Sherwin_Williams_Naval_kitchen

How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets (the Right Way!)

by

Painting kitchen cabinets is a big job, but it can be a cost-effective way to give your kitchen a fresh new look.

However, before you start painting, there are a few things you need to know to ensure that the job is done correctly.

How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets the Right Way!

Painting your kitchen cabinets can be a great way to give your kitchen a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

Here are some tips to help you get the job done right:

  • Start by removing all of the cabinet doors and hardware.
  • Clean the cabinets thoroughly with a degreaser to remove any grease or dirt.
  • Sand the cabinets lightly to rough up the surface and help the paint adhere better.
  • Apply a primer to the cabinets to help the paint stick and prevent any stains from bleeding through.
  • Use a high-quality paint and apply it with a brush or roller, making sure to apply thin coats and allowing each coat to dry fully before applying the next.
  • Consider using a topcoat to protect the paint and make it more durable.

By following these tips, you can achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish on your kitchen cabinets that will last for years to come.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

The cost of painting kitchen cabinets varies depending on the size of your kitchen and the materials you use.

However, on average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for materials and supplies.

What Tools Do You Need?

To paint your kitchen cabinets, you will need a variety of tools, including paint brushes, rollers, sandpaper, and a paint sprayer.

You can find all of these tools at your local hardware or paint store.

Can You Use a Roller to Paint Your Cabinets?

Yes, you can use a roller to paint your cabinets.

However, it’s important to choose the right type of roller and to use it properly to ensure a smooth finish.

What Surfaces Can You Paint Over?

You can paint over most surfaces, including wood, laminate, and metal.

However, you will need to prepare the surface properly before painting to ensure that the paint adheres properly.

How to Prep Your Kitchen Cabinets for Paint

Before you start painting, you will need to prepare your kitchen cabinets properly.

This includes cleaning the cabinets, using a deglosser, removing the cabinet doors and drawers, and removing the handles and knobs.

Do You Need to Prime Your Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting?

Yes, it’s important to prime your kitchen cabinets before painting to ensure that the paint adheres properly and to prevent stains and discoloration from bleeding through the paint.

What Kind of Paint Should You Use on Your Kitchen Cabinets?

You should use high-quality, durable paint that is specifically designed for kitchen cabinets. Look for a paint that is water-resistant and easy to clean.

How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

To paint your kitchen cabinets, you will need to follow a few simple steps, including sanding, priming, and painting. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the paint and tools you are using.

More Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets FAQs

There are several other questions you may have when it comes to painting your kitchen cabinets, including how long it takes, how much paint you need, and what type of finish to use.

You can find the answers to these questions and more in our Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets FAQs section.

How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets the Right Way!

By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can paint your kitchen cabinets the right way and achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

Painting kitchen cabinets professionally can cost thousands of dollars. However, doing it yourself can significantly reduce the cost.

The cost of painting kitchen cabinets yourself, including supplies, will be less than $200. For more ways to save on a kitchen renovation, check out [the link provided].

What Tools Are Needed?

Shop Painting Supplies

To paint kitchen cabinets, one needs to consider the necessary tools. These include a 4″ roller with pads, a paint tray, high-quality cabinet paint, high-quality primer tinted to the cabinet color, a stir stick, a paint can opener, an angled trim brush, buffer pads for doors and drawers, and a drop cloth.

Can a Roller be Used to Paint Cabinets?

Yes, a roller can be used to paint kitchen cabinets. It is recommended to use a 4-inch roller with either a foam or nap roller for a smooth finish.

These smaller rollers are ideal for getting into the nooks and crannies of the cabinet doors. Using a roller will also save time compared to using a brush.

For more tips on painting, check out our related post on how to paint trim like a pro.

What Surfaces Can I Paint Over?

Wood cabinets are the ideal surface to paint over, but it is also possible to paint over non-wood materials such as laminate.

It is important to prime the surface before painting and note that the finish may not last as long.

How to Prep Your Kitchen Cabinets for Paint

Before painting your kitchen cabinets, it is important to properly prep them to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Here are the steps to follow:

Clean Your Cabinets

The first step is to thoroughly clean your cabinets. Use a mixture of warm water and mild soap to remove any food, dust, grease, and grime. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean cloth.

Use a Deglosser

If your cabinets have a high gloss finish, it is recommended to use a deglosser to remove the sheen and provide a better surface for the paint to adhere to.

A product like Krud Kutter can both clean and degloss your cabinets at the same time.

Do I Need to Remove the Cabinet Doors Before Painting?

While most professionals recommend removing the cabinet doors before painting, it is possible to leave them on. If you choose to leave them on, use blue painters or Frog Tape to tape over the hinges or paint over the existing hinges.

If you decide to remove the doors, number each door and place the hardware in a bag with the corresponding number.

Remove Kitchen Drawers

Ideally, you should remove your kitchen drawers to paint around the area without getting paint on the inside of the drawers.

