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.
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. But consider sanding if the old paint is peeling.
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. 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.
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.
How do You Paint 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 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. “Related post: What color walls go with white kitchen cabinets“
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.
