How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro In 9 Easy Steps
Painting kitchen cabinets might sound intimidating. For the average homeowner, it is not. Anyone, no matter their skill level, stage of life or tool chest, can spruce up their kitchen without hiring a pro. Most importantly, it replaces the cost of installation of new cabinets, which can run into the thousands of dollars in labor alone.
Step 1: Plan and Prepare Your Workspace
Gather Supplies and Tools
Before starting, ensure you have all necessary materials. This includes:
High-quality paint and primer
Sandpaper (various grits)
Degreaser
Painter’s tape
Drop cloths
Paintbrushes and rollers
Having everything ready will save you time and effort.
Clear and Clean the Area
Take everything out of your cabinetry. Wipe down the surfaces with a degreaser to remove grease and grime, creating a better bond with the paint. Lay down your drop cloths to prevent damage to your floors and counter tops.
Step 2: Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware
Label and Organize
Remove each of the cabinet doors and drawers. Label them so you know where they go. Save your screws and other hardware in labelled bags, so you’ll know where to put them when you reassemble everything.
Prepare the Surfaces
Scrape down the surface, checking for divots and gouges. Fill with wood filler. Allow it to dry before sanding until smooth. Now it is ready for the paint.
Step 3: Sand the Surfaces
Choose the Right Sandpaper
Begin by roughing up the surfaces with a medium-grit sandpaper (grit level of 120-150) so that the primer better hangs onto the surface. Then follow up with the fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) for a smooth final touch. Sanding is the most important step to create the professional look!
Clean Off Dust
1) Sand 2) Remove all dust with a vacuum and tack cloth. (If dust remains on the surface, the paint will not stick and will have a rough finish.)
Step 4: Apply Primer
Select the Right Primer
Pick a good primer suitable to your cabinet material. A quality primer will block stains and provide a smoother surface for the paint to be applied. Oil-based primers last longest but water-based primers dry quicker and have less smell.
Prime All Surfaces
Cover the surface with an even, thin coat of primer – brush for corners and roller for flat parts. Apply 2-3 coats of paint over the primer with a light sanding between coats, with fine grit sandpaper if needed.
Step 5: Paint the Cabinets
Choose Your Paint
Pick a wood-finish paint that’s specifically formulated for cabinets. Semi-gloss and satin finishes are good choices for kitchen cabinets, providing a tough finish that’s easy to clean.
Apply the Paint
Work in small sections. Start with corners and edges, then brush the flat surfaces, and finally roll the large ones. Apply a thin even coat (not too thick or it may drip or run). Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Two or three coats are usually adequate.
Step 6: Paint Cabinet Frames
Prep and Paint
Sand the cabinet frames like the doors and drawers, then dust, prime and paint in thin, even coats. Use a brush for the woodwork and a roller for the flat surfaces.
Step 7: Let Everything Dry
Be Patient
Let the paint dry completely and cure. That can take several days depending on the type of paint and the environmental conditions. A well-dried coat makes for a longer-lasting finish.
Step 8: Reassemble Cabinets
Reattach Doors and Drawers
At this point everything should be dry and ready to be reattached. Re-hang the doors and drawers and make sure that the hardware is back in its original drawers and cupboards. Don’t forget to place all the filler pieces next to the original wood and label bags so you can easily see where everything goes. Check that the hinges close properly.
Step 9: Add Finishing Touches
Install New Hardware
Anyway, replace some of your old hardware with some new knobs or pulls. It’s amazing how small details can make a kitchen seem new. And installing shiny new hardware will complement your freshly painted cabinets perfectly.
Final Clean Up
Then take down all the painter’s tape, clean up every bit of painter’s cloth, sponge off and remove all the paint drips and splatters and then stand back and look at the job you just finished.
Tips for a Professional Finish
Work in a Dust-Free Environment
Dust on wet paint can ruin the finish. Fail to work in clean, dust-free surroundings as much as possible. Close the windows and doors to minimise air movement.
Use Quality Tools
Use a good brush and roller. These spread paint more evenly. Cheap ones often leave streaks and drop bristles.
Take Your Time
Do not be in a hurry because you’ll end up making errors. Take your time, stop and go back, and make sure you are doing it right. Do not rush because you’ll ruin it. If you prepare the wood, do it well, if you’re going to hammer it, do it well, and if you will be using a sealer or a sugar coating, take your time; do not stop until it’s done.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Primer
If you want your paint finish to last, with no flaking or peeling, a primer coat is in order — so prime before painting when in doubt.
Applying Thick Coats
Thick paint layers easily drip and look uneven. When possible, apply thin coats of paint evenly and let them dry completely before applying the next layer. An uneven surface may give you a finished wall with wrinkles and a canvas with a bumpy surface.
Ignoring Drying Times
Drying and curing are also important for a good finish in the long run. Products that have not been dried and cured correctly can result in sticky, easily damaged surfaces. Follow manufacturers’ recommendations for drying and curing times.
Conclusion
There’s many ways to makeover your home but one of my favourites is painting kitchen cabinets – the effect is almost immediate and the zip you feel when you see the new look in your home is simply priceless. Over the years, I’ve painted a ridiculous number of kitchen cabinets and most of the time, people ask how long did I take ‘would I would recommend’, – I hope the following nine easy steps will help you achieve professional results but without the professional cost and that your kitchen will look brand new and ready to live in and live with. If you follow these nine easy steps you’ll need to add planning to your list. Painting kitchen cabinets needs patience and careful attention to detail. When ready, set yourself a deadline (always leave some time for mistakes) I hope you enjoy the experience. Happy painting.