The Ultimate Guide to Painting Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro for Less
Does your kitchen need a facelift but you don't have the budget for a full remodel? Painting your existing cabinets can transform the look of your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry. Read on to learn everything you need to know to paint your kitchen cabinets professionally on a budget.
Painting over your existing cabinets allows you to change the color and update the look of your kitchen for about 70% less than a cabinet replacement. With the right prep work and paint products, you can achieve a smooth, durable finish comparable to a professional painter. This comprehensive guide covers all the steps from prepping to priming to painting techniques to help you paint your cabinets like a pro.
Things to Consider Before Painting Cabinets
Before starting any painting project, it's important to think through all the factors that can impact the process and outcome. Consider the following when planning for cabinet painting.
Kitchen Factors
The size, layout, and design of your kitchen will determine how much time and effort is needed for the painting process. For example, an expansive kitchen with dozens of cabinets and multiple hard-to-reach corners will require more preparation and paint work compared to a galley kitchen with just upper and lower cabinet runs. Measure your space and tally all cabinets to determine the scale of the project.
Cabinet Condition
Examine the current condition of your cabinets. Look for any repairs needed, such as broken hinges, cracked surfaces, or missing drawers. The age and existing paint or stain on the cabinets will also impact preparation needed. For example, cabinets with an oily or glossy finish require more sanding than newer flat paint. Any damaged areas must be properly fixed and filled before painting.
Paint Finish Options
Consider the sheen level you want for your painted cabinets. A matte or eggshell finish hides imperfections well but shows traces of use over time. Semi-gloss or glossy paints offer maximum durability and wipeability but show more flaws. The more shine, the more meticulous your prep and application needs to be for a flawless finish.
Paint Types
Two main options for cabinet paint are oil-based alkyds or water-based latex acrylics. Alkyd paints provide an ultra hard, protective finish that resists damage. However, oil-based paint requires mineral spirits for cleanup. Acrylic latex paints offer excellent adhesion and are easy to apply and clean up with water. Look for formulas specifically made for painting kitchen cabinets.
Color Selection
One of the biggest advantages of painting over replacing cabinets is getting to choose a custom color palette. Test out paint swatches directly on cabinets to get an accurate impression of the color in your kitchen's natural lighting. also consider how the cabinet color will contrast with your countertops, backsplash, and other finishes.
Preparing Cabinets for Painting
Proper prep is crucial for getting an even, smooth painted finish on your cabinets. You'll need to thoroughly clean, sand, and prime the cabinet surfaces before painting. Expect the prep work to take up the bulk of the time and effort for the project.
Cleaning
Start by removing all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware so all surfaces can be accessed. Use a degreasing cleaner or solution of TSP substitute and water to remove any oils, grease or grime. Scrub all surfaces, front and back. Wipe clean then go over all cabinet boxes and doors with a tack cloth to remove any residual dust.
Sanding
Lightly sand any glossy finishes to dull the surface and allow paint to adhere. Be sure to use a fine grit sandpaper designated for finishing work. Focus on sanding damaged areas, corners, and edges that may need smoothing. Clean sanded surfaces with a dry tack cloth when finished.
Priming
Priming ensures paint adheres evenly for a smooth finish. Use an oil-based or water-based bonding primer formulated for painting cabinets. Allow the primer coat to fully cure according to manufacturer directions before painting. Proper priming prevents uneven absorption which causes streaks and creates a uniform surface.
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
For the actual cabinet painting, you'll need to decide whether you want to use a brush, roller, or sprayer. Each has pros and cons to consider.
Brush Painting
Painting cabinet boxes and doors by brush allows for great control and access to detail areas. Use a high-quality angled sash brush and apply paint in smooth, even strokes while maintaining a wet edge to avoid lap marks. Multiple thin coats create a flawless finish.
Spray Painting
Paint sprayers allow for the fastest application of paint on cabinets, but do require protecting surrounding surfaces from overspray. Prepare drop cloths thoroughly and wear a respirator mask when spray painting. Using an airless sprayer reduces prep time compared to brushes.
Rolling
For large flat cabinet surfaces, mini foam rollers apply paint efficiently. Use high density or microfiber sleeves. Follow up with a brush on corners and details. This combines fast coverage with precision.
Drying Time
It's critical to allow proper drying time between coats of paint; follow manufacturer specified times. Plan for at least 24 hours of curing time after the final coat before reinstalling cabinet doors and drawers.
Achieving a Professional-Quality Finish
With attention to detail and proper techniques, your freshly painted cabinets can rival a factory finish
Avoiding Brush Marks
Applying paint in thin coats with a quality brush and using smooth, even strokes minimizes visible brush strokes. Lightly sanding between coats also eliminates any potential brush marks.
Preventing Drips
Prepping cabinets ensures paint adheres directly to the surface, preventing drips from bleeding downward. Maintaining a wet edge when painting also minimizes drips and sags on vertical surfaces.
Dealing with Imperfections
If any flaws become visible after painting, quickly sand and spot prime those areas, then gradually build up paint in thin, even coats. The key is proper prep andprimer to prevent bleed-through.
Cost to Hire a Professional Painter
Hiring a professional cabinet painting company typically costs between $300-$1,200 for an average sized kitchen. The final price depends on factors like your kitchen size, location, cabinet finishes, and any repairs needed.
DIY Cabinet Painting Considerations
Painting cabinets yourself can save thousands over outsourcing to a pro painter. However, you need to carefully weigh the time needed to properly prep and paint versus potential cost savings. There is also a learning curve for achieving flawless results.
How Long Does Cabinet Painting Take?
From start to finish, expect cabinet painting to take 2-5 days. Preparation of cleaning, sanding, and priming alone can take 12-24 hours. Painting will require 2-3 coats with proper dry time between each. The total timeline varies based on your kitchen size and number of cabinets.
With proper planning, preparation, products, and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results painting your kitchen cabinets on your own for less cost. Just be sure to follow each step carefully. Hiring an experienced cabinet painter also guarantees an efficient, high-quality transformation with less hassle. Either route, painted cabinets can make your kitchen look brand new for just a fraction of replacement cost when done right.
For more information on freshening up your kitchen affordably, contact our team of experts today to request a quote!