reassembly. Mark where each piece belongs to prevent mixing up the doors. The best place for this mark is behind the hinge location. This will help you keep track of which door or drawer goes where and ensure proper alignment during reinstallation.

Step 3: Remove the Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Start by removing the doors from the cabinet frames. Back out the hinge screws and take off the doors carefully. If you encounter any difficulties in unscrewing the hardware, you may need to refer to a guide on removing stripped screws. Place the hardware in a plastic bag or container and label it accordingly.

Step 4: Clean and Repair

Once all the doors and hardware have been removed, it is essential to clean the cabinet frames and doors to remove any dirt, grease, or residue. You can use a degreaser solution or a TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaner for this step. If there are any damaged areas, such as dents or holes, fill them with wood filler using a putty knife and let it dry. Sand the filled areas to ensure a smooth surface.

Step 5: Sand the Surfaces

Lightly sand all the surfaces, including the cabinet frames and doors, to create a rough surface that will help the paint adhere better. Use medium-grit sandpaper and fold it to get into the detailed areas, such as corners, doors, and drawers. If your cabinets have a laminate finish, be careful not to sand too deeply, as you could damage the laminate. A light sanding will suffice.

Step 6: Vacuum and Wipe Down

After sanding, use a vacuum to remove any dust or residue from the surfaces. Follow up with a tack cloth to ensure that all surfaces are completely dust-free and ready for the next step, which is priming and painting.

Cleaning and repairing cabinets

Before painting your cabinets, it is important to clean and repair them to ensure the best possible finish. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Inspect the Cabinets: Look for any areas that require special attention, such as heavy grease buildup or damage. Remove all items from the cabinets.
• Vacuum the Cabinets: Use a vacuum to remove any visible dirt or debris from the cabinets.
• Remove Candle Wax, Crayon Marks, and Dried Food: Use a scraper or putty knife to gently remove any stubborn substances stuck to the cabinet surface.
• Mix a Degreasing Solution: In a bucket, mix a degreasing solution following the manufacturer's instructions. You can use a commercial product like Krud Kutter or a natural solution of vinegar and water or baking soda and water.
• Apply the Degreaser: Using a sponge or cloth, apply the degreaser to the cabinets, working from the top down. Pay special attention to areas around handles and knobs, as these tend to accumulate dirt and grease.
• Scrub the Cabinets: Use a scouring pad or scrub brush to gently scrub the cabinets in circular motions. Rinse the cabinets with clean water and wipe them down with a soft cloth to remove any residue.
• Repair Wood Damage: If there are any dents, holes, or nail holes, use wood filler to fill and smooth out the damaged areas. Allow the filler to dry, then sand the area to create a smooth finish.
• Sand the Cabinets: Lightly sand the cabinets with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots and create a uniform surface. Sand in the direction of the wood grain and be careful not to over-sand, especially if you have laminate cabinets.
• Clean and Vacuum Again: After sanding, use a tack cloth or damp cloth to remove any dust or residue left on the cabinets. Follow up with a vacuum to ensure all dust is removed.
• Fill Hardware Holes (if necessary): If you are replacing the hardware, fill the existing hardware holes with wood filler and smooth it out. Allow it to dry and sand if needed.

By following these steps, your cabinets will be clean, repaired, and ready for the next steps in the resurfacing process, such as priming and painting.

Priming cabinets

Priming your cabinets is an important step in the resurfacing process. It provides a suitable surface for the paint to stick to and covers any imperfections.

Firstly, you will need to remove the cabinet doors and drawers from the cabinet frame. Place the screws back into the hardware, then seal the hardware and screws in painter's tape and label them. Remove all door handles and hardware. It is always best to put every screw back in the exact place it came from to put the least amount of stress on the wood.

Next, sand the surfaces of the doors, drawer faces, and cabinet frames to create a smooth surface for priming. Start with 100-150 grit sandpaper and finish with 180-220 grit sandpaper. Remember, the higher the "grit" number, the smoother the finish. When sanding, always move the sandpaper in the same direction as the wood grain. If you go against the grain, you will end up with a lot of nasty scratches that will show through your topcoat. After sanding, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue. Primer and paint won't stick to dust, so this is an important step. After wiping, allow the surface to dry before moving on to priming.

When applying primer, move in the same direction as the wood grain for the best results. To get better coverage along the sides of your door, raise it off your work surface with bricks. Allow two hours for the primer to dry.

Now, you are ready to start priming! Work from the inside out, starting at the back of the cabinet and working towards the front. Use a brush to get into corners and detailed areas. It is important to use even strokes and finish back into the wet primer. Use a mini roller on large, flat areas. Primer doesn't have to look perfect—its purpose is to cover the surface and provide a good base for the finish paint. Work on one area at a time. When you've covered the surface, take your dry roller or brush (don't reload it) and lightly go over the surface again to remove any buildup. This is called "laying off".

For the doors and drawers, start with the backside and apply a smooth, even coat. When it's dry, flip the door over and paint the front. Start with the detailed areas, making sure the primer doesn't pool in the corners, and feather out the edges. Then, work on the larger, flat surfaces with a foam roller. Use painter's tripods to lift the doors and drawers up from your painting surface, which will make it easier to paint the edges. For drawers, it is best to just paint the drawer front piece rather than the entire drawer, as painting the sides and bottom can cause the drawers to stick in the frames. Allow the primer to dry according to the directions—usually a few hours.

Some primers recommend sanding before painting, so be sure to follow all directions.

Frequently asked questions