How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
Introduction
Has your kitchen been growing weary and grimy around the edges? Would a fresh coat of paint or stain totally new it up and make it look bright, modern and energized, but something above rearranging your linens and tossing a hand towel over your oven hood? Would you love to paint your own kitchen cabinets that now look 10 years old? Would you love to repaint that gorgeous 1920s cabinet set without hiring a pricey professional whose crew arrives in a van that looks like it was staged for a Three Stooges movie? Here’s how.
Gathering Supplies
Essential Tools and Materials
And that step is a very important one, by the way – make sure you have all the tools you need, as well as any other materials you might need, like sandpaper, cleaning solutions, painter’s tape, primer and paint – both latex and stains, brushes and a sprayer if you plan to use one. Gather everything before you begin so you don’t have to run back and forth trying to find what you need.
Choosing the Right Paint
Painting kitchen cabinets isn’t just about picking out a shiny new coat of paint. It’s crucial to find high-quality paint that can withstand heavy use. Because the kitchen sees a lot of action, you want to use a very tough, semi-gloss or satin finish paint that is easy to clean so it looks fresh for a long time.
Prepping the Cabinets
Cleaning and Degreasing
Second, you’re going to have to scrub those cabinets. Kitchen cabinets are usually gross and greasy, and no amount of paint is going to adhere to a dirty surface. Use the heavy duty degreaser to clean every square inch of your cabinets. This is step number two.
Sanding the Surface
Finally, lightly sand the cabinets to give the paint something to grip. You aren’t stripping the cabinets to bare wood here, you just want to roughen up the surface. Use a fine-grit sandpaper and go over every inch of it.
Repairing Any Damage
Look for dents or holes, then fill in the damaged area with wood filler, allow it to dry and smooth it out. Get the surface well prepared because it can make or break any finished project.
Protecting Your Kitchen
Covering Countertops and Appliances
This is a messy activity, so you’ll want to protect your kitchen. Cover your countertops, appliances and floors with drop cloths sealed with painter’s tape or plastic sheets. Now, tape off any areas you don’t want to paint with painter’s tape.
Ventilation and Safety
Please ventilate your working area well, especially when working with primers and paints: open windows, use fans, wear a fan. Safety first!
Priming the Cabinets
Types of Primers
Priming is probably the most important step of this whole process that you don’t want to skip… It allows the paint to really stick to your cabinets and gives your new finish a ‘staying power’. Not to beat a dead horse, but you should probably use a primer that isn’t water-soluble, again for the same reasons listed above.
Applying Primer Correctly
Spread the primer in thin, even coats and let it dry completely before going over it with fine-grit sandpaper. You’re now ready to paint, but take your sweet time with this primer job. Do it well and your paint will look great.
Painting the Cabinets
Techniques for a Smooth Finish
In painting, thin coats are better than thick coats; they dry quicker and are less apt to drip or run. Paint the doors and the drawer fronts first, then, when those are dry, turn your hand to the frames of the cabinets. Take long strokes in painting to get your best coat.
Using a Brush vs. a Sprayer
Brushes serve you well on details, but a sprayer will give better results if you are after professional finishes. Try out your spray gun on a piece of cardboard for a while before spraying your project to get the hang of things. It doesn’t matter how good spray application you show, you still need to use multiple thin coats.
Drying and Curing Time
Understanding Drying Times
The paint shouldn’t be applied immediately after the previous coat has been applied. Dry-out times vary by paint type, so check the label for your specific kind of paint. Rushing the process will result in a poor, sticky finish to your new coat of paint.
Tips for Proper Curing
Your last coat will need to dry completely, and the paint will have to cure – this could be anywhere from a few days to a week – but it’ll make it last longer. Don’t use your cabinets too much during that time; painting is worth the wait.
Reassembling Your Kitchen
Reattaching Doors and Hardware
When everything has been dried and cured, then it is time to set everything back up in the kitchen. Replace the doors, along with all the hardware. Replace old hardware with new hardware if you’re feeling especially ambitious in your quest for a new look.
Final Touches
See if touch-ups or details are needed, which a little paint here and there will fix. Take a step back – a job well done!
Maintenance Tips
Cleaning Painted Cabinets
To keep their ready-to-paint cabinets looking good, give them a weekly wipe-down with a mild, soapy water solution. This will keep the paint preserved, but chemicals can eat at lacquer and veneers, so never clean with harsh chemicals. Keep it simple and a little professional maintenance will go a long way.
Touch-Up Techniques
Keep a pot of paint for touch-ups. People tend to spill things, and they slip a lot, so you’re going to want to have some touch-up paint for when you have these unforeseen issues.
Conclusion
If your kitchen cabinets are looking dated, give them a quick refresh by painting them. It’s far less expensive than replacing them and is an easy way to put your own personal touches on the room. With the right supplies, a little patience and this guide, you’ll get professional-looking results. Good luck and happy painting!
FAQs
Can I paint over laminated cabinets?
Yes, but do make sure you use a special type of undercoat paint for laminate.
How long does it take to paint kitchen cabinets?
The whole process can take days – as well as accounting for the drying time between coats, you need to allow for the cure time after painting. So be prepared.
What’s the best type of paint for kitchen cabinets?
When painting kitchen cabinets, high-quality paint with a semi-gloss or satin finish provides a durable, washable finish.
Do I need to remove the cabinet doors before painting?
It is especially useful (painting the inside of a house), because getting inside the room without doors would help to make it easier to paint and achieve a higher level of professionalism.
How do I prevent brush marks when painting?
Apply thin coats with a good brush or spray gun, and sand lightly between coats to achieve a nice, smooth finish.
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