Transform the Look of Your Kitchen for Less: Painting Inside Cabinets

Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Drab cabinets can really bring down the whole room, even if you have nice countertops and appliances. But a full cabinet replacement can cost thousands of dollars. Before you go through that hassle and expense, consider unlocking your cabinets' inner potential with a simple interior paint job. Painting inside your cabinets is an affordable way to give them a fresh, brand new look.

Painting the interiors might sound like a lot of work, but the results are well worth it. Read on to learn everything you need to know to transform your kitchen cabinets on a budget.

Should You Paint the Inside of Cabinets?

So what are the pros and cons of painting your cabinets on the inside? Here are some things to consider:

• Painted interiors look much more finished and sophisticated. The clean, fresh color gives your kitchen a high-end, designer feel.
• It protects and seals bare wood from spills, grease and everyday wear.
• You can match your cabinet interiors to the exterior color for a cohesive, polished look.
• On the downside, prepping and painting the insides can be tedious and time consuming.
• High-traffic areas may need an extra durable sealant or paint to prevent scratches and chips over time.

Ultimately, it comes down to your goals, cabinet style, and budget. If you have glass doors or open shelving where the interiors are visible, painting them makes a big impact. For enclosed standard cabinets, focus your efforts on high-use areas around the stove, sink and prep zones.

Factors to Consider Before Painting Inside

Here are a few things to think about as you decide whether to paint the interiors of your cabinets:

• What is the current condition? If surfaces are already damaged or worn down, fresh paint is a smart fix.
• What style are your cabinets? On glass fronts or open shelving, painted interiors really shine.
• Is the inside visible? Consider which areas get seen most when doors open.
• What is your budget? Just painting visible areas cuts down on cost and effort.
• How much time do you have? Painting inside cabinets is tedious and time consuming.

Once you've weighed the options, move on to prepping so your paint job will turn out flawless.

Preparing Cabinets for Interior Painting

Prepping your cabinets properly is crucial for getting a smooth, lasting finish from your interior paint job. Follow these key steps:

1. Clean inside the cabinets thoroughly with a mild detergent to remove any grease, dirt or residue.
2. Lightly sand cabinet interiors to rough up the existing finish so paint can adhere properly.
3. Degloss any shiny areas inside the cabinets using liquid sandpaper or deglosser.
4. Prime all bare wood with a high quality primer made for painting cabinets.
5. Fill any cracks, nail holes, or gaps with caulk for a seamless look.
6. Use painter's tape to mask off areas like shelves and corners you don't want painted.

Investing some time on proper prep work means your paint job will look flawless and last. It also may require fewer coats to get full coverage.

Prep Materials Needed

• Mild detergent
• Sandpaper
• Deglosser
• Primer
• Caulk
• Painter's tape

Now comes the fun part - choosing a beautiful new color!

Choosing the Right Paint

With all the cabinet paint options on the market, it can be tricky selecting the right one. Here are some tips:

Paint Types

• Latex paint is ideal for painting inside cabinets. It dries fast, doesn't yellow over time, and has low odor and VOC emissions.
• Oil-based paint is more durable, but has strong fumes and requires mineral spirits for cleanup.

Sheens

• Semi-gloss offers the best durability and allows for easy cleaning inside cabinets.
• Satin is nearly as tough as semi-gloss, and is also very easy to clean.
• Eggshell gives a smooth, velvety finish.

Other Considerations

• Invest in premium quality paint - this ensures better coverage and durability.
• Match your paint to the cabinet materials for best adhesion.
• Use tinted primer to preview your color before fully committing.

Talk to your local paint retailer about the best options for your cabinets' surface and style.

Painting Cabinet Interiors Step-By-Step

Once you have everything prepped and your materials ready, it's time to start painting. Follow these steps:

1. Working systematically from top to bottom, paint the cabinet backs first, followed by bottom, sides, shelves and finally fronts.
2. Use an angled trim brush to carefully paint corners, edges and hard to reach spots.
3. Roll larger flat areas with a 4-inch mini foam paint roller for the smoothest, most consistent finish.
4. Apply paint in thin, even coats allowing it to dry fully between coats.
5. The number of coats needed depends on your color choice and condition of the cabinet surface. Often 2-3 coats ensures fully coverage.
6. Make sure to remove painter's tape promptly after painting before the paint dries around it.

Take your time, and don't rush through it. Patience and attention to detail will pay off in fabulous results.

Essential Painting Supplies

• Trim brushes
• Mini roller
• Paint tray
• Sandpaper
• Painter's tape
• Paper towels, rags

Once your paint job is complete, it's time to relish your refreshed, renewed kitchen!

Caring for Newly Painted Cabinets

Painted cabinets look gorgeous, but you'll need to handle them with care, especially right after painting. Here are some tips:

• Allow paint to cure fully for several days before loading dishes or supplies back into cabinets.
• Avoid scrubbing or using harsh cleaners while curing - gently wipe with a damp cloth to clean up spills.
• Be very careful sliding items in and out to prevent scratching the fresh paint.
• Use shelf liners to prevent damage from cookware and appliances.
• For tough stains or water marks, rub gently with a magic eraser.

Maintaining your painted cabinets carefully ensures they'll stay looking like new for years to come.

Long Term Care Tips

• Use molded plastic storage bins to hold kitchen supplies inside drawers.
• Line frequently used cabinets with nonslip shelf liner to protect from scratches.
• Keep cabinet doors closed as much as possible to minimize wear and tear.
• Immediately clean up any spills or grease splatters.

Painting your cabinet interiors lets you upgrade your kitchen in a weekend and on a dime. Instead of living with dreary, dated cabinets or spending big bucks on new ones, unlock your existing cabinet potential with some simple paint. With a little time and effort, you can achieve a whole new look for your kitchen.

Focus your painting on high-visibility areas like behind glass doors or around the stove and sink. Prep properly so your paint job lasts. And opt for durable latex paint in a semi-gloss, satin or eggshell finish. Soon you'll have a kitchen worthy of a magazine spread without the designer price tag.

Ready to transform your tired cabinets with some fresh paint? Now you have all the information to do it right. So grab a brush and start revamping your kitchen today!