Painting kitchen cabinets is not as difficult as it seems. Yes, it can be a bit time-consuming, but you can paint your kitchen cabinets like a pro. Transforming your cabinets into the color of your dreams can actually be an enjoyable project. Nowadays, many people paint their own kitchen cabinets and achieve great results. If you want to be one of the thousands who take on this project, this guide has all the tips and painting techniques you need.
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets come in various materials and styles. Whether your kitchen features old natural wood or new laminate surfaces, the paint and painting technique remain the same. However, painting smooth and glossy surfaces like laminate-coated cabinets or those with enamel paint requires extra care, as paint does not adhere well to these surfaces. Proper surface preparation is essential to ensure good paint adhesion.
The easiest way to paint kitchen cabinets is to use a fast-drying, streak-free paint. The best option for this is all-purpose acrylic paint. These paints are widely used for various projects due to their ease of application and quick drying time. Choosing a high-quality, all-purpose acrylic paint ensures better adhesion to the cabinet surface. Additionally, using a matte or semi-matte acrylic paint minimizes the chances of roller and brush marks.
For the best results, use a high-quality short-nap or firm foam roller to prevent streaks. For detailed areas, a soft-bristle 2-inch brush will be sufficient.
Supplies Checklist
- 2.5 liters of acrylic paint.
- 1 liter of water-based varnish.
- 220-grit sandpaper.
- 1 small short-nap roller.
- 2-inch brush.
- Drop cloth.
How to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets
Before you start painting your kitchen cabinets, make sure to empty them completely. Remove the cabinet handles and screws. Also, cover your countertops, floors, and surrounding areas with a drop cloth to prevent paint splatters.
A small roller is ideal for the flat surfaces of the kitchen cabinet, while a 2-inch brush works well for the recessed areas. Check each part of the kitchen cabinet for holes and cracks. If you find any, fill them with a water-based wood filler. Once the filler dries (about 3 hours), sand the surface to ensure it matches the smoothness of the cabinet.
1-Empty and Clean the Cabinets
Before painting your kitchen cabinets, it’s essential to clean the surface for better primer and paint adhesion. Empty the cabinets and wipe them down with a vinegar-water solution, then dry thoroughly. If there are grease stains, you may need a specialized cleaner to remove them.
2-Prime or Sand the Surface
Priming or sanding the cabinets helps the paint adhere properly. If you choose to use a primer, make sure it matches the type of paint you’re using. For acrylic paint, use an acrylic primer or bonding primer. If you prefer sanding, use 200-220 grit sandpaper. Coated cabinets can be difficult to sand, so consider using or renting a power sander for easier preparation.
3-Allow Primer to Dry
If you applied primer, wait until it is completely dry before painting. Water-based primers take about 4 hours to dry, though this may vary depending on the room temperature. If you only sanded the cabinets, wipe off the dust with a clean cloth and start painting immediately.
4-Apply the First Coat of Paint
Start painting the first coat. Use a small short-nap roller for flat surfaces and a 2-inch brush for corners and detailed areas.
5-Let the First Coat Dry
Before applying the second coat, allow the first coat to dry completely. This ensures better coverage, faster drying for the next layer, and helps eliminate odors quickly. “Related article: How to get rid of paint odor.”
6-Apply the Second Coat
The second coat is the most crucial step, as it is usually the final layer. To avoid streaks, use high-quality rollers and brushes and apply the paint carefully for a smooth finish.
7-Wait for the Second Coat to Dry
Make sure the second coat is fully dry before applying the protective varnish.
8-Seal with Varnish for Durability
Applying varnish after painting protects the cabinet’s finish from scratches and makes cleaning easier. Choose from matte, semi-matte, or glossy varnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets White
The best way to paint kitchen cabinets white is by using a primer. This allows you to easily cover the old color of the cabinets and paint them white. “Related post: What color walls go with white kitchen cabinets“
Can I Just Paint Over My Kitchen Cabinets?
You can paint raw kitchen cabinets with no finish, those that have a non-shiny and non-slippery surface, directly.
What Kind of Paint to Use on Kitchen Cabinets?
You can paint your kitchen cabinets with all-purpose acrylic paint, chalk paint, spray paint, or oil-based paint.
Do You Have to Sand Cabinets Before Painting?
You don’t have to sand when painting kitchen cabinets. However, if you don’t plan on sanding, you should use a primer.
Is it Better to Spray or Brush Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
Spray painting kitchen cabinets allows for a quick application. However, painting the cabinets and shelves with a brush and roller will result in a thicker layer of paint, making it more durable.
What is the Downside of Painting Cabinets?
A disadvantage of painting kitchen cabinets is that the paint can peel off. The surfaces of the cabinets that are frequently used may wear out more easily, and you may need to repaint them. To prevent this, you can apply a varnish after painting the kitchen cabinets.
What Happens if You paint Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding?
If you paint the kitchen cabinets without sanding, they won’t be resistant to impact and friction, and the paint may peel off quickly.
What is the Best Primer to Use on Kitchen Cabinets?
The best primer to use before painting the kitchen cabinets is one of the same type. If you can’t find the same type of primer, you can use a bonding primer. “Related post: Do you need to primer.”
Can I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets Without Taking Them Down?
You can paint kitchen cabinets without removing them. However, if you’re thinking of using spray paint, we recommend removing them.
Do You Have to Strip Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting?
If the old paint on the kitchen cabinets is peeling, you should sand it and smooth out any uneven areas with filler. Then, you should apply primer and paint in that order.
What is the Easiest Way to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
The easiest way to paint kitchen cabinets without removing them is by using all-purpose acrylic paints. These paints are easy to use and dry quickly. Additionally, if you apply an acrylic varnish after it dries, the paint will last longer.
What Kind of Paint is Best for Kitchen Cabinets?
Satin or matte all-purpose acrylic paints are the best for painting kitchen cabinets. They don’t leave roller marks easily and are easy to apply.
