Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a Makeover with Spray Paint

Is your kitchen looking a little dated and dreary? Those oak cabinets from the 90's just aren't cutting it anymore. But a full kitchen remodel can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Why go through that hassle and expense when you can give your cabinets a makeover with spray paint?

Spray painting can transform the entire look of your kitchen in a weekend for just a fraction of the cost. The results will astonish you. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to DIY spray paint your cabinets like a pro.

Assessing Your Existing Cabinets

Not all cabinets are created equal when it comes to spray painting. The condition of your existing cabinets will determine if they are good candidates for a simple makeover, or need complete replacement.

What to Look For

Inspect your cabinets closely for any damage or wear and tear. Are the cabinet boxes structurally sound, or sagging and warped? Do doors and drawers open and close properly? Is the laminate peeling away in spots?

Tap on the cabinet boxes. Solid wood cabinets will give a sturdy sound, while particle board and laminate cabinets sound hollow. Laminates also show wear more over time.

Good Candidates vs. Replace

Cabinets made from quality solid wood are best for spray painting, as the paint adheres well. Simple cosmetic fixes like new hardware can make even damaged solid wood cabinets look brand new. For particle board or laminate cabinets, extensive repairs may be needed prior to painting. Severely damaged cabinets may need complete replacement.

To test, clean a small inner cabinet area with TSP substitute and lightly sand. Spray a primer and paint sample. If the paint adheres smoothly, you can feel confident to proceed with painting the rest.

Choosing Your Paint

With all the cabinet paint options out there, it can be overwhelming to select the right one. Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing paint for a spray paint makeover.

Paint Types

Oil-based paints create a harder finish that's more resistant to chips and scratches. But they require mineral spirits for cleanup and take 30 days to fully cure. Latex acrylic paints are lower odor, clean up with soap and water, and cure faster.

Paints and kits formulated just for painting cabinets like Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations are a foolproof option. They include all the products needed to prep, paint, and seal the cabinets for a professional quality finish.

Sheen Levels

For cabinets, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes are the most popular choices. Satin provides a smooth finish while minimizing imperfections. Semi-gloss has a shiny, polished look. High-gloss has a mirror-like shine.

Matte finishes hide imperfections but show grime easily. Choose a sheen to match your overall kitchen style.

Colors

Today's trending kitchen cabinet colors are white, light gray, navy, and black. But you can choose any color your heart desires! Pick a light neutral to make a small kitchen feel more spacious. Bold colors make a statement.

Test sample sized cans first on an inconspicuous spot before committing to a gallon. Colors look different on large surfaces than tiny paint chips.

Brand Recommendations

Quality cabinet paint brands include Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin Williams ProClassic, and Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations. Behr and Valspar also make good budget-friendly options. Read reviews to select the right one for your project.

Preparing Cabinets for Painting

Proper prep work and priming are musts for a smooth spray painted finish. Allow more time than you think for this important step.

Removing Doors and Hardware

Remove doors, drawers, and hardware prior to cleaning and painting. Label them to ensure easy reinstallation later. Take off knobs first, then hinges to remove doors/drawers intact.

Cleaning and Sanding

Wash cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers with TSP substitute to remove grease and grime. Lightly sand surfaces to rough them up so the paint can adhere. Wipe clean with a tack cloth before priming.

Priming

A quality primer designed for cabinets, like Zinsser BIN Shellac-Based Primer, improves paint adhesion and prevents bleed-through from wood knots or stains. Use a foam brush for a smooth coat. Allow proper dry time before painting.

Fixing Imperfections

Fill any holes, scratches or imperfections with wood filler before priming and painting. Replace any pieces that are too damaged to salvage.

Spray Painting Process

With thorough prep work completed, now the fun part begins - spray painting! Using the right tools and techniques results in a flawless, smooth finish.

Spray Paint Equipment

Invest in an HVLP spray gun and air compressor if you'll be painting many cabinets. It provides the most even professional results. Spray cans also work for small projects.

Set Up Workspace

Prep your workspace by covering floors and countertops with drop cloths. Use painters tape and plastic sheeting as needed to mask off areas. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows. You can also paint cabinets outdoors.

Spraying Cabinet Boxes

Keep sprayer 6-8 inches from surfaces and alternate between horizontal and vertical passes for even coverage. Paint the cabinet sides first, then outside frame, then center panels last.

Spraying Doors

Lay cabinet doors horizontally across sawhorses or large blocks to spray both sides. Spray in direction of wood grain. Let dry completely before flipping to other side.

Applying Top Coats

Follow manufacturer's instructions for dry time before applying additional top coats for desired coverage and sheen. Finish with a clear coat for an extra protective layer.

Reinstalling Doors, Hardware & Adjusting

The final step to a successful makeover is reinstalling the doors, drawers, and hardware. Make any needed tweaks to ensure smooth operation.

Hanging Doors Straight

Carefully hang each door and use shims to adjust until even gaps reveal it's hanging straight. Ensure doors open and close with ease.

Replacing Hardware

Reinstall existing hardware, or upgrade to new handles and knobs to complement your fresh paint job. Adjust alignments as needed.

Letting Cure

Allow several weeks for oil-based cabinet paint to fully cure before using kitchen. Open windows to circulate air. Latex paint cures faster.

Protecting & Maintaining Paint Finish

Your kitchen cabinet makeover is complete! Follow these tips to keep your spray painted cabinets looking like new for years.

Use only gentle cleaners. Avoid abrasives. Install drawer liners and use cutting boards to protect from scratches. Keep touch up paint handy for any nicks in the finish.

Spray painting kitchen cabinets delivers an amazing transformation without the hefty price tag of a full remodel. With proper preparation, materials, and technique, even novices can achieve professional-quality results.

Follow the steps in this guide for a smooth makeover from start to finish. We hope you'll be astonished when you look at your "new" kitchen after a simple coat of spray paint!