Painting Kitchen Cabinets? Here's What You Need to Know
If your kitchen is looking tired and dated, painting the cabinets can make a dramatic difference without the high cost of replacement. With some planning, preparation, and effort, you can transform the heart of your home with a fresh coat of paint. From deciding on colors to prepping the surfaces, read on for a complete guide to DIY kitchen cabinet painting.
Painting cabinets yourself rather than hiring a professional can save thousands of dollars. With the right materials and techniques, even amateur DIYers can achieve impressive results. The key is taking the time to properly prepare the cabinets first.
Why Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets?
There are many great reasons to paint worn, damaged, or outdated kitchen cabinets:
- Painting is much more affordable than replacing cabinets entirely.
- It allows you to easily change the color of your cabinets to refresh their look.
- Painted cabinets can make kitchens appear lighter, brighter and more modern.
- You can match your cabinet color to the rest of your kitchen decor.
Whether you want to boost your home's value or simply give your kitchen an updated, stylish look, a new coat of paint offers an easy cabinet makeover on a budget.
Planning Your Kitchen Cabinet Paint Project
Carefully planning your cabinet painting project is crucial for success. There are several key factors to consider before you begin.
Evaluate Your Existing Cabinets
Take a close look at the current condition of your cabinets. Are there areas of damage, flaws in the finish, or missing hardware? Make notes on any repairs needed so the surfaces will be ready for painting. For older cabinets, test for lead-based paint.
Also pay attention to the existing layout, including the door and drawer configuration and placement of handles and knobs. You may opt to change the hardware, but knowing the existing setup is helpful.
Choose a Paint Finish
There are several common options for cabinet paint finishes:
- Latex (acrylic) paint - Affordable and easy soap and water cleanup but less durable
- Oil-based paint - Harder finish and more stain-resistant
- Enamel paint - Very durable and ideal for high-traffic kitchens
- Chalk paint - Creates a matte, distressed finish
Consider the sheen as well. A satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss finish will be ideal for most kitchens.
Calculate Costs
Painting your own cabinets will save you money compared to hiring a professional, but there are still costs to factor in:
- Paint - $25 to $50 per gallon on average
- Primer - $25 to $35 per gallon
- Brushes, rollers, trays - $25 to $50
- Sandpaper, filler, cleaner - $20 to $30
Consider how many cabinets you'll be painting, the preparation work required, and your paint finish to estimate your budget.
Set a Timeline
Allocate plenty of time for proper cabinet preparation and painting. Rushing the process can lead to a poor-quality finished product. Smaller kitchens may require 20-30 hours from start to finish, while larger or more intricate kitchens could take 40+ hours.
Ideally, clear your schedule for a few days to dedicate to the project, and be sure to allow several days for the paint to fully cure once complete.
Decide on Paint Color
Neutral white and off-white are always a safe, versatile choice for kitchen cabinets. But you can also opt for greys, blues, greens, or even black for a more dramatic, stylish look.
Consider the size of your kitchen and existing elements like countertops and backsplash when selecting a color. Dark paint can make a small kitchen feel closed in, while pale paint helps open it up.
Preparing Cabinets for Painting
Proper prep work helps ensure the new paint adheres well and provides a smooth, lasting finish. Prep involves cleaning, light sanding, filling imperfections, applying primer, and removal of hardware.
Clean Surfaces
Thoroughly wash cabinets with a degreasing cleaner like trisodium phosphate (TSP). This removes any grease, grime, or residue that could interfere with paint adhesion.
Sand Cabinets
Lightly sanding smoothes the surface and allows paint to grip better. Use 120-220 grit sandpaper and focus on areas with damage or roughness.
Fill Holes and Imperfections
Fill any cracks, holes, or scratches with wood filler according to package directions. Caulk gaps around cabinet edges and near fixtures.
Prime Cabinets
Quality primer helps paint stick to surfaces better. For painting over stained wood, use a primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3.
Remove and Mask Hardware
Protect hardware like hinges and handles by removing them prior to painting. Use painter's tape to mask off adjacent surfaces.
Painting Your Cabinets
With prep work complete, it's time to apply the paint. Be patient, work methodically, and allow adequate drying time between coats.
Choosing Paints
Consider oil or enamel paints for the most durable, scratch-resistant finish. Latex and acrylic paints are more affordable but less hardy. Opt for satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheen.
Brush vs. Roller
Use angled brushes to paint grooves and details. Rollers work well for efficiently coating flat cabinet surfaces and fronts.
Apply Paint
Work in smooth, overlapping strokes and maintain a wet edge when painting. Systematically coat one section at a time. Allow at least 24 hours drying time before adding second or third coats.
Reattach Hardware
Once paint has fully cured, fill original hardware screw holes and reattach pulls, knobs, and handles.
Achieving Professional Results DIY
With proper materials, preparation, and technique, you can paint cabinets like a pro. Here are some key pointers:
Pro Tips
- Lightly sand between coats for an ultra-smooth finish.
- Maintain a wet edge and overlap brush strokes.
- Work top to bottom and systematically left to right.
- Skipping the all-important preparation steps.
- Applying paint too thickly leading to drips.
- Not filling gaps that end up showing through paint.
- Not allowing proper curing time before use.
By investing some time and care into the process, you can save thousands over the cost of new cabinets. And nothing can compare to the satisfaction of transforming your kitchen with your own handiwork.