Our Tips for Chalk Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro

Chalk paint has become an incredibly popular option for DIY cabinet makeovers in recent years. With its matte finish and smooth adherence to surfaces, chalk paint makes it easy for anyone to transform their outdated kitchen cabinets without extensive prep work. However, while chalk paint offers many benefits, it also has some drawbacks to consider before taking on a kitchen cabinet painting project.

We'll cover everything from assessing if your cabinets are suitable for chalk paint to specific painting techniques and care instructions. With the right approach, you can use chalk paint to affordably upgrade your kitchen with on-trend painted cabinets.

Assessing Your Cabinets for Chalk Paint

While chalk paint can technically be applied to most cabinet materials, certain factors may impact how suitable it is for your specific kitchen cabinets.

Cabinet Materials

Chalk paint generally adheres well to wood, MDF, and laminate cabinets with proper prep. However, surfaces like metal or plastic may prevent the chalk paint from properly bonding. Consider what material your cabinets are made of before deciding on chalk paint.

Kitchen Environment

Since chalk paint can be susceptible to chipping and peeling when exposed to moisture, high humidity kitchens are not the ideal environment for it. If your kitchen has no ventilation or experiences very damp conditions, a more durable cabinet paint may be preferable.

Desired Finish

One of the appeals of chalk paint is its matte, lightly textured finish that resembles worn paint. If you hope to achieve a glossier, smoother painted finish, enamels or acrylic cabinet paints may work better than chalk paint.

Maintenance Expectations

Chalk paint requires more frequent touch-ups and reapplication than many other cabinet paints. If you want a very low-maintenance option, other types of paint are likely the better choice. But if you don't mind a bit more upkeep, chalk paint can be a good option.

Prepping Cabinets for Painting

While chalk paint doesn't require intensive sanding or priming, properly prepping your cabinets will still help ensure the paint adheres well and provides even coverage.

• Clean cabinet surfaces thoroughly prior to painting. Remove any existing grease or grime.
• Lightly sand glossy cabinet areas to roughness up the finish so paint can grip.
• Remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware to make painting easier.
• Use painter's tape to mask off nearby surfaces like walls or countertops.

Applying Chalk Paint

With the right supplies and techniques, applying chalk paint to cabinets is a relatively straightforward process.

Supplies Needed

• Chalk paint in your preferred color
• High-quality paint brushes
• Paint tray and stir stick
• Sandpaper and sanding block

Painting Steps

For the best results, follow these steps when applying chalk paint:

1. Apply a thin, even first coat over the entire cabinet surface. Let dry fully.
2. Apply a slightly thicker second coat for complete coverage. Let dry.
3. A third optional coat can provide a smoother finish.

Distressing

If you want to achieve a distressed, chippy look, lightly sand edges and corners after the paint has dried using fine grit sandpaper. Focus distressing on areas most prone to natural wear.

Sealing and Protecting Cabinets

Although optional, properly sealing chalk painted cabinets can protect the finish.

Finishing Options

Wax can provide a matte seal but may not stand up well to kitchen conditions. Polyurethane or other topcoats offer more protection.

Application Tips

• Ensure paint is fully cured before applying a topcoat, typically 2-3 weeks.
• Apply multiple thin layers of topcoat for best durability.

Caring for Chalk Painted Cabinets

While durable, chalk paint still requires some maintenance to keep your cabinets looking like new.

• Clean using only gentle cleaners, avoiding abrasive scouring pads.
• Immediately dry cabinets if exposed to moisture to prevent paint issues.
• Reapply paint every 2-3 years in high use areas as needed.

Putting in the prep work and following our tips will help you achieve stunning results. Chalk painted cabinets can give your kitchen a high-end, customized look at a fraction of the cost of professional remodeling.

By understanding both the benefits and potential drawbacks of chalk paint ahead of time, you can avoid common mistakes and end up with kitchen cabinets that look like they were painted by experts. Consider chalk paint for an easy, budget-friendly kitchen makeover.