Prepping and Painting Black Kitchen Cabinets White - A DIY Tutorial

If your kitchen feels dark and outdated due to old, dingy black cabinets, painting them white can completely transform the space. Switching to clean, bright white cabinets makes rooms appear larger, reflects more light, and creates a fresh, modern look. While the project takes some work, you can paint your black kitchen cabinets white yourself with the right preparation and painting technique. This DIY tutorial will walk you through all the steps for a flawless white finish.

Prepping and painting cabinets white is an affordable kitchen upgrade that provides dramatic results. Instead of investing in new cabinets, you can give your existing ones an easy makeover. Going from dark to light cabinets helps small kitchens feel more spacious as well. Read on to learn everything you need for success.

Benefits of Painting Black Cabinets White

There are several great reasons to consider painting your black kitchen cabinets white:

• Makes the kitchen feel brighter, fresher and more cheerful
• Reflects light to make small spaces appear larger
• Provides a clean, modern minimalist aesthetic
• Creates a neutral backdrop for decorating and design flexibility
• Easier to keep looking clean compared to dark cabinets
• Less expensive alternative to replacing cabinets

Darker cabinet colors like black can make a kitchen feel closed in and dated. The dark wood absorbs light instead of reflecting it, which shrinks the look of the space. Going for a crisp white gives rooms an open, airy vibe and plenty of design possibilities. Keep reading for how to prep, prime and paint black cabinets white.

Preparing the Cabinets for Painting

Properly preparing your cabinets will ensure the new paint adheres evenly and smoothly. Follow these steps:

Cleaning

Thoroughly clean cabinet surfaces with a degreasing cleaner or TSP substitute to remove any oils, grime or residue. Rinse and let dry fully.

Sanding

Lightly sand cabinet frames, doors and drawers using fine 220 grit sandpaper. This helps the paint bond better. Wipe away any dust with a dry tack cloth.

Filling Holes and Imperfections

Fill any holes, cracks or flaws with wood filler and let cure fully per package directions. Sand again lightly once dry.

Removing Doors, Drawers and Hardware

Remove all doors, drawers, shelving and hardware using a screwdriver. Number pieces and store safely until refinishing.

Now the cabinets are prepped and ready for priming. Ensure all surfaces are completely clean and dry before the next step.

Priming the Cabinets

A quality primer creates a smooth, uniform surface for paint to adhere to. For best results, use an oil-based primer formulated especially for painting cabinets and woodwork. Oil-based primers provide superior adhesion and blocking over other types of primer.

Use a high-quality angled sash brush to carefully apply primer to all cabinet frames, the cabinet box interior, doors, and drawers. Apply in thin, even coats allowing proper drying time between coats as indicated on the primer label.

Once fully dry, you can lightly sand any rough spots and wipe clean with a tack cloth. Now the cabinets are prepped and primed for painting.

Selecting the Right White Paint

Choosing the right white paint is important for an even, durable finish. Here are the key considerations:

• Paint Finish: Opt for semi-gloss or high-gloss enamel paint for easy washing.
• Undertones: Match white paint undertones to your lighting. Cool whites complement north light. Warm whites pair well with yellowish light.
• Quality and Quantity: Invest in premium cabinet paint. Buy enough for 2-3 coats including touch-ups.

An enamel paint formulated specifically for cabinets will provide the most washable, scratch-resistant finish. If your lighting mixes natural and artificial light, a neutral white with slight warmth usually works well.

Painting Techniques and Tips

Follow these techniques for an expert DIY painted cabinet finish:

Ventilation

Paint in a well-ventilated area with open windows or fans running to disperse fumes.

Brushing vs. Rolling

Use an angled sash brush for painting the cabinet frames and a small roller for larger door and drawer surfaces. Carefully cut-in edges with the brush.

Painting Order

Paint fixed cabinet frames first, then doors and finally drawers for optimal workflow.

Applying Paint

Apply paint in thin, even coats allowing proper drying time between coats. Lightly sand then wipe clean between coats for a smooth finish.

Slowly building up multiple thin layers creates a flawless look. Rushing or applying too thick of a coat can cause drips.

Refinishing Doors, Drawers and Hardware

For the most professional results, doors and drawers should be removed, prepped and spray painted separately. This avoids paint build up in corners and allows full access. Carefully pry off any old hardware before priming, painting and reinstalling.

Lightly scuff sand doors and drawers then wipe clean. Apply two thin coats of high adhesion primer followed by two coats of paint. Let dry completely between coats. Reattach doors and hardware once fully cured using a drill or screwdriver.

Achieving a Flawless White Finish

Inspect closely for any drips, splatter or uneven paint coverage. Make sure edges and corners are smooth. Lightly sand then wipe clean. Apply a protective clear coat for added durability and washability if desired.

Carefully touch up any last small flaws like holes or bubbles. Give the final coat at least two weeks to fully cure before reinstalling shelves and accessories.

After all your hard work prepping, priming and painting, stand back and admire your like-new white cabinets. The bright, clean look will make your kitchen feel so refreshed.

Decorate around your new white cabinets with light countertops like white marble or quartz. Add pops of color with fun backsplashes, light fixtures and barstools. Keep walls, floors and accessories light to enhance the spacious feel.

Maintain your freshly painted cabinets by promptly wiping up spills and using a mild cleaner. Avoid abrasive scrubbing. Touch up paint as needed to cover any scratches or scuffs.

Transforming outdated black cabinets into a gorgeous white can rejuvenate your entire kitchen. Just follow these prepping, priming and painting tips for DIY success. We hope this tutorial gave you the knowledge you need to completely makeover your dark cabinets.