If you plan to paint the inside of your drawers, remove them to reach all sides.

Remove Handles and Knobs

Remove any handles or knobs from your cabinet doors and drawers before painting. This will ensure a smooth and even finish.

Do I Need to Prime My Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting?

It is recommended to prime your kitchen cabinets before painting, even if the paint claims to not require it.

Using a high-quality primer like Valspar’s High Hiding Primer and Sealer tinted to the color you’re painting your cabinets will create the ideal surface for the paint to adhere to and ensure a long-lasting finish.

What Type of Paint to Use on Kitchen Cabinets?

When it comes to painting kitchen cabinets, it is important to choose a paint that will create a durable and long-lasting finish. Enamel paint is the best option for kitchen cabinets as it hardens and creates a tough surface that can withstand heavy use.

One recommended option is Valspar Cabinet and Furniture Oil-Enriched Enamel, which comes in both semi-gloss and satin finishes. The satin finish is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets as it provides a subtle shine without being too glossy.

Using regular latex paint not specifically made for cabinets can lead to a chipping finish, as it is not designed to withstand the wear and tear of a kitchen.

For the best results, it is recommended to use a paint made specifically for cabinets, preferably enamel.

Overall, choosing the right type of paint is crucial to achieving a beautiful and long-lasting finish on your kitchen cabinets.

How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

To begin painting your kitchen cabinets, start with a coat of primer. It is recommended to use an angled trim brush to get into the crevices that a roller cannot reach.

If your cabinet doors are paneled, it is best to start painting in the center and work your way out. If you choose to leave your doors on, paint the outside of the door first, then move to the inside of the door.

Lastly, paint the base of the cabinets and allow them to dry completely. If you decide to remove your doors, make sure you give the paint plenty of time to dry before you flip them over to paint the other side.

After the primer has dried, you can move on to applying two coats of enamel-based cabinet paint. It is important to refer to the paint can to know how long you should wait before applying a new coat.

Allow sufficient drying time in between coats. A coat of primer and two coats of enamel cabinet paint should be enough, but if you need to, you can always apply another coat.

Once you have finished painting, allow your kitchen cabinets to dry for 24 hours before using them. The enamel will continue to harden over time, giving your newly painted cabinets a lasting finish. If you remove your doors, go ahead and re-install them after 24 hours.

You can also install the knobs and pulls and replace the drawers.

To prevent your doors from sticking to the base of the cabinets and pulling the paint off, install bumper pads once your doors and drawers are back in place.

By following these steps, you can successfully paint your kitchen cabinets and enjoy a beautifully updated kitchen.

More Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

When painting kitchen cabinets, the time it takes to complete the job will depend on whether or not you remove the cabinet doors.

If you remove the doors and paint both sides, you should plan on three to four days. This allows time for the paint to fully dry on one side before switching to the other side and reinstalling the doors.

If you don’t remove the doors, you can finish the job in two days.

How Many Gallons of Paint Do I Need for Kitchen Cabinets?

The amount of paint you’ll need for your kitchen cabinets will depend on the size of your kitchen. For smaller kitchens, plan on using two gallons of paint.

For larger kitchens, you’ll need three to four or more gallons, depending on the number of doors and drawers you have, as well as if you have a kitchen island.

What Sheen Should I Use for the Finish?

When it comes to the finish for your kitchen cabinets, a matte finish is not ideal since it’s difficult to clean. A semi-gloss finish is the best option, with satin being a close second.

Can I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding First?

Whether or not you can paint your kitchen cabinets without sanding first will depend on the paint you’re using.

While several cabinet enamels claim that sanding is not necessary, it’s important to read the fine print. Some high-gloss surfaces will require sanding or deglossing before painting.

What Are Some Frequent Mistakes People Make When Painting Their Kitchen Cabinets?

One common mistake people make when painting their kitchen cabinets is skipping the prep work. Proper preparation is crucial since it provides an ideal surface for the paint to adhere to.

Another mistake is not using the right kind of paint. It’s important to use paint that’s specifically formulated for kitchen cabinets, such as an oil-based cabinet enamel.

How Do I Paint My Cabinets Without Leaving Brush Marks?

To avoid leaving brush marks on your cabinets, look for cabinet enamels with a self-leveling formula. These paints help even out the finish as you paint.

Some cabinet enamels even specifically state “no brush marks” on the label.

Best Primer for Kitchen Cabinets

When painting your wood cabinets, it’s important to use a primer that’s formulated for use on kitchen cabinets. Valspar’s primer is an ideal choice.

Best Brand of Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

From experience, Valspar’s Cabinet and Furniture Enamel is a great choice for painting your kitchen cabinets.

Best Type of Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

When it comes to painting your kitchen cabinets, cabinet enamel is the best type of paint to use. This type of paint is specially formulated to adhere to the surface of your cabinets and will harden to a durable finish over several days.

Related Articles

References