The Complete Guide to Prepping and Painting Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro
Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Those old oak cabinets make the space feel dark and closed-in. Meanwhile, the laminate is peeling on the doors and drawers. You've thought about a kitchen remodel, but new cabinets are just not in the budget right now.
Don't despair - with some elbow grease and a few cans of paint, you can give your kitchen a whole new look for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets. Painting kitchen cabinets can make a huge impact, allowing you to update the color and style easily. Follow this complete guide to prep and paint your cabinets like a pro.
Why Should You Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Painting over your existing kitchen cabinets offers many benefits compared to installing brand new cabinets:
- It's much more affordable - only a few hundred dollars compared to thousands for new cabinets.
- Allows you to change the color and style of your cabinets easily.
- Updates damaged or dated cabinets to look fresh and new.
- Brightens up the whole kitchen by lightening up dark wood tones.
- Increases the value and appeal of your home.
With DIY cabinet painting, you can give your kitchen a luxurious, high-end look for a fraction of the price. Keep reading to learn how to prep and paint cabinets flawlessly.
Cabinet Painting Preparation
Prepping your cabinets thoroughly before painting is crucial for getting an smooth, professional finish. Follow these steps:
Cleaning the Cabinets
Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware using a screwdriver. Number each door and drawer to keep them organized. Clean inside the cabinets and doors thoroughly with TSP or degreaser to remove grease and grime. Fill any holes, scratches or imperfections with wood filler and let dry completely. Lightly sand cabinets to rough up the surface so the paint adheres better.
Choosing Your Paint
For kitchen cabinets, oil-based and latex (water-based) paints both work well. Oil-based paints are more durable, while latex paints dry faster. Choose a satin, semi-gloss, or gloss sheen for washability. Buy high quality paint and get enough for 2-3 coats on all cabinets and doors. Keep drawers removable to paint separately.
Priming Cabinets
Priming is a must before painting cabinets. Primers seal the wood surface and allow for better paint coverage. Use an oil-based primer for best adhesion. Apply primer in thin, even coats using a foam roller and angled brush. Let dry completely before sanding lightly and applying paint.
Other Supplies
In addition to paint and primer, you'll need:
- Angled sash paintbrush for trim and edges
- Foam or microfiber paint roller for flat areas
- Paint trays, rags, paint thinner if using oil-based paint
Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets
Once primed and prepped, you're ready to paint. Follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Painting Process
Painting will take 2-3 coats for full coverage. Always use a brush on trim and edges, and a roller on large flat areas. Work in sections and allow proper drying time between coats. Lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish. Start by painting the cabinet frame and face frames first. Then paint doors and drawers.
Achieving Special Finishes
For a distressed or worn finish, rub corners and edges with sandpaper after painting. Try glazing over the base coat, then wiping away glaze with a rag before it dries for an antique look. Accent with a contrasting color on edges or designs.
Painting Doors
Paint the door frames first, then the door panels. Hang doors on a wire to dry before reinstalling. Allow doors and cabinets proper curing time before use.
Once your cabinets are painted, a few maintenance tips will keep them looking fresh:
- Allow 1-2 weeks curing time before cleaning or putting dishes away
- Use gentle cleaners and soft rags on painted cabinets
- Immediately touch up any scratches or nicks in the paint
- Consider repainting every 3-5 years
With proper prep and painting technique, your kitchen will look like you splurged on brand new cabinets. Roll up your sleeves and get started on this satisfying DIY project.