The Complete Guide to DIY Spray Painting Your Dated Kitchen Cabinets
Is your kitchen stuck in the past with outdated oak cabinets from the 90s? Are you tired of staring at the same drab color palette day after day? We certainly understand the desire to reinvigorate your kitchen without breaking the bank. The good news is, you can easily transform those dated cabinets with a fresh new look using DIY spray painting techniques. From choosing paints and sprayers to prepping, priming, spraying, and finishing, we've got you covered with step-by-step instructions and expert tips. So read on to learn the secrets of flawlessly spray painting kitchen cabinets and finally get the modern, eye-catching kitchen you've always envisioned!
Spray painting kitchen cabinets offers many advantages over brush painting or replacing them entirely. It provides a smooth, seamless finish without the visible brush marks of hand painting. You can achieve that sleek look of professionally sprayed cabinets at just a fraction of the cost. Paint sprayers also waste less paint than rollers or brushes, allowing more economical coverage of large surfaces. With the right prep work, spray painting creates a durable finish that holds up well to daily wear and tear. So if revamping your kitchen with a splash of color or switching up finishes from oak to sleek white lacquer has been on your DIY to-do list, then keep reading! We'll provide expert guidance to ensure your spray painting project goes off without a hitch.
Choosing a Paint Sprayer
The first step in any cabinet spray painting project is selecting the right paint sprayer tool for the job. You have a couple options depending on your skill level and budget. Airless paint sprayers are suitable for beginners, providing a relatively easy user experience. Compressed air HVLP sprayers require finer technique but offer supreme finish quality. Here's what you need to know about choosing between the two:
Airless Paint Sprayer
Airless paint sprayers use hydraulic pressure to push paint through the tip, generating sufficient force to atomize it into a fine mist. They require less thinning of the paint material compared to HVLP sprayers. Airless sprayers allow high paint flow rates, meaning you can coat large surface areas faster.
These sprayers are easier for DIYers to use right out of the box, with less complicated setup. They minimize overspray since the spray stream is narrowly focused. Airless sprayers provide good control for those learning spray painting techniques.
HVLP Paint Sprayer
High-volume low-pressure (HVLP) spray systems work more similarly to professional rigs. They utilize compressed air to atomize and propel the paint. HVLP spray guns are lightweight and maneuverable, making them ideal for furniture and cabinetry.
They produce the highest quality finishes of any handheld sprayers. The fine spray pattern cuts down on paint overspray waste. HVLP sprayers require a bit more skill to master proper spraying technique and paint viscosity.
They also take longer to cover large areas since paint volume output is lower. However, if an ultra-smooth factory finish is your goal, HVLP is the best DIY spraying option.
Helpful Features
When selecting a paint sprayer, keep an eye out for these useful features:
- Multiple tip sizes - For versatility in spray patterns
- Pressure adjustment - For fine-tuning the atomization
- Long hose - Provides extended reach for spraying cabinets
- Cleaning tools - To quickly flush system after use
Gathering Supplies
In addition to a paint sprayer, completing your cabinet makeover will require some key supplies. Make sure you have these materials on hand before starting:
Paints and Primers
Choose a primer specially formulated for slick surfaces like laminate cabinetry. Oil-based primers provide superior adhesion and blocking stains. Opt for latex cabinet paints to simplify cleanup - we recommend satin, semi-gloss, or gloss sheens.
Drop Cloths and Plastic
Protect floors and surfaces from paint overspray by covering them completely with canvas drop cloths, plastic sheets, or disposable plastic tarps.
Sandpaper and Cleaning Supplies
Sand surfaces thoroughly before priming and painting. Tack cloths help remove dust between sanding and painting. Degreasing cleaners prepare cabinets by removing oils and residue.
Masking Tape and Paper
Use painter's tape and masking paper to isolate areas like countertops, walls, and ceilings. This keeps them paint-free and creates crisp covered edges.
Paint Spraying Safety Gear
Respirator masks, goggles, gloves, and protective clothing reduce exposure to paint mist, fumes, and overspray.
