Painted Kitchen Cabinets - How to Prep, Paint, and Finish Like a Pro

Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Painting the cabinets can give them an affordable facelift and make the space look fresh and new again. While the process involves some work, the end results are worth it. Follow these steps to learn how to properly prep, paint, and finish your cabinets like a professional for a flawless look.

Painted kitchen cabinets are a popular trend because they allow you to update the color and style easily without the expense of a full remodel. With the right prep work and paint products, even beginners can DIY their way to beautiful, custom-look cabinets.

Assess Cabinets to Determine If Painting is Right

The first step is examining your existing cabinets to see if they are good candidates for a paint makeover. Paint adheres best to surfaces that are intact but where the color or style feels dated. Look for cracks, chips, peeling surfaces or rotting wood that indicates the cabinets may need more than just paint. Also inspect to see if doors close properly and hardware is still in good shape.

If the bones are solid, painting is a great affordable way to give them new life over replacement. It also allows you to change the color scheme of your kitchen on a budget versus a full renovation. Even if you plan to remodel down the road, painted cabinets can tie you over and boost home value for resale.

Consider Costs of Painting vs. New Cabinets

Speaking of budget, painting existing cabinetry costs significantly less than brand new installed cabinets. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, the average minor kitchen remodel project costs around $26,214 while a major remodel with new cabinetry runs $66,196.

Painting your cabinets allows you to refresh the look for a fraction of that price. Doing the painting yourself rather than hiring a professional reduces costs even further. Proper prep work is crucial though for getting great results. The upfront effort pays off in cabinets that look like you paid for expensive custom finishing.

Prep Work - The Key to a Flawless Painted Finish

Preparation is the most important part of painting cabinets. Proper prep ensures the paint adheres smoothly and evenly. The goal is creating a uniform surface for the paint to grip. Glossy surfaces need to be dulled, holes and imperfections filled in. Follow these steps for readying your cabinets for a professional-looking painted finish.

Clean Cabinets Thoroughly

Grease, dirt and grime prevent paint from properly adhering to cabinet surfaces. Remove all existing grease buildup with a degreasing cleaner like TSP. For cabinets with an existing finish like stain or lacquer, use a deglosser specifically made to remove glossy finishes in preparation for painting.

Clean and sand surfaces until completely free of contaminants. Pay special attention to cleaning inside cabinet frames. Remove all handles and hardware and clean separately before painting.

Sand Cabinets and Fill Any Imperfections

After cleaning, lightly sand cabinet boxes and doors to rough up the surface. For stained or varnished wood, use a fine grit sandpaper (180-220 grit) so you smooth but don’t completely remove the existing finish. For previously painted cabinets, you can use a slightly heavier 80-100 grit paper.

Fill any holes, cracks or imperfections with a wood filler designed for cabinets. Let dry completely and sand smooth. Proper filling ensures your painted finish will be free of defects or uneven surfaces.

Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Removing doors, drawers and hardware allows for easier access when painting. It’s much simpler to paint cabinet components separately than trying to mask hinges, pulls and interior shelves.

Number doors and drawers to keep them organized for reinstallation later. Soak hardware like hinges and pulls in a degreasing solution while working on the cabinets. Lay doors horizontally on sawhorses for the easiest, smoothest painting.

Degloss and Prime Surfaces

If cabinets were previously finished with stain, lacquer or other glossy coating, apply a deglosser or liquid sandpaper solution to dull the slick surface so paint can adhere. For significant gloss, you may need to apply a deglosser twice. Always follow product instructions.

Once prepped, apply a high-quality primer designed for painting cabinets. Priming helps the paint stick to the wood evenly and prevents blotchiness. It also allows the topcoat color to really pop.

Choosing Cabinet Paint Supplies

With your cabinets prepped for painting, the next step is gathering the right paint and supplies for the job. There are several options when it comes to cabinet paint along with tools and accessories that make the application easier.

