Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a Makeover with These Painting Tips
Is your kitchen in need of a mini-makeover? Are your cabinets looking a bit outdated or worn? Painting the cabinets can provide an affordable and dramatic way to refresh the look of your kitchen. With some simple preparation, the right paint and supplies, and careful technique, you can easily transform the heart of your home.
Painting cabinets isn't necessarily quick or easy, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Read on for essential tips to ensure your DIY kitchen cabinet paint job is a success.
Assessing Your Current Cabinets
Before jumping into a painting project, it's important to thoroughly evaluate the current state of your cabinets. Take note of what you like and don't like about the existing color and style. Look for any damage, stains, or problem areas that will need repair work. If the cabinet boxes are structurally sound, painting them as-is will be faster. If doors are damaged or outdated, you may want to purchase new doors after painting the boxes.
It's also worth considering whether simply switching out the cabinet hardware could give your kitchen a refreshed look before committing to a paint job. Often a dated brass or bronze knob can age the space, and replacing with modern brushed nickel or matte black hardware can lend a contemporary vibe.
Choosing the Right Paint and Finish
When selecting a paint for kitchen cabinets, durability and stain-resistance are key. Oil-based enamels provide a smooth, hard finish that resists moisture, grease, and frequent cleaning. If you prefer a water-based acrylic latex paint, choose one formulated specifically for cabinetry. Opt for a satin, semi-gloss, or gloss sheen for easier cleaning and durability.
Consider how much natural light your kitchen receives when determining the right paint finish. The subtle sheen of satin paint works well for most kitchens. Semi-gloss has a medium shine and is ideal for low-light areas. Glossier paints accentuate imperfections like brush marks, so they work best on cabinets with smooth surfaces.
Preparing Cabinets for a Smooth Paint Job
Proper prep work is crucial for getting an even, professional-looking painted finish. Start by removing all doors, drawers, and hardware. Clean grimy surfaces with a degreaser or TSP substitute so the paint adheres well. Address any stains, then sand to rough up the finish for painting. Finish by dusting and vacuuming away any debris before priming.
For the most seamless look, fill any holes from old hardware with wood filler and allow to dry completely. Taking doors off cabinets allows you to easily paint the box interiors and the door fronts. Lay doors on sawhorses or across chairs to paint.
Picking a Color Scheme for Your Space
The color palette you select can make or break the look of your newly painted kitchen. Stay within a single color family for a cohesive feel. Neutral shades of white, gray, and navy are versatile classics. Bold, saturated hues like emerald or sapphire inject personality. Distressed finishes in charcoal or seafoam are trendy options.
Purchase sample size test pots to paint on doors before committing to a gallon. Check samples in different lighting at various times of day. Hold up painted wood against your countertop to see how the tones work together. An integrated color scheme will give your kitchen a pulled-together look.
Painting Cabinet Boxes and Frames
Use painter's tape to mask off adjacent walls, countertops, and any bordering backsplashes for crisp edges. Apply a coat of high adhesion primer to the cabinet box exteriors and interiors, then let dry completely. Use an angled trim brush to cut in corners and edges neatly.
Roll on two finish coats with a short nap roller, allowing full drying between coats according to manufacturer guidelines. Maintain a "wet edge" as you paint, not allowing any areas to fully dry before rolling over. This prevents unsightly lap marks in the finish.
Achieving a Flawless Finish on Doors
For painting cabinet doors, opt for spray paint to avoid visible brush strokes. Suspend the doors from scrap wood or sawhorses to access all edges. Apply primer followed by two topcoats of spray paint, lightly sanding between coats. Allow proper drying times to prevent drips or runs.
Be sure to seal all exposed door edges with paint as well to prevent moisture damage. Spray vertical strokes followed by horizontal to ensure thorough coverage. Install new hardware once the paint has fully cured for a cohesive, built-in look.
Avoiding Common Painting Mistakes
Patience and care in prep, painting, and cleanup will prevent many headaches. Always work in a dust-free area and sand between coats for the smoothest finish. Maintain the manufacturer's recommended wet edge and drying times. Check that corners and crevices have complete coverage.
Stir paint thoroughly and apply in ambient temperatures within the optimal range. This prevents fisheye drying and bubbles in the finish. Take your time and don't rush the job. The attention to detail will pay off in cabinets with a professional painted look.
Add New Hardware for the Finishing Touch
Swapping out old handles and knobs is the perfect finishing touch for your fresh painted cabinets. Choose hardware that coordinates with your new color scheme. Brass or bronze provide classic complement to neutral grays and whites. Nickel or chrome have a modern vibe. Opt for knobs for Shaker style doors or handle pulls for more elaborate cabinet fronts.
Mixing metal finishes, like pairing silver with gold hardware, lends an eclectic, collected look. Before installing, paint the inside edges of your newly drilled hardware holes to seal and prevent moisture damage.
With some diligent preparation and careful technique, your painted kitchen cabinets can look like you had brand new cabinetry installed. Appreciate how the light reflects off your pristine finish. Install task lighting under upper cabinets to further highlight your efforts.
Fill open shelves with gorgeous dishware to complement your color scheme. Try some new, efficient ways of organizing pots, pans and pantry items in your refreshed cabinet interiors. Most importantly, enjoy the new ambiance you've created in the heart of your home.