Learning to paint your kitchen cabinets is a cost-effective way to update your kitchen yourself. Much cheaper than replacing them, the economical solution is to paint your cabinets to give them a pop of colour and an updated aesthetic. Kitchen cabinets make up the bulk of your kitchen’s look, so if you’re not happy with their colour, it could mean you don’t love your kitchen. However, you have the power to change this!
All you need is some spare time for do-it-yourself work, patience while the paint and primer dry, and confidence in your chosen new colour.
Read on to find out the best way to paint wood or laminate kitchen cabinets. Dive into this step-by-step guide for a fun DIY project that you’ll reap the benefits of every day in the most used rooms of the house!
Choosing the Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
Your first step will be to gather all the necessary materials for your specific type of cabinets, whether they are solid wood or plastic pieces. One of the things you will encounter when want to paint your kitchen cabinets is using paint options. Paint stores may offer different options, such as oil paint, latex paint, or water-based paint. You’ll want to check the paint’s label to make sure the option you choose is appropriate for your material and for any specific instructions for its use. The easiest option to repaint is wood, but painting any cabinetry that can be sanded is fine.
If you are working with laminate cabinets, you will need a special primer and high-quality paint. You can find special cabinet paints that will give you a smooth and durable surface. But you’ll want to make sure your paint is acrylic paint, not vinyl paint. Acrylic latex paint is much easier to clean and lasts longer. When choosing, keep in mind that a gloss finish will make your cabinets shine, but the inevitable future dents will be very apparent. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are very popular in kitchens as a good mid-level option.
How to Prepare Kitchen Cabinets for Painting
Repainting kitchen cabinets is no small task (unless you have a small kitchen). Plan accordingly, and the best way to do this is through Preparation. Open the windows for ventilation and throw down some paper to protect the floor. The best option is to remove the doors, drawers, and paint from the garage or basement if possible. Leaving the door unglued allows for a better process and you don’t risk painting other areas of the kitchen that should be left alone.
If you already have paint on your cabinets, you’ll need to remove the existing finish with strippers to ensure a smooth finish. Apply the stripper with a synthetic brush and wait for the stripper’s reaction. After stripping, clean the cabinets thoroughly to remove any residue. Sanding the surface will help the new paint adhere better. Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the wood grain.
Step-by-Step Preparation to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets
- Remove Doors and Hardware: Take off the cabinet doors and remove all hardware, including hinges and handles. Label each door and its corresponding location to make reassembly easier.
- Clean Thoroughly: Use a degreaser or a mix of warm water and mild dish soap to clean all surfaces. Grease and grime can prevent paint from adhering properly.
- Sand the Surfaces: Lightly sand all surfaces to create a smooth base for the paint. This step is crucial for both wood and laminate cabinets.
- Apply Primer: Use a high-quality primer suited for your cabinet material. Apply an even coat and allow it to dry completely.
- Paint your Kitchen Cabinets: Apply the paint in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. This will ensure a smooth, durable finish.
- Reassemble: Once the paint is completely dry, reattach the hardware and rehang the cabinet doors.
With these steps, you can easily paint your kitchen cabinet, making it a straightforward and rewarding DIY project. Enjoy your refreshed kitchen space!
If you want to paint your kitchen cabinets and need professional help, rely on Auspaint’s top house painters and contact us today to make a new style for your home.
