Revive Your Kitchen Cabinets with a Fresh Coat of Paint
Tired of staring at the same old kitchen cabinets day after day? Painting over existing cabinets is a budget-friendly way to give your kitchen a fresh new look without the expense of a full remodel.
Painting over your existing kitchen cabinets allows you to change the color, sheen, and style easily. The transformation can be dramatic. This DIY project can be accomplished over a weekend with some careful preparation and the right materials.
Assessing Your Existing Cabinets
Before breaking out the paint brushes, take some time to thoroughly examine your existing cabinets. Check for any damage, peeling surfaces, cracks, warped areas or holes that will need repair. Also note the type of material, whether it is wood, laminate, or thermofoil.
It's ideal if the current finish is in decent shape. Severely damaged or worn cabinets may need extra prep work and primer to ensure the new paint adheres properly.
Prep Work for Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Cleaning the Cabinets
Grease and dirt can interfere with paint adhesion, so thorough cleaning is a must before painting kitchen cabinets. Remove all cabinet doors, drawers and hardware using a screwdriver. Set screws aside in labeled bags to keep organized.
Clean cabinet boxes, doors, drawers and hardware with an all-purpose degreaser or dish soap and water. For stubborn grease spots, use a cleansing spray like TSP substitute before washing. Rinse surfaces thoroughly and let dry.
Sanding and Prepping the Surfaces
Lightly sand all cabinet surfaces using 120-150 grit sandpaper. This scuffs up the finish so the paint can grip better. Vacuum up all dust, then wipe sanded areas with a damp cloth.
Fill any cracks, holes, or imperfections with wood filler and let dry completely. Make sure all surfaces are smooth before priming and painting.
Priming Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Applying a quality primer is highly recommended before painting over existing finishes. The primer will help the new paint adhere to the slick surface better. When painting over dark cabinets with a light color, tinted primer helps prevent the underlying color from showing through.
Use an oil or shellac-based primer for slick laminate cabinets for the best grip. For wood or painted cabinets, a high bond latex primer works well. Roll or brush primer on thinly and evenly. Let dry completely before painting.
Choosing Cabinet Paint
When selecting cabinet paint, opt for a durable and washable latex enamel paint. Oil-based paints are more prone to yellowing over time. Acrylic paints also provide a nice smooth finish, but don't stand up to cleaning as well as enamels.
Flat paints show more flaws, so consider eggshell, satin or semi-gloss sheens for cabinets. Trending cabinet color choices include light grays, soft blues and classic white.
Buy quality name brand paint. Investing in premium paint leads to a nicer finish. Many local paint stores can also mix custom colors.
Painting Techniques for Kitchen Cabinets
Use a high quality angled sash brush to paint cabinet frames and an inexpensive short nap roller for large flat surfaces like doors and drawer fronts. Maintain a wet edge as you paint to avoid lap marks and texture differences.
Paint systematically, one section at a time. Work from the top down. Apply paint generously but not too thickly so it drips. Thin coats provide the smoothest finish.
Applying Cabinet Paint
Once primed, begin painting the cabinets using thin, even coats of paint. Allow each coat to dry fully (usually 2-3 hours) before adding another coat. Lightly sand between coats with fine 220 grit sandpaper so the final coat looks smooth.
Typically 2-3 coats are needed for full coverage, depending on color. Work methodically to ensure full coverage on edges and interior areas. Practice patience for best results.
For added protection, a clear polyurethane top coat can be applied over latex cabinet paint after it has cured for 2-3 weeks. Once completely dry, reattach all hardware and doors using a screwdriver.
Let freshly painted cabinets cure for several days before putting dishes and food items back in. With some diligent prep work and attention to detail, you can revive your kitchen cabinets affordably with a simple coat of paint.