Prepping Your Cabinets
Now comes the grunt work! Proper prep is crucial for getting clean, long-lasting paint adhesion. Follow these steps:
Remove Doors, Drawers and Hardware
Detaching components allows much easier access for spraying. Number pieces to simplify reinstallation.
Clean Surfaces
Wash cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers with a degreasing cleaner. Rinse then let dry completely.
Sand Cabinets
Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to scuff up surfaces, allowing primer to grip. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
Fill Holes and Imperfections
Fill any cracks or holes with wood filler and sand smooth. Use spackling paste on laminate surfaces.
Mask Surrounding Areas
Tape off all adjacent surfaces like walls, backsplashes, and ceilings. Roll drop cloths over entire floor space.
Priming Your Cabinets
Primer is the key to professional spray painted results. Follow these best practices for priming:
Choose Appropriate Primer
For laminate surfaces, use a dedicated bonding primer. Oil-based primers excel at blocking stains from wood.
Stir and Strain the Primer
Thoroughly mix primer to suspend solids evenly. Pour through a mesh strainer to catch globs.
Apply in Thin Coats
Lay down primer in smooth, thin layers following the manufacturer's coverage rate guidelines.
Allow Proper Dry Time
Let primer cure completely between coats. Low humidity speeds up drying between primer and paint.
Spray Painting Your Cabinets
With your meticulous prep work completed, now comes the fun part - spray painting! Follow these techniques for flawless painted cabinets:
Spray Paint Outdoors If Possible
Prevent overspray fog inside by spraying outside on a dry, low wind day if feasible.
Maintain Ideal Spray Distance
Hold spray gun 6-10 inches away and move at moderate pace perpendicular to surface.
Use Proper Spraying Motion
Apply in overlapping passes, moving gun in straight lines and slightly angling on end strokes.
Apply Thin, Even Coats of Paint
Let each coat fully dry before adding another. Wet paint runs and drips.
Inspect and Sand Between Coats
Lightly sand glossy spots or drips before applying the next coat.
Continue Until Desired Coverage is Achieved
Add coats until you obtain complete coverage and a uniform finish.
Change Spray Tips When Needed
Use fine finish low-volume tips for final coats to optimize the spray pattern.
Finishing Touches
You're in the home stretch! Just a bit more work completes your kitchen's spectacular makeover:
Reattach Doors, Drawers, and Hardware
Screw cabinets back together using your numbering system. Reinstall handles and fixtures.
Remove Masking and Drop Cloths
Carefully peel away all masking materials to reveal crisp paint lines. Discard drop cloths.
Perform Final Touch-ups
Inspect closely and use a small brush to touch-up any missed spots.
Add Cabinet Sealer (Optional)
Applying a clear coat adds extra protection and sheen.
Clean the Spray Gun
Flush spray gun by spraying solvents like mineral spirits or follow manufacturer cleaning steps.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Beginners often make some of these common missteps. Learn from others' mistakes!
Inadequate Surface Prep
Rushing prep leads to peeling, poor adhesion, and visible imperfections.
Applying Paint Too Thick
Spraying on too much wet paint causes drips, sags, and textural issues.
Drips and Brush Marks
Overloading paint, holding sprayer too close, or poor technique results in flaws.
Paint Bleed and Overspray
Incomplete masking leads to messy and time-consuming cleanup of other surfaces.
Choosing the Wrong Paint Sheen
Glossy paints show imperfections. Consider satin or semi-gloss instead.
After all your hard work prepping, priming, spraying, and finishing, stand back and admire your brilliant kitchen transformation! Nothing updates a dated, tired space quite like crisp new cabinet colors. Your kitchen will look clean, current, and cohesive with the makeover magic of spray painting.
Take pride in learning a new DIY skill and tackling major upgrades yourself. You saved thousands over the cost of cabinet replacement. Now bask in the satisfaction and compliments from family and friends when they see your kitchen's spectacular spruce-up. With a little time invested, spray painting provides a budget-friendly facelift that makes your heart sing every time you walk into your kitchen. Go ahead, do a happy dance and show off your new modern space!