Amp Up Your Kitchen Design with a Fresh Coat of Paint on Cabinets

Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Dingy cabinets can make the entire room feel dark and gloomy. But you don't need to undergo a full kitchen remodel to give your space a fresh new look. Transforming existing cabinets with a coat of paint is an easy and budget-friendly way to update your kitchen's style. The results will astound you.

Painting kitchen cabinets allows you to refresh the look of your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of installing all new cabinets. It's a weekend DIY project that creates dramatic results. Follow these essential tips for painting kitchen cabinets and you'll achieve a stylish, like-new kitchen.

Determine Your Goals for Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Before beginning your cabinet painting project, clarify what you want to achieve. This will inform all your decisions as you plan the process.

Update the Look

Painting drab oak or dated maple cabinets is an easy way to make your kitchen feel fresh and modern. Current color trends like bright whites, two-toned schemes, and even bold colors like navy or black transform the space.

Painting over wood stain or laminate faux-wood cabinets covers up colors that have fallen out of fashion. Priming properly allows nearly any paint color to adhere well so you can choose a shade that excites you.

Work Within Your Budget

Replacing old cabinets with brand new custom cabinetry can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Painting existing cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers costs a fraction of wholesale cabinet replacement.

For less than $300 in painting supplies, plus the cost of a weekend of your time, you can paint your cabinets and feel like you have an entirely new kitchen. It allows you to change the look without a huge outlay of cash.

Prep Work - Cleaning and Sanding Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting

Thorough preparation is crucial for getting great results when painting cabinets. Plan to spend a full day prepping your cabinets for painting. Gather the necessary supplies and follow these steps:

Supplies Needed

• Cleaning solutions like TSP substitute or degreaser
• Sandpaper - 220 grit
• Rags, brushes for cleaning
• Drop cloths

Steps

Removing doors, drawers, and hardware allows you to fully clean and sand all cabinet surfaces. Use a degreasing cleaner or TSP substitute to thoroughly wash away any grease or grime on your cabinets. Lightly sand surfaces to rough them up so the primer and paint will adhere well. Wipe down with a tack cloth to remove dust before painting.

Priming Kitchen Cabinets

Primer is essential to ready your cabinets for a smooth painted finish. Take the time to apply two coats of high-quality primer before moving onto painting the cabinets.

Choosing Primer

An oil-based primer works best for covering cabinets, but latex primers now offer similar bonding qualities. For laminate cabinets, use a dedicated bonding primer like Gripper or Stix.

Primers like Kilz and Zinsser's BIN shellac-based primer will seal surfaces and block stains, preventing them from bleeding through your topcoat of paint.

Applying Primer Coats

Use angled cabinet painting brushes to brush primer onto doorframes and cabinet boxes. Mini foam rollers allow you to easily prime cabinet doors. Let primer dry completely between coats according to manufacturer guidelines.

If working with an HVLP sprayer, apply thin coats of primer until you achieve full coverage. Two to three coats of primer ensure a smooth foundation for painting.

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Once your cabinets are properly primed, you're ready for the fun part - applying the color! Use high quality paint and the right techniques for best results.

Paint Types

Opt for cabinet paint with built-in primers that offer maximum adhesion and a hard, durable finish. Oil-based alkyd enamels provide a smooth, glass-like surface that cleans easily.

Many quality latex acrylic paints give similar performance to oil-based at lower cost and with easier cleanup. Use paint labeled specifically for cabinetry for the most durable finish.

Paint Colors

White, soft gray, navy, sage green, and black are popular cabinet colors right now. Neutral painted cabinets won't clash if you change up backsplashes and countertops later. Or make a bold statement with a vibrant hue.

Test paint samples on doors or cardboard to view colors in your space before committing. Stick with lighter shades if selling your home soon.

Paint Application Process

An angled brush allows you to cut in neatly along cabinet edges and corners. Use a high-density foam roller and extension pole to quickly apply paint to door and cabinet faces. Work in sections and maintain a wet edge.

For large cabinet painting projects, an HVLP spray system distributes paint evenly and creates a smooth factory finish. Apply multiple thin coats for full coverage.

Finishing Touches

You're in the home stretch once the painted cabinets have fully cured. Adding new hardware and decor gives your kitchen the complete made-over look.

Reinstall Doors, Drawers, Hardware

Allow painted cabinets to cure for several days before rehanging doors and drawers. Take the opportunity to replace existing hardware with updated knobs, pulls, and handles.

Opt for new hardware that complements your faucet and lighting fixture finishes. Matte black and brass are popular choices right now.

Add Decor Touches

Consider adding a fresh backsplash, new countertops, or glass cabinet inserts to complement your painted cabinets.

Under cabinet lighting or pendant lights above kitchen islands enhance the new look. Pretty hardware, linens, and accent pieces give your kitchen the finished style you desire.

Your freshly painted cabinets should hold up well for years if properly cared for. Clean painted cabinet surfaces only with mild soap and water using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing that could damage the paint finish.

Use high quality touch up paint to quickly fix any nicks or scrapes that occur. With proper prep and application, your painted kitchen cabinets can look amazing for a decade or longer.

Ready to get started on your cabinet transformation? Arm yourself with the right information and materials and you can painting your kitchen cabinets like a pro. It's incredibly rewarding to see the dramatic change a coat of paint makes.