The Complete Guide to Painting Your Cherry Wood Kitchen Cabinets

If your cherry wood kitchen cabinets are looking a bit dated and worn, painting them can give your kitchen a whole new modern look without the high cost of new cabinetry. Painting over the existing cherry stain with a fresh coat of color is an affordable way to update the style and feel of your kitchen.

With the right approach, you can give your cherry wood cabinets a stunning makeover with paint.

Should You Paint Your Cherry Cabinets?

Before committing to a painting project, it's important to understand the key pros and cons of painting over cherry stained cabinets:

• Pros:
  • Cost-effective way to update look
  • Wide range of color options
  • Creates brighter, lighter kitchen
  • Easier to clean and care for
• Cons:
  • Permanently alters cabinet finish
  • Risk of chips/scratches over time
  • Extensive process requiring prep work

Ultimately the decision depends on your goals for your kitchen and willingness to commit to maintenance of painted cabinets. Visit a home improvement store to view cabinet paint colors if unsure.

Prep Work Needed Before Painting Cherry Cabinets

Preparing your cabinets properly is the most crucial step to ensure the new paint adheres smoothly and avoids problems down the road.

Here are the key prep tasks:

• Remove doors, drawers, and hardware
• Thoroughly clean with TSP (tri-sodium phosphate)
• Lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper
• Fill any holes/imperfections with wood filler
• Wipe sanded cabinets to remove dust
• Prime surfaces with suitable primer

Proper prep removes contaminants that could cause adherence issues and provides the paint an optimal surface to bond to.

Choosing the Right Paint for Cherry Cabinets

When selecting paint for your cherry wood cabinets, you'll want to use a high-quality cabinet-grade paint designed for durability and washability. Here are factors to consider when choosing paint:

• Paint Types: Latex acrylic, alkyd, and polyurethane paints all work for cabinets.
• Sheens: Satin provides some shine while hiding imperfections. Semi-gloss and high-gloss are very shiny.
• Brands: Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams ProClassic are top choices.
• Key Factors: Durability, coverage, ease of application, and dry time.

A satin latex acrylic paint like Benjamin Moore Advance will provide excellent coverage on cherry cabinets while withstanding daily wear and tear.

Step-by-Step Painting Process for Cherry Cabinets

Once you have properly prepped the cabinets and chosen your paint, you are ready to begin the painting process. Here are the key steps:

1. Apply first coat of primer, allowing drying time in between coats.
2. Lightly sand primer coat to smooth surface.
3. Apply first coat of cabinet paint, repeat sanding step.
4. Apply second coat of paint, sand again if needed.
5. Add third coat of paint for full coverage and durability.
6. Let paint fully cure for at least 24 hours before reinstalling doors/drawers.

While this may seem tedious, taking the time to apply multiple coats with sanding in between will provide the most durable, seamless painted finish on your cherry wood cabinets.

Achieving a Smooth Painted Finish on Cabinets

In addition to adequate coats and sanding, there are some other tips for achieving the smoothest possible finish when painting cherry cabinets:

• Ensure surfaces are cleaned and sanded properly before painting.
• Use a high-quality mini roller and angled brush.
• Apply paint in thin, even coats allowing drying time between.
• Lightly sand each coat prior to applying the next.

Proper prep work and application using the right tools will prevent unsightly brush marks and an uneven finish on your painted cherry cabinets.

Caring for Newly Painted Cherry Cabinets

Once your cherry cabinets are painted, you'll need to take some care to keep them looking pristine:

• Allow at least 2 weeks for paint to fully cure before regular use.
• Avoid harsh chemicals/abrasives when cleaning.
• Use painter's tape when needed to prevent damage.
• Touch up any chips or scratches as needed.

While cabinet paint is durable, treating your freshly painted cabinets gently while the paint cures will help keep them damage-free.

Hiring a Professional Cabinet Painter

While a DIY approach is possible, many homeowners opt to hire professionals to paint their cherry cabinets. Reasons to hire a pro include:

• Experienced with the cabinet painting process
• Proper equipment for best results
• Familiar with which paints work best
• Ability to spray paint for smooth finish
• Efficiency in completing project quickly

When requesting quotes, ask about their cabinet painting experience, brand of paints used, and estimated timeline. Prices range widely based on location and scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does cabinet paint take to fully dry and cure?

Most cabinet paints take 24 hours to dry but 1-2 weeks to fully cure. Do not use cabinets during curing time to prevent damage.

Do all doors/drawers need to be removed before painting cabinets?

Yes, removing everything provides the easiest access for painting the cabinet boxes and doors properly.

Can my kitchen be used during the painting process?

It's recommended your kitchen remains empty during the painting process for best access to cabinets. Plan accordingly.

No, wait until the recommended drying times after the final coat. Using cabinets too soon could damage the paint.

Painting over cherry stained cabinets provides a budget-friendly kitchen update. Follow this guide for a smooth project and beautiful finished results.