Painted Cabinets Transformed Our Kitchen - Here's How To Do It Yourself
If your kitchen is looking dated and dreary, a fresh coat of paint on the cabinets can make a world of difference. Painting cabinets is an affordable way to give your kitchen a whole new look without the expense of installing brand new cabinets. We recently gave our outdated oak cabinets a makeover with paint and couldn't be happier with the results. It took some time and effort, but painting our own cabinets allowed us to choose our dream color scheme. Read on as we share a step-by-step guide to DIY kitchen cabinet painting so you can transform your space too!
Prep Work is Crucial
Before painting, proper prep work is essential for getting a smooth, professional-looking finish. Here are the key steps:
- Remove doors, drawers and hardware. Clean surfaces with a degreaser to remove any dirt, oil or grease.
- Sand cabinets with fine grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. This helps the paint adhere better.
- Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth when dry.
- Use painter's tape to mask off nearby surfaces like walls, countertops and floors.
Don't skip this prep stage - it makes all the difference in your final results! Take your time to properly clean, sand and mask so the paint looks its best.
Choosing the Best Cabinet Paint
There are several good paint options for kitchen cabinets, each with pros and cons:
Paint Types
- Enamel paint - Very durable and scratch-resistant, perfect for high-use cabinets.
- Latex paint - More affordable and easier to apply than enamel.
- Chalk paint - Creates a unique distressed, matte finish.
Sheen Levels
Consider the gloss level you want:
- High-gloss - A sleek, shiny look.
- Satin - Subtly reflective sheen.
- Matte - Flat finish good for a modern, muted look.
Color Selection
Popular cabinet colors are white, light gray, and navy blue. Be sure to choose a hue that complements your counter tops, backsplash and flooring. Get paint samples to test colors in your space before committing to gallons of paint.
Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Once you've prepped and selected paint, it's time to start painting. Follow these tips for a flawless finish:
Priming
Use oil-based primer if painting over laminate cabinets and water-based primer for wood surfaces. Primer helps the paint adhere evenly.
Application Method
- Brushing - Can leave visible brush strokes in the finish if you're not careful.
- Rolling - A short nap roller works very well for a smooth finish.
- Spraying - Requires an airless sprayer but creates the most seamless look.
We had great results rolling on primer then brushing on paint coats. Take your time and use high-quality brushes and rollers.
Painting Techniques
Best practices for an immaculate painted finish:
- Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of paint allowing drying time between coats.
- Lightly sand between coats for a super smooth finish.
- Distress chalk paint while wet using sandpaper or a damp cloth to create an antique look.
With proper preparation, patience and the right materials, you can achieve stunning painted cabinets. Avoid rushing - use adequate drying time between steps. Sanding between coats and masking carefully makes a big difference. We're so thrilled with how our kitchen turned out. Those dreary oak cabinets are now a distant memory! Give your kitchen a fresh look with a DIY cabinet paint makeover.