How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets White (and Make Them Last)
The white kitchen cabinet trend shows no signs of slowing down. Crisp, bright white painted cabinets can make small spaces appear larger and open up dark, dated kitchens. Who wouldn't want that? But painting cabinets white and making them last takes diligent prep work, high quality materials, and proper application.
Read on to learn the essential techniques.
Step 1: Prepare Cabinets for Painting
Before applying any paint, it's crucial to start with pristine clean cabinets. Built-up grease, dirt, and residue can prevent paint from properly adhering and cause it to chip or peel prematurely.
Clean Surfaces Thoroughly
Give cabinet surfaces, doors, frames and interiors a deep clean using a TSP substitute to remove all grease, dirt and debris. Follow up by scrubbing all areas vigorously with an abrasive sponge or scrub pad. This removes surface contaminants so paint can form a strong mechanical bond.
Repair Damages
Inspect cabinets closely and use wood filler to patch holes, gouges, cracks or areas damaged by water exposure. Allow filler to dry completely, then sand smooth. Properly filled defects prevent uneven paint absorption.
Sand Cabinets
Now it's time to degloss and roughen up the cabinet surface using 80-120 grit sandpaper. Hand sanding works for small projects, but a random orbital sander makes quicker work for whole kitchen cabinet sets. The goal is to remove any existing finish or gloss so the new paint has something abrasive to cling to.
Remove Dust
Before priming or painting, meticulously wipe sanded cabinets using a microfiber tack cloth. This picks up fine wood dust and debris that could otherwise end up in your fresh paint job. Be sure to vacuum up any dust on surrounding surfaces too.
Step 2: Prime Cabinets
Priming is a non-negotiable must before painting cabinets white. Primer creates an adherent base layer that allows paint to glue on evenly. It also blocks stains and tannins from bleeding into the new white paint.
Why Priming is Crucial
High-quality primer delivers better paint adhesion and coverage, while preventing uneven absorption issues. Certain woods like oak, cherry and mahogany contain tannins that can cause staining or spotting issues when painted white. An oil-based primer provides a protective barrier.
Tinted vs. White Primer
For significantly dark cabinets, a tinted primer helps boost coverage and hide in fewer topcoat layers. For light to medium woods, plain white primers work fine. Evaluate the color and porosity of your wood cabinets to determine which primer hue works best.
Application Tips
Use a combination of angled trim brushes, mini rollers and foam brushes to work primer into recesses. Maintain a wet edge and work in sections to prevent lap marks. Allow primer to dry completely before sanding lightly and applying paint.
Step 3: Paint Cabinets
With surfaces prepped and primed, now the real cabinet transformation begins. Choosing a paint specifically formulated for kitchen cabinet use along with proper application techniques leads to a smooth, reflective finish.
Choosing Cabinet Paint
For a durable, rock-hard finish on cabinets, Advance by Benjamin Moore leads the pack in terms of paint quality and reputation. Other great options include Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel or Cabinet Coat. Consider sheen level, undertones and formula when selecting white cabinet paint.
Applying Cabinet Paint
Use a high quality angled sash brush for cutting in tight to edges and corners. Then quickly roll larger expanses before moving onto the next section. Maintaining a wet edge prevents lap marks and uneven sheen.
Dry & Recoat
Allow at least 2 hours between paint coats. Lightly sand glossy areas then wipe clean with a tack cloth before recoating. Building sufficient paint film thickness ensures maximum durability-- especially important for frequently used kitchen cabinet surfaces.
Number of Coats
While some paints provide good coverage in one coat, two to three coats allows for a thicker, more durable film build. Drastic color shifts like painting maple cabinets white or oak cabinets white may require additional coats for full opacity.
Step 4: Add Top Coat Protective Finish
Freshly painted cabinets appeal visually, but lack lasting durability without a protective top coat. Adding extra defensive layers greatly improves stain resistance, enhances gloss and creates a smooth feel.
Why Top Coating is Essential
An additional water-based finish glazes over painted cabinet surfaces to guard against moisture damage, yellowing and everyday wear. Durability takes a beating, especially on bottom cabinets which sustain kicks and scuffs. Top coating adds insurance.
Types of Clear Top Coats
Polyurethanes offer the ultimate protection for high use kitchens. Water-based options like Minwax Polycrylic protect painted cabinets while maintaining cleanability. For professional-grade durability, conversion varnishes provide a car-like finish.
Application Method
Use a smooth foam roller or high quality brush to apply top coat evenly without air bubbles. Maintain wet edges and adequate ventilation while working. Three coats allows for sanding between each to remove dust nibs for a polished, glass-like surface.
White cabinets are painted with quality paints and are protected. Limit direct sunlight exposure, promptly clean spills and gently dust to further prevent deterioriation.