Painting Behind Kitchen Cabinets: Worth The Effort?

Painting behind kitchen cabinets is not always necessary, but it is recommended to protect the drywall and achieve a professional finish. Bare drywall can absorb moisture and odours, and the kitchen is one area where you want to prevent this. Painting the walls behind the cabinets can also help prevent the growth of mould and mildew, which can be destructive to your kitchen walls and cabinets. Additionally, if you plan to remove a cabinet in the future, having a painted wall behind it will save you the trouble of having to complete the painting task later on.

Painting behind kitchen cabinets: a waste of time and resources?

Painting behind kitchen cabinets is a topic that has sparked varying opinions. Some individuals argue that it is unnecessary and a waste of time and resources, especially considering that the walls will be hidden by the cabinets. On the other hand, others advocate for painting all spaces, including those behind base and wall cabinets, to achieve a professional and consistent finish. So, is it worth the effort?

The Benefits of Painting Behind Kitchen Cabinets

There are several advantages to painting the walls behind your kitchen cabinets. Firstly, it helps to prevent moisture accumulation and the associated issues, such as odour development and mould growth. This is particularly important in the kitchen, which is often one of the wettest areas in the home. By painting behind the cabinets, you can protect your walls and cabinets from the damaging effects of moisture and prolong their lifespan.

Secondly, painting behind the cabinets allows for better colour consistency and quality throughout the kitchen. This is especially beneficial if you have a specific colour scheme that you want to maintain. Additionally, painting behind the cabinets can increase the resale value of your home, as homebuyers often look for a "perfect paint job" and prefer to avoid the hassle of matching colours or dealing with bare walls.

Practical Considerations

If you're contemplating painting behind your kitchen cabinets, it's essential to use the right type of paint. Choose high-quality paint that can prevent the effects of humidity, stains, and heat. Applying a coat of primer is also recommended, especially on bare drywall, to seal the surface and prevent moisture absorption, odour issues, and mould growth.

Another practical consideration is the time and effort required. Painting behind kitchen cabinets can be more challenging and time-consuming, especially if the cabinets are already installed. It demands more masking and careful work to avoid getting paint on the cabinets themselves.

In conclusion, whether or not painting behind kitchen cabinets is a waste of time and resources depends on your specific situation and preferences. While it may not be necessary in all cases, it offers several benefits, including moisture prevention, colour consistency, and increased resale value. If you decide to paint behind your kitchen cabinets, ensure you use the appropriate paint and primer and allocate enough time to complete the task thoroughly.

The benefits of priming the walls behind kitchen cabinets

While painting behind kitchen cabinets is not always necessary, applying a coat of primer can offer several benefits. Firstly, it helps to protect bare drywall, which is prone to absorbing moisture and odours, by acting as a barrier. This is especially important in the kitchen, where vapours, moisture, and airborne grease can penetrate and be absorbed into the drywall, potentially causing issues like mould and mildew. By priming the walls, you can prevent these problems and maintain the integrity of the drywall.

Another advantage of priming the walls behind kitchen cabinets is the added protection it provides against dirt and grime buildup. Paint acts as a barrier, making it easier to clean food particles and preventing them from becoming stuck in crevices. This helps to keep your cabinets looking newer for longer and reduces the need for frequent deep cleaning.

Priming also offers aesthetic benefits. It allows you to add a unique touch to your kitchen by using different colours or patterns on the backs of each cabinet. This can brighten up the space and create a distinctive design that reflects your personal style.

Additionally, priming the walls before installing kitchen cabinets can save time and effort in the long run. By preparing the surface and applying a coat of primer, you can ensure a more consistent and professional finish. This is especially beneficial if you plan to sell your home, as a well-painted kitchen can increase its value and appeal to potential buyers.

Overall, while it may not be strictly necessary, priming the walls behind kitchen cabinets offers practical and aesthetic advantages that are worth considering. It helps protect the drywall, enhances cleanliness, adds a unique design element, and can contribute to a more professional-looking kitchen.

How to paint kitchen cabinets: a step-by-step guide

Painting behind kitchen cabinets is not always necessary, but it is recommended to protect the drywall and achieve a professional finish. Painting the walls after priming is also suggested, even if they will be covered by cabinets.

Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint kitchen cabinets:

Step 1: Remove the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware

Take off all the cabinet doors and lay them out flat on clean drop cloths. For the cabinets that are still in place, use painter's tape to protect the walls. Remove the drawers and hardware. As you remove 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 2: Clean the cabinets

Use a good-quality degreaser to get rid of any built-up grease and grime. A TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution is an excellent choice. Scrub the cabinets, rinse thoroughly, and let them dry completely. You want a super-clean surface before starting to paint.

