Give Your Cabinets a Flawless Finish by Spray Painting

If your kitchen cabinets are looking worn and dated, a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference without the expense of a full remodel. Painting cabinets is a budget-friendly way to transform the look of your kitchen in a weekend. While painting cabinets by hand with a brush may seem easy enough, it often leads to an uneven finish with visible brush marks. For truly professional-looking results, spraying your cabinets is the best application method to get a smooth, consistent finish.

Spray painting may sound intimidating, but with the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can paint your cabinets to look like they just came off the showroom floor.

Why Spray Painting Beats Brushing or Rolling for Kitchen Cabinets

Spraying delivers better looking results than hand painting cabinets for several reasons:

• You can achieve a smooth, factory-like finish without any visible brush marks.
• Spray guns allow the paint to reach into recesses and details better than brushes can.
• Spraying is a much more efficient workflow compared to the tedious brushwork required to paint cabinets by hand.
• A spray gun provides consistent coverage using overlapping spray techniques.

While spraying does require more prep work upfront, the time savings and superior finish are well worth the extra effort.

Cabinet Painting Preparation Tips

Proper prep is crucial for getting great results when spray painting kitchen cabinets. Here are some tips:

• Clean cabinet surfaces thoroughly using a degreaser or TSP substitute to remove grease and grime.
• Lightly sand surfaces to rough them up and promote paint adhesion.
• Fill any holes, dents or imperfections with wood filler and allow to dry fully.
• Apply a bonding primer to bare wood surfaces before painting.
• Mask off and cover any areas you don't want to get paint on, like the countertops, floors and backsplashes.

Pay close attention to prep and don't rush through it. Proper prep removes contaminants, creates a uniform surface for paint adhesion, and prevents drips and splatters. Expect the prep process to take up to a full day.

Recommended Paints for Kitchen Cabinet Spray Painting

Choosing the right cabinet paint is key for achieving a durable and flawless finish. Here are some top-rated options:

• Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel - A popular, high-quality acrylic-alkyd paint that dries to a smooth, hard finish. It resists nicks, stains, and yellowing.
• Benjamin Moore Advance - A waterborne alkyd paint designed for kitchen cabinets with self-leveling qualities for a smooth finish.
• Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion - A premium interior enameling paint with a durable, washable, and rich finish.
• Behr Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel - An affordable urethane acrylic paint for cabinets available at most hardware stores.
• Valspar Cabinet Enamel - A self-leveling paint that dries evenly with a hard, durable finish.

When evaluating cabinet paints, look for these key features:

• A high-quality alkyd (oil-based) or acrylic formula
• Urethane-modified resins for maximum hardness and durability
• A semi-gloss or gloss sheen that allows for easy cleaning
• Stain, scratch, and chip resistance

Essential Spray Painting Tools and Equipment

Having the right spray setup is crucial for getting great results on cabinet projects. Here are the key items you'll need:

• An HVLP spray gun with interchangeable tip sizes for control.
• An airless sprayer or electric turbine sprayer with at least .5 horsepower.
• An air compressor with a minimum of 6 CFM at 40 PSI.
• Paint filters and spray shields for the spray gun.
• High-density foam rollers and quality nylon/polyester brushes for trim.
• Painters tape , drop cloths , and protective gear like glasses, gloves, and respirators.

Buying or renting this equipment requires an initial investment. But the right tools allow you to achieve professional-grade results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Spraying Kitchen Cabinets

Follow these steps for flawless spray painted cabinets:

1. Completely mask off any areas not being painted and lay down plastic sheeting to protect floors.
2. Working in sections, apply the paint using overlapping horizontal and vertical passes while maintaining a consistent distance from the surface.
3. Build up multiple thin coats; allowing proper drying time between coats.
4. Sand lightly to smooth out any drips or rough patches between coats.
5. Apply additional thin coats until you achieve full, even coverage and your desired finish.
6. Thoroughly clean the spray gun and equipment after use.

Rushing the spraying process can lead to drips, sags, and uneven coverage. Working methodically to apply light coats produces the best results.

Tips for Achieving Professional Painted Cabinet Results

Follow these tips and techniques for a flawless, professional-looking painted cabinet finish:

• Thoroughly mask off hinges, handles, and hardware to prevent paint build up.
• Use an angled trim brush to carefully paint hard-to-reach corners and edges.
• Hang cabinet doors horizontally during the drying process to prevent sagging.
• Test your chosen cabinet color on a sample board under natural and artificial light to ensure it's perfect.
• Allow the paint to cure fully, up to 2 weeks, before reinstalling cabinet doors and drawers.

Take your time with the details and apply multiple thin coats for best results. Proper spraying and drying techniques prevent mishaps.

Maintaining your painted cabinets helps them retain their like-new appearance. Follow these care tips:

• Gently hand wash cabinets using a mild detergent; avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive pads.
• Immediately touch up any nicks, scratches or dents to prevent damage from spreading.
• Limit opening and closing doors during the paint's initial 2 week curing period.
• Apply a high quality paste wax or polish 1-2 times per year for added protection.

Treating freshly painted cabinets gently while the paint fully cures allows for maximum durability. Proper occasional polishing enhances the finish over time.

Upgrading your kitchen with a fresh coat of spray paint is an achievable DIY project that can give your space a brand new look. While spraying cabinets requires an initial investment in high-quality paint and equipment, you'll save thousands over the cost of new cabinetry. Following the recommendations in this guide will help you achieve flawless, professional-looking results and a kitchen you'll love showing off.