Is your kitchen behind the times? Does it need a serious makeover that will help it look brand-new?
Instead of paying for all-new kitchen cabinets, why not paint them instead? Painting kitchen cabinets won’t just save you money, it’ll allow you to craft your own custom look.
Check out these tips to help you create the kitchen cabinets of your dreams without shelling out tons of cash.
First, Choose Your Color
Picking out a color for kitchen cabinets might be the most fun part of the process, so take your time and select a shade you’re sure to love. Consider modern tones like gray or blue if you really want to give it a “wow” factor.
If you have light-colored floors and counters, ponder a darker color for the cabinets to give the room a two-toned look. From creamy whites to bold pops of yellow or red, the sky is the limit when it comes to the colors you can use.
Most home improvement stores sell special paint designed just for kitchen cabinets. This paint contains a small amount of enamel that helps with easy cleaning so you can just wipe the cabinets down with a wet washcloth.
Ask about cabinet paint when you shop so you can be sure you’re using the right form of paint. Flat and eggshell paints are not designed for this application, so selecting the correct format is crucial to your success.
Now it’s Time to Prep
Once you’ve decided on a color for painting kitchen cabinets, you’ll need to get everything ready to go. Each cabinet will need to be carefully removed one by one and placed in a central location.
Remove all hardware since you don’t want to get paint on it either, and you’ll be able to cover the entire surface of the cabinets without it getting in the way.
Place all hardware and hinges in a box or bag so you can reinstall them afterward. If you choose to use new hardware, that’s fine, too.
After every cabinet is removed, you’ll need to take everything out of the cabinets so you can paint the frames. This is the perfect time to clean out your kitchen and get rid of any old food.
You’ll need to spray a degreaser on your cabinets and wipe them clean with a dry sponge or cloth. Removing food debris and grease is essential to ensuring that the paint properly adheres.
After you clean the cabinets, it’s time to sand. Make sure you sand your cabinets outside to avoid getting dust in the house. Use 100-grit sandpaper to remove the old finishes.
Prime Before Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Now that your cabinet surfaces are fully prepped, it’s time to apply a coat or two of primer. Look for primers that bond and seal when selecting a brand.
Apply an even coat of primer over the exterior, interior, and frame of every cabinet using a chip brush. Work your way from the inside of the cabinet to the outside.
Allow the primer to fully dry before the next step. Follow the directions on your can of primer, but it’s always a good idea to at least let it dry overnight before you begin the actual painting process.
Let the Painting Begin
Once all of your frames and cabinet doors are fully primed and dried, you can begin painting. Use a wide brush to apply paint to flat panels or large exterior frames, and an angled brush for molding and corners.
A roller is recommended for the exterior frames of your cabinet to ensure a smooth, even look. Paint each section separately until it’s completely covered.
For the doors, it’s best to paint them outside on a nice day or in your garage. If you must paint your cabinets inside, be sure to place a drop cloth down to protect your floors.
Allow each cabinet door and frame to fully dry, then look everything over to determine if any area needs touch-ups. You may need to apply a second coat depending on the quality paint and the color you chose.
Always make sure the first layer of paint is completely dry before adding a second coat to avoid streaking or uneven lines. After everything is dry, it’s time to reinstall the cabinets.
Have Fun with Hardware
If you’ve decided to try something new, add a modern drawer pull or cabinet handle to each door. Whether it’s satin nickel, brass, or brushed black, new hardware designs will make the entire space look new again.
Screw each handle on the doors, then place the hinges back on using a drill and any included screws. Go slowly to make sure you’re adding everything evenly and tightly so there’s no worry of any hardware coming loose.
Now, you can take a step back and enjoy the brand-new aesthetics of your kitchen. All your hard work has finally paid off, and you can show off your new space to friends.
Painting Can Save You Money
While it definitely takes a little more elbow grease than hiring someone to install new kitchen cabinets, you’ll reap the rewards of your handiwork. From removing hardware to sanding and priming, painting kitchen cabinets can be a fabulous way to do some cost-effective home improvement.
Spruce things up with some new hand towels and decor to liven up your new color scheme.
Take good care of your newly painted cabinets by keeping them clean and wiping the cabinet fronts regularly with a dry cloth.
If you’re looking for a professional cabinet refinishing company that can provide you with stunning results in a fraction of the time with less mess, be sure to check out our cabinet refinishing service for more information.