Step 3: Sand the cabinet doors

Lightly sand the cabinet surfaces using a fine-grit sandpaper or sanding block (around 220-grit). This helps create a slightly rough surface for the primer and paint to adhere to. Wipe off any dust created during sanding with a damp cloth.

Step 4: Prime the cabinets

Choose a high-quality primer specifically designed for cabinets. Apply a thin, even coat using a high-quality paintbrush and/or foam roller. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 5: Paint the cabinets

Use a high-quality paintbrush and/or foam roller to apply the paint. Roll on two thin, even coats, following the wood grain. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one.

Step 6: Let the paint cure

Once all the paint is on, let it cure. The longer you let it sit, the better. The manufacturer's instructions will specify how long to let it dry and then how long before it is totally cured.

Step 7: Reinstall the cabinet doors and hardware

Once the paint has dried, reinstall the door and drawer fronts. Reattach the door and drawer fronts, and then reinstall the knobs and other hardware. Use the labels to ensure that the doors and drawers go back in the correct spots.

The importance of painting behind kitchen cabinets for moisture prevention

Painting behind kitchen cabinets is an important step in maintaining the durability of your kitchen. While it may not seem necessary as the walls are hidden, this area of the kitchen is prone to accumulating grease and vapour, which can cause odour and mould issues. Painting the walls can help prevent these problems and protect your kitchen.

Moisture Prevention

The kitchen is one of the wettest places in your home, and moisture will inevitably find its way behind the cabinets. Painting behind the cabinets will create a barrier that prevents the further percolation of moisture, protecting your walls and cabinets. This is especially important if you live in a damp environment, as paint can hinder mould and mildew growth.

Preemptive Measures

Painting behind the cabinets also gives you the freedom to make adjustments to your kitchen setup in the future. For example, if you decide to remove a cabinet to create more space or improve symmetry, you won't have to worry about painting that area to match the rest of the kitchen. It's tricky to match paint colours, so it's better to paint the entire wall at once.

Professional Finish

A coat of paint behind the kitchen cabinets can also contribute to a professional finish. For homeowners planning to sell their homes, a complete and well-painted kitchen can help attract buyers and get the best sale price. Many homebuyers look for a perfect paint job and may be turned off by the prospect of having to paint themselves.

The best paint types and tools for painting kitchen cabinets

Painting kitchen cabinets is a great way to refresh your kitchen without embarking on a complete remodel. It is a surprisingly affordable yet time-consuming DIY project. Here are some tips on the best paint types and tools for painting kitchen cabinets:

Paint Types

Latex paint is typically the best type of paint for kitchen cabinets since it dries fast, is user-friendly, and has lower levels of VOCs than oil-based or alkyd paints. When choosing a latex paint, ensure it is 100% acrylic, as this offers greater durability and adhesion than vinyl acrylic paints.

Another option is alkyd paint, a water-based paint with an enamel finish similar to oil paint but without the oil. It is tougher than oil-based paint, leaving a hard, semi-gloss finish that is durable and can withstand scrubbing and cleaning. Alkyd paint is commonly used on metal or wood surfaces, including cabinets.

A third option is hybrid alkyd enamel paint, which combines the benefits of water-based and oil-based paints. It results in a durable and glossy finish that is water-resistant. However, hybrid paints tend to be more expensive.

Tools

When it comes to tools, you will need high-quality brushes or rollers for applying the paint. If you opt for brushes, invest in good-quality ones: a 3- to 4-inch-wide square brush for large, flat panels, and an angled brush in the 2½- or 3-inch-wide range for corners and moulding. If you are using latex paint, use a synthetic bristle brush, while for oil-based paint, a natural-bristle brush is recommended.

Alternatively, you can use a paint sprayer, which will give you a smoother and more professional finish. However, this option requires more preparation time and can be more costly due to the need to rent equipment and mask off other areas in the kitchen.

Other Considerations

Before painting, it is essential to properly prepare the cabinets by sanding, filling any cracks, and cleaning them. You may also need to prime the cabinets, especially if they are heavily stained or if you are using latex paint over oil-based paint. Allow sufficient drying time between coats, and consider applying multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat for a more durable finish.

Finally, protect the rest of your kitchen by covering surfaces with tarps, paper, or plastic covers to prevent paint splatters and drips.

Frequently asked questions