Types of Paint for Cabinets

The three main paint options include:

• Oil-based alkyd paint - Hard, smooth finish
• Latex acrylic paint - Durable, easy cleanup with water
• Pre-mixed cabinet paint - Formulated specifically for cabinets

Paint kits designed for cabinets make the project simpler since they include primer and paint. Latex acrylics clean up easily with water while alkyd paints require paint thinner but deliver an ultra smooth finish.

Paint Sheens

The sheen or finish of the topcoat also affects the final look. Common options include:

• High-gloss - Bold, shiny, reflective
• Semi-gloss - Very durable and easily cleaned
• Satin - Subtle sheen, nicely shows off cabinetry

Consider your kitchen’s lighting when choosing a sheen. Darker colors may look better in a satin or semi-gloss to avoid looking too dark. High-gloss has a dramatic, stylish effect.

Other Painting Supplies

Gather high-quality brushes in small and medium sizes to cut in edges and larger rollers designed for smooth cabinet finishing. Paint trays, paint sticks, and painter’s tape round out supplies. Have lint-free rags and paint-thinner on hand as well.

Tips for Applying Cabinet Paint

With your prep work done and supplies in hand, it’s time to start painting. Follow these tips and techniques for applying cabinet paint like a professional painter for flawless results:

Paint in a Well-Ventilated Area

Be sure to paint in an area with adequate ventilation to allow fumes from primers, paints and finishes to dissipate. Work in a dust-free space as well to avoid contaminants settling in the wet paint.

Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions

Carefully read and follow the instructions on primer and paint products including dry times between coats. This prevents paint issues like poor adhesion or tacky finish.

Start With a Primer Coat

Use a high-density foam roller and/or high-quality bristle brush to apply primer evenly according to manufacturer’s directions. Primer creates a uniform surface so the topcoat looks smooth.

Paint Cabinet Boxes and Doors

When painting, use angled brush to “cut in” edges and hard to reach spots. Then quickly roll larger flat areas with a mini paint roller before it starts drying. Work methodically to maintain a wet edge and prevent lap marks.

Let Paint Dry Thoroughly Between Coats

It’s tempting to rush, but allow for the recommended dry time between coats. This lets paint cure properly so coats bond correctly. Insufficient drying can ruin the hardened finish.

Apply Second Coat If Needed

Often two topcoats are recommended for fully opaque, even coverage and a hard finish. Sand lightly between coats to smooth drips or rough spots. Tack cloth removes dust before reapplying.

Reinstall Doors and Hardware

Once fully dry, reattach the doors, hardware pulls, and hinges. Add shims during rehanging if needed to realign doors. Finish by replacing shelf inserts, baskets and other accessories.

Achieving a Professional, Flawless Finish

With care and patience, your newly painted cabinets can look like you hired a professional for the job. Avoid common mistakes and follow best practices to ensure your DIY kitchen cabinet paint job yields gorgeous, long-lasting results.

Check for Missed Spots Before Reassembling

Inspect each door, drawer and edge for any missed spots before reinstalling hardware and hanging them back up. Touch up with brush or roller while still lying flat to avoid drips.

Avoid Paint Runs, Sags and Brush Marks

Loading too much paint on the roller leads to messy drips and runs. Applying too thickly also creates brush marks. Use a light hand and smooth, even strokes.

Clean Brushes Promptly and Thoroughly

For latex paint, rinse brushes in warm water until the water runs clear. With oil-based paint, follow product instructions to thoroughly clean equipment in solvent for reuse.

Allowing paint to dry on brushes ruins them for further use. Proper brush care also prevents drips or lap marks from dried paint transferring to cabinets.

Once your kitchen cabinet paint project is complete, allow several weeks for the paint to fully cure before cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads which can damage the painted finish. Use only soft cloths, sponges and mild detergent.

With proper prep, paint selection and application techniques, you can achieve stunning professionally painted cabinets on a DIY budget. While it takes some work, the difference a fresh coat of paint makes is amazing. Just be patient during the process and follow tips from the pros for fabulous results!