Spice Up Your Kitchen Instantly With These Cabinet Painting Tricks
Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Drab cabinets can make the heart of your home seem dark and uninspired. But you don’t have to tolerate ugly cabinets or shell out for expensive new ones. With some simple painting techniques, you can give your existing cabinets an unbelievable makeover for a fraction of the cost.
Painting kitchen cabinets can update their color and style in no time. It also disguises flaws or damage. Read on to learn insider tricks for spectacular painted cabinets that will breathe new life into your kitchen instantly.
Choosing the Best Cabinet Paint
The type of paint you choose will impact the finished look and durability. For kitchen cabinets, latex-based cabinet paint is recommended. It adheres well and provides a smooth, durable finish that stands up to cleaning. Oil-based enamel is another good option but requires more prep work.
Opt for satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss sheens. Glossier paints are most resistant to grease and water splatters common in kitchens. Darker colors show fewer signs of wear over time compared to light paint.
Prepping Your Cabinets for Painting
Proper prep ensures paint adheres smoothly and evenly. First, remove cabinet doors and hardware like knobs to make painting easier. Lightly sand surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up the finish so paint can grip better.
Thoroughly clean cabinets with a degreasing agent like TSP substitute to remove any existing oils and residue. Clean again after sanding to remove all dust before priming.
Priming for Success
Primer allows the topcoat paint to adhere tightly for a flawless finish. For best results, opt for an oil-based primer. If you prefer low-VOC options, water-based primer will also work well.
Use a high quality angled sash brush to carefully “cut in” primer around edges and corners. Then apply a coat of primer to the cabinet boxes using a short nap roller in thin, even strokes.
Painting Cabinet Boxes
Once primed, you’re ready for cabinet painting. Use painter’s tape to mask off adjacent surfaces. Cut in around edges with an angled sash brush loaded with latex paint. Then use a 4-inch mini roller to apply the topcoat.
Work in small sections and maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks. Roll vertically first then lightly re-roll horizontally for an ultra smooth finish. Backbrush while rolling to prevent drips.
Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next, generally 4-6 hours. Lightly sand then recoat any drips or rough spots to ensure a flawless finish.
Strategies for Doors, Drawers, and Trim
Fully remove doors and drawers from cabinets to paint. Sand thoroughly before priming and painting. A foam roller allows you to coat the door faces smoothly and evenly.
Paint door edges with fine brush strokes. Use small foam rollers for coating the trim pieces. Allow proper dry time between coats as you did for the boxes.
Once fully cured, reattach the doors and hardware for a fully updated look. Consider new knobs or pulls to complement your fresh paint color.
Your kitchen will look brand new with this simple paint makeover. Keep cabinets looking their best by promptly wiping up spills and splatters. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and soft cloth.
Inspect cabinets monthly and touch up any nicks or scratches to prevent further damage. With proper care, your painted kitchen cabinets will continue looking fabulous for years.
Don’t tolerate a tired, outdated kitchen for another day. With these painting tricks, you can quickly and affordably transform your space. Say goodbye to dreary cabinets and hello to a kitchen you’ll be excited to cook and entertain in.