Old and Dated Kitchen? Refresh it Instantly With These Expert Tips for Grey Painted Cabinets
Is your kitchen looking tired and outdated? Drab oak cabinets from the 90s bringing down your whole space? Kitchen renovations can cost thousands, but you don’t need to bust your budget for a fresh, contemporary look. Painting your existing cabinets grey is an affordable and easy way to transform the heart of your home in a weekend!
Grey is one of the most popular colors right now for kitchen cabinets. Choosing a shade of grey paint revitalizes wood cabinets, updates the aesthetic, and creates a clean, modern style. The versatile neutral grey complements any decor from farmhouse to contemporary. Ready to say goodbye to boring brown cabinets? Let’s explore the world of gorgeous grey painted kitchen cabinets!
Why Choose Grey for a Kitchen Cabinet Makeover?
Grey paint offers some major advantages for upgrading your kitchen on a budget:
- It’s a trendy neutral that suits any decor style from modern to traditional.
- Warms up cool wood tones and brightens dated oak or cherry cabinets.
- Available in a wide spectrum from light greige to dramatic charcoal.
- Sophisticated and contemporary for a clean, updated look.
- Way less expensive than replacing cabinets or solid remodel.
- Quick DIY paint project transforms the space in a weekend.
Whether you love crisp white kitchens or moody dark palette, there’s a perfect grey for you. Light, warm greige (grey + beige) creates an approachable and airy look. Bold dark grey makes a sophisticated style statement. Mix grey cabinets with contrasts like white countertops and brass accents. The color possibilities are endless!
Cool vs Warm Grey Cabinet Colors
Grey paint comes in a range of undertones from cool blues to warm taupes. Generally, warm greys complement wood cabinetry best. But if you have a modern kitchen with sleek lines, a cooler grey adds an icy punch. Here are some stunning grey cabinet shades to consider:
- Warm greys: greige, taupe-grey, mushroom, brown-grey
- Cool greys: ice grey, blue-grey, frosted grey, charcoal
Which Grey Finish Should I Choose?
For durability in a kitchen environment, opt for a satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finish on your grey cabinets. Matte and flat finishes show more wear and marks. A glossy finish highlights the contemporary edge of grey cabinets. Soft sheen satin or semi-gloss offer ideal shine while minimizing imperfections.
Plan Your Grey Kitchen Cabinet Paint Project
Before breaking out the paintbrush, careful planning ensures a smooth and successful makeover. Follow these key steps to prep for gorgeous grey painted cabinets.Choose the Right Grey Paint and Finish
Picking the perfect grey shade may take some sampling. Collect paint swatches from the hardware store and view them in your kitchen lighting at different times of day. Once you’ve selected your ideal grey, choose a high-quality latex acrylic paint formulated especially for cabinets and woodwork, such as Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Cabinet Enamel or Benjamin Moore Advance.
Consider the finish you want before purchasing paint. Will you love the contemporary sheen of semi-gloss? Or does soft satin better suit your style? Remember to buy separate primer as well for the best adhesion and coverage.
Prep Work is Crucial
Preparing your cabinets thoroughly before painting is the key to smooth results. Follow these essential prep steps:
- Clean cabinets with a degreaser and lightly sand to rough up the surface.
- Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler for a flawless finish.
- Remove doors, handles and hinges for easiest access.
- Wash and dry all surfaces thoroughly before priming.
- Tape off any adjacent walls or surfaces to protect them.
Apply Primer and Topcoats
Primer designed for painting cabinets provides essential adhesion and color blocking. Use a high-quality primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 and apply in thin, even coats per the manufacturer’s directions. Once the primer has fully cured, you’re ready for the fun part – applying the grey paint!Use angled trim brushes to paint cabinets in place. For doors removed from frames, a small foam roller works beautifully. Apply in multiple thin coats for a smooth finish, allowing proper dry time between each application. Finish with 2-3 topcoats for full, even coverage in your chosen shade of grey.
Transform Your Space With Grey Painted Cabinets
Once your prep work and painting is complete, it's time to sit back and admire your stunning grey kitchen cabinets! Here are some inspiring ideas for your makeover:Inspiring Grey Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
Get creative mixing and matching grey cabinet colors with other kitchen elements like:
- White, cream or light green walls brighten up grey cabinets.
- Brass or gold accents and hardware pop against grey.
- Sleek white quartz countertops complement cool greys.
- Add pops of color with ceramics, appliances or decor.
For a contemporary edge, pair glossy charcoal cabinets with contrasting brass fixtures. Or go for a cottage kitchen style with airy sage green walls and warm greige cabinets. However you style it, grey cabinets give you the perfect versatile neutral backdrop to showcase your unique taste.
Stunning Before and After Photos
The best way to showcase the magic of grey painted cabinets is with before and after photos. Seeing the dramatic transformation from worn, dated oak cabinets to sleek, fresh grey kitchens inspires readers. Photos prove that with simple paint and vision, they can revive their kitchen too.We’d love for you to share photos of your own grey kitchen cabinet makeovers! Submit your before and after pictures to show off your handiwork.
Share Your Experience With Grey Painted Cabinets
If you’ve tackled grey kitchen cabinets in your own home, we’d love to hear your experiences! Here are some prompts to get you sharing your wisdom with fellow DIY-ers:
- What specific shade of grey did you choose and why?
- How many coats of paint did your project require?
- Any tips for prepping old cabinets for painting?
- What type of paint and primer worked best?
- Did you replace hardware or just paint existing fixtures?
- How did gorgeous grey cabinets transform the feel of your kitchen?
Your insights help fellow DIY-ers gain the confidence to tackle grey painted cabinets themselves. So tell us all about your journey!
Ready to revive your cooking space with a striking grey cabinet transformation? We hope this guide provided you with helpful tips and inspiration to take the leap. Drab oak can become contemporary cool with the magic of grey paint. With proper planning and technique, you can upgrade your kitchen in a weekend the easy way. Forget costly remodels – a fresh coat of paint lets your cabinets shine again. It's time to say goodbye to the '90s and embrace modern, stylish grey!