Transform Tired Cabinets in 1 Weekend: The Complete Guide to DIY Kitchen Cabinet Repainting

Dreaming of a magazine-worthy kitchen but can't afford a full remodel? With some effort and the right approach, you can reinvent the look of your kitchen just by repainting the existing cabinets. This straightforward, budget-friendly project lets you upgrade your space with a fresh new color palette that suits your style. Read on to learn the complete process of repainting kitchen cabinets like a pro.

Why Choose a Cabinet Repaint?

A full kitchen renovation often costs tens of thousands of dollars. Cabinet refacing also comes with a hefty price tag, averaging around $5,000. In comparison, repainting your existing cabinetry allows you to give your kitchen a whole new look for less than $500.

Beyond the budget factor, repainting cabinets means you can customize the color selection while avoiding major construction. And unlike many trends that come and go, painted cabinets boast a timeless appeal perfect for resale value.

Assess Your Existing Cabinetry

Determine Cabinet Materials

The first step is examining your current cabinets to see if they can be safely painted. Solid wood, wood veneers, laminates, and metal can all be successfully repainted, though materials with damage should be replaced. Test inside inconspicuous areas to identify the construction.

Check for Damage

Inspect doors, frames, and boxes for issues like cracks, swelling, or severe staining that indicate rot. Make all necessary repairs before painting. Also address dents, scratches, or missing hardware to ensure the best results.

Compare Cost of Replacing vs. Refinishing

If your cabinets show excessive deterioration, the cost of prepping and repainting them could exceed the price of new cabinet doors. Calculate expenses to determine if replacement makes more financial sense.

Clear Out and Clean Cabinets

Now comes the tedious - but essential - prep work. You'll need to empty the cabinets, thoroughly clean the surfaces, make minor repairs, sand, and tape off the surrounding area.

Empty Cabinets and Drawers

Removing everything from your cabinets and drawers gives you room to work. As you empty them out, take notes on existing storage needs and edit items as desired.

Label Doors

Detach all doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware. Label each door's location using painter's tape and a marker so it can be put back correctly later.

Clean Surfaces

Mix up an all-purpose cleaning solution of water, vinegar and salt. Scrub boxes and doors to remove grease and grime so the paint can properly adhere. Rinse with clean water and let the pieces dry fully before painting.

Sand Surfaces

Lightly sand all cabinet components including frames, boxes, doors, and drawers using 220 grit sandpaper. This helps rough up glossy areas and removes any loose paint or flakes.

Prep the Room

An eco-friendly mask, drop cloths, and proper ventilation will help keep you safe and minimize mess during the DIY painting process. Cover floors, counter tops, backsplashes, and appliances before starting.

Pick Out Your Paints and Supplies

Choose Paint Type

When researching topcoat options, you'll come across paints, stains, re-staining kits, and varnishes. For the best bond on previously finished wood, painted metal, or laminate, choose a high-quality formulated specifically for kitchen cabinet use.

Select Sheen Level

Semi-gloss or high gloss sheens offer a sleek, light-reflecting finish that emulates a professional sprayed look. They also provide the most durable and scrubbable option for cleaning grime that builds up on cabinet surfaces over time.

Calculate Amounts

Measure cabinet face areas with a tape measure to estimate the total square footage. Apply thin coats - one gallon of paint covers approximately 350-400 square feet. Having extra on hand is wise for touch-ups down the road.

Gather Essentials

In addition to topcoat products, a well-stocked painting kit contains supplies like:

• High-quality nylon/polyester brushes
• Angled sash brush for trim
• Paint tray and roller
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Painter's tape
• Drop cloths
• Stir sticks & paint can opener

Prime Cabinets Before Painting

Primer creates an essential foundation upon which the new paint can adhere.Skipping this step often results in the paint bubbling, cracking, or peeling later on.

Prep Primer Properly

Pour the primer into a paint tray, dip in the angled brush, then tap lightly against the inside rim so it isn't overloaded. Apply using thin, even coats.

Prime All Cabinet Parts

Cover frames, interiors, trim, boxes, doors, drawer fronts & sides. Though tedious, don't miss any exposed areas. Fully prime the backs of doors and inside cabinet boxes even if the final coat of paint won't reach these spots.

Allow Proper Dry Time

Let the primer dry thoroughly following manufacturer guidelines before adding your topcoat - usually at least 2 hours. Cool temperatures or high humidity can extend dry times.

Paint Cabinet Boxes and Frames

With prep work complete and a layer of primer on, the fun part begins...bringing the cabinets to life with fresh color! Approach cabinets methodically in sections to get the most professional looking results.

Where to Start

Paint the interiors and outer boxes first, followed by face frames/trim, and finally doors and drawers since they can be spread out separately to dry.

Achieve Full Coverage

Apply paint smoothly and evenly while overlapping edges just barely to prevent noticeable lap marks. Load the roller or brush lightly and extend the paint vertically first, then horizontally while keeping a wet edge.

Work in Sections

Paint one or two cabinets fully before moving on. This prevents lap marks that occur when touching up dried areas. Plan breaks to let sections dry before continuing.

Apply Second Coats

Let the first coat dry per product guidelines, then apply another coat. Paint absorbs differently across various wood grains, so the second coat helps create a uniform, opaque finish.

Paint and Reinstall Doors

Remove to Prevent Drips

Detach all doors, shelves, and hardware to paint separately. This prevents messy drips from cabinets onto wall surfaces or newly painted frames.

Achieve Flawless Coverage

Use a small foam roller and high quality angled trim brush to coat the door fronts, sides, backs, and edges with primer and paint. Getting into grooves around panels takes patience.

Reattach Hardware

After doors fully cure for the time indicated on the paint can, reinstall the hardware using a power drill. Ensure doors are oriented properly according to previous labels.

Perfect the Final Finish

Inspect Closely

Examine the cabinets once thoroughly dry, looking for any leftover debris, uneven paint coverage, or splatters. Touch up imperfections with added brush strokes feathered from surrounding areas.

Add Protective Topcoat (Optional)

For added protection on commonly used door fronts and edges, apply 1-2 thin layers of water-based polyurethane with a foam brush. First test compatibility in an inconspicuous spot.

Replace Interior Fittings

Once satisfied with the external surfaces, put back interior cabinet parts like shelves before replacing food, dishes, etc. Admire the dramatic transformation!

Care for Repainted Cabinets

The work doesn't stop once the paint dries. Maintaining the freshly updated kitchen cabinetry properly will help its beautiful new look last.

Let Paint Fully Cure

Though dry to the touch in hours, cabinet paint continues hardening over the next 30 days. Delay placing dishes or belongings inside during this time.

Clean Regularly

Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth with mild soap and warm water to keep doors and edges looking like new. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

Save leftover paint to make minor touch ups over time if nicks or scratches occur. First smooth damaged areas with extra fine (220) grit sandpaper before brushing paint on just the affected spot.

You can achieve magazine-quality results by painting your kitchen cabinets. Not only does refinishing save thousands over a full renovation, but it allows for custom color choices that suit your unique style.