The Complete Guide to Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets a Chic Gray
Dreaming of a kitchen makeover but don't have the budget for a full remodel? Painting your dated wooden cabinets a chic shade of gray provides a stylish update for a fraction of the cost. With some prep work, primer, and paint, you can transform the heart of your home into a stunning coastal or modern kitchen. This step-by-step guide shares pro tips to help you paint your cabinets like a pro.
Gray kitchen cabinets offer a fresh, contemporary look that complements many design styles. The neutral gray tone serves as a stylish backdrop that allows other kitchen elements like hardware, countertops, and fixtures to really stand out. Gray also comes in so many undertones and shades, making it easy to find the perfect hue for your space.
Prep Your Cabinets for Painting
Preparing your cabinets is the most important step for a smooth, durable finished product. You'll need to remove doors, drawers, and hardware so you can easily access all surfaces. Give the cabinets a thorough cleaning with a degreaser like TSP to remove any grease or grime so the paint can properly adhere. Fill any holes, scratches, or imperfections with wood filler and let dry completely. Then, sand the surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up the finish - this gives the primer and paint something to grip onto.
Sanding Tips
Always sand in the direction of the wood grain, applying even pressure. Pay special attention to edges and hard to reach areas. Wipe away dust before priming.
Choose Your Gray Cabinet Color
With your cabinets prepped, it's time to select the perfect gray for your kitchen. Consider whether you want undertones that are warm, cool, or a neutral gray. Light, airy shades of gray complement modern kitchens with sleek stainless steel appliances while deeper charcoal grays match beautifully with farmhouse styles.
Test out a few gray paint samples on a piece of wood to see how the undertones look on a similar surface. Some trendy gray cabinet colors include:
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
- Behr White Metal
- Valspar Vapor
Prime Cabinets Before Painting Gray
Primer creates a uniform surface for painting and gives the topcoat of paint better adhesion. For painting kitchen cabinets, an oil-based primer will provide the most durable base. Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of primer using a high-quality angled sash brush or mini roller. Lightly sand between coats with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth any drips or debris. Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another.
Painting Your Gray Kitchen Cabinets
Now for the fun part - painting your cabinets gray! Be sure to use a high-quality acrylic latex paint specifically formulated for cabinets and furniture. The acrylic provides a durable, scratch-resistant finish and the latex allows for easy clean-up with soap and water. Apply using a premium angled sash brush, using thin, even coats.
Work methodically and systematically, one section at a time. Maintain a wet edge as you paint horizontally to avoid lap marks. Lightly level out any brush strokes as you paint. Let each coat dry fully before adding another. For the smoothest finish, sand lightly with extra fine sandpaper between coats.
Once the final coat has dried fully, you can start to put your kitchen back together again. Reattach the doors and drawers, taking care not to scratch the fresh paint. Consider replacing old hardware like knobs and pulls with new ones that complement your shade of gray. Lastly, seal the painted surfaces with a clear polyurethane for added protection.
With some effort and patience, you can enjoy a gorgeous new gray kitchen. No major remodeling required! Simply pick up a paintbrush and get ready to be amazed by the dramatic transformation gray painted cabinets will bring to your cooking space.