The Complete Guide to Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro
If your kitchen is looking drab and dated, painting the cabinets can make a dramatic difference without a full remodel. With some prep work, the right paint and tools, and a bit of patience, you can easily upgrade your kitchen cabinets yourself and enjoy a magazine-worthy result.
In this complete guide, we'll walk through everything involved in DIY painting kitchen cabinets. From choosing a color and buying the paint to prepping and applying for a flawless finish. Follow these pro tips and techniques for a kitchen makeover that will make you fall in love with your space all over again.
Choosing Your Cabinet Paint Color
The first and most exciting step is selecting a fresh new color for your kitchen cabinets. With so many options to consider, keep these tips in mind as you explore paint colors.
Determine Your Style
Look at the existing elements in your kitchen - countertops, backsplash, floors, and appliances. Is your style more traditional with ornate moldings? Clean and contemporary? Cozy cottage? The cabinet color should complement the overall design.
Find Inspiration
Spend time browsing kitchen photos online and in design magazines. Make a vision board of paint colors you're drawn to. This can help narrow down the options.
Select a Complementary Color
Once you've explored, choose a shade that will enhance the other features of your kitchen. For example, light blue cabinets would pair nicely with neutral granite counters.
Test Paint Samples
Buy small sample sizes of your top color choices, paint them on cabinet doors or pieces of wood, and move them around the kitchen to see the colors in both natural and artificial light.
Factor in Lighting
The way a color looks depends heavily on the light source. Test samples on your cabinets at different times of day and night to make sure you love the shade in any lighting.
Consider the Mood You Want
Paint has a big impact on the vibe of a room. Warm beiges evoke a relaxed mood, while bold blues or greens feel energetic. Choose a shade that matches the feeling you want your kitchen to have.
Mind Resale Value
If you may sell your home eventually, neutral cabinet colors like white, light gray, or navy blue tend to have the highest resale value and appeal to more buyers.
Selecting the Right Cabinet Paint
With your color selected, now you need to find the right kind of paint. Look for these features when choosing paint for kitchen cabinets:
Research Paint Options
Seek out paint designed specifically for painting cabinets and woodwork, such as Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams ProClassic. These formulas are more durable and adhere better than standard wall paints.
Ensure Durability
Kitchen cabinets endure a lot of wear and tear. Select a paint with a hard, scrubbable finish that can stand up to moisture, grease, frequent cleaning and regular use without showing signs of damage.
Opt for Low VOC
Many cabinet paints now offer low VOC (volatile organic compound) options. Choosing a low VOC paint improves indoor air quality as you won't be introducing strong chemical smells.
Choose Paint Finish
Consider whether you want a matte, satin, or semi-gloss finish. Matte is velvety smooth, satin offers a subtle sheen, while semi-gloss is more reflective. The finish impacts the overall look and durability.
Add a Sealer
Using a sealer or topcoat will create an extra protective barrier over the painted cabinets. This prevents yellowing over time and creates a washable surface.
Invest in Quality Brushes
Spending a little more on good brushes means you'll achieve a much smoother finish. Foam and microfiber brushes work well for painting cabinets.
Prepping Cabinets for Painting
Preparing your cabinets thoroughly before painting is crucial for getting an flawless result. Follow these steps:
Clear Cabinet Interiors
Remove everything - doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware. Label pieces so you can easily reinstall later. Clear space makes painting easier.
Clean Surfaces Thoroughly
Use a degreasing cleaner or TSP substitute to remove any dirt, oils, or residue from cabinet surfaces, especially around handles. Grease-fighting dish soap also works well. Wear gloves to protect yourself.
Fill Any Gaps or Holes
Seal up any cracks, nail holes, or imperfections with wood filler. Let dry completely then sand smooth.
Sand Cabinets Lightly
Use fine grit sandpaper (220 or higher) to scuff cabinet surfaces. This helps the paint adhere better. Be gentle to avoid removing stain or laminate.
Protect Surrounding Areas
Cover nearby floors, countertops, and other surfaces with drop cloths to prevent dust and debris from the sanding and painting steps from spreading.
Apply Primer Coat
If painting over cabinets that are already stained or painted a different color, apply a coat of high-adhesion primer first so the new paint sticks properly without bleeding through.
Step-by-Step Painting Process
Now comes the fun part - it's finally time to start painting! Follow these steps for a professional-looking painted cabinet finish:
Apply First Coat
Use a high-quality angled brush to paint cabinet frames and a small foam roller for large flat surfaces. Apply paint liberally and evenly while maintaining a wet edge.
Let First Coat Dry
Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly, following the paint manufacturer's recommendations for dry time between coats.
Sand and Spot Prime
Gently sand again to smooth any drips or rough spots from the first coat. Spot prime any areas you missed.
Apply Second Coat
Add another complete coat with brush and roller, ensuring full and even coverage on all surfaces.
Remove Paint Drips
Carefully scrape off any drips or runs before the paint dries using a plastic spackling knife or flat razor blade.
Allow Thorough Dry Time
Give paint several days to fully cure before reinstalling doors and hardware. Check manufacturer's instructions.
Reinstall Doors and Hardware
Once paint has hardened thoroughly, put cabinet doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware back into place.
Admire Your Work!
Take a step back and admire your freshly painted, transformed kitchen cabinets!
Properly caring for your painted cabinets will help them look beautiful for years. Follow these maintenance tips:
- Clean painted surfaces with a mild soap and soft sponge or cloth.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads which can damage the paint.
- For tough grease stains, use a degreasing cleaner specifically formulated for kitchen cabinets.
- Touch up any nicks or scratches with matching paint.
- Consider resealing every 2-3 years to refresh protection.
You can transform the look of your kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of color with the rightprep work and painting approach. Follow this complete guide for stunning, professional-level results. Roll up your sleeves, grab a paintbrush, and rediscover the beauty of your kitchen!