Painting Kitchen Cupboards: How to Get the Perfect Finish in Your Kitchen

Once you decide to give your kitchen a fresh new look, painting the kitchen cupboards becomes one of those cost-effective yet transformative ideas. Be it outdated cabinetry or a simple urge to update your kitchen’s look to something more modern, a fresh coat of paint works wonders.

Here is a step-by-step, detailed tutorial from Royal Home experts to guide you through the process, from preparing your cabinets to choosing the best materials and tools. By the end of this tutorial, you will know how to paint kitchen cupboards like a pro and achieve a durable, smooth finish.

Why Paint Your Kitchen Cupboards?

Repainting your kitchen cupboards not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also increases the value of your home. Professional painting of kitchen cabinets comes with a considerable cost; nonetheless, with a little pinch of ‘Do It Yourself’ spirit, you can well come up with something no less impressive at a much lesser price.

Key Considerations Before Starting

Before you begin the cabinet painting process, it’s essential to consider the material of your kitchen cupboards. Are they made of wood, vinyl, or another material? Different surfaces may require different types of paint or primer. For example, painting vinyl kitchen cabinets demands specific products for proper adhesion and durability.

Additionally, the condition of your cupboards will dictate the level of prep work required. If you’re working with old kitchen cupboards, you’ll need to invest extra time in cleaning and sanding. This ensures the paint adheres well and provides a flawless finish.

Materials You’ll Need

You will need high-quality materials and tools to paint your kitchen cupboards. Some of the necessary ones are listed below:

Primer for painting cabinets:

It is crucial to use the best primer when painting your kitchen cupboards. A proper primer ensures your paint lasts longer and sticks properly. For most kitchen cabinets, acrylic water-based primer works best; however, our best primer is Zinsser BIN, a Shellac-based, stain-blocking primer.

Paint Finish:

In most cases, the recommended paint Sheen for kitchen cabinets is that with a durable, washable finish, such as satin or semi-gloss. These finishes are stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Brushes & Rollers:

These are for painting cabinets, and the best paint rollers for cabinets will give a professional look. This is great to go over the significant, flat areas, while a good cabinet painting brush is ideal for detailed work.

Sprayer (optional):

A good professional paint sprayer is well worth the investment if you want a super-smooth finish when painting kitchen cabinets. Kitchen cabinet spraying yields a flawless surface with minimal brush marks.

Sandpaper or Sanding Sponge:

When preparing kitchen cupboards for painting, light sanding removes old paint and gently smooths the surface.

Drop Cloths & Painter’s Tape:

These will catch paint drips and spills on your kitchen surfaces.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Paint Kitchen Cupboards

Having gone through everything you need, let’s get down to business on how to repaint kitchen cabinets. Follow these kitchen painting tips for the best results.

1. Remove Cabinet Doors & Hardware

Remove all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Label everything carefully, so you can reassemble the cupboards later without confusion. This is necessary so you can paint the entire surface evenly and reach every corner.

2. Clean the Cabinets

Kitchen cupboards tend to build up grease and grime over time. Wash them thoroughly with a degreaser to remove any buildup. This is an essential step because paint will not adhere to dirty surfaces.

3. Sanding of the Cabinets

After cleaning, lightly sand the cabinets with fine-grit sandpaper to help the paint adhere properly and to smooth the surface for painting. Remember to sand the edges of the cabinet doors and drawers. For people who have dealt with painted cabinets, this is not optional.

4. Prime the Cabinets

The most important step in repainting kitchen cabinets is priming. The best primer for painting kitchen cabinets will block stains from bleeding through, prevent paint from peeling, and ensure an even finish. Apply a specifically designed cabinet primer, such as a kitchen cabinet primer or one of the best primers for kitchen cabinets.

If you aren’t sure which primer to use on your cabinets, choose one that works on multiple surfaces, such as wood and laminate. After application, let the primer dry completely before painting.

5. Paint the Cabinets

Now that your primer is dry, it’s time to paint. Use the best paint roller for a smooth finish on cabinets, along with a good brush to paint them. Now, apply thin, even coats of paint, allowing each layer to dry before the next.

If you are spraying kitchen cabinets, make sure you have the best professional paint sprayer for kitchen cabinets to produce a flawless finish. Spray painting in kitchen cabinets may provide an ultra-smooth look that is a bit tricky to achieve with a brush and roller.

DIY cabinet painting is a task that requires a lot of patience. If you are in a hurry, the finish will either be covered with visible brush marks or uneven. If you are painting vinyl cabinets, use paint specifically formulated for that surface.

6. Reassemble Your Cabinets

Once the final coat of paint is dry, it’s time to very carefully refit the cabinet doors and hardware. It’s also a very good opportunity to replace those old knobs or handles for a new look in your kitchen.

Best Paints & Primers for Kitchen Cupboards

Selecting the best paint for kitchen cabinets is the most vital step to ensure a long-lasting result. Acrylic paint for kitchen cabinets is an ideal alternative, as it is durable and easy to clean. You may consider a cabinet painting primer that adheres well to various surfaces to provide a smoother application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Missing primer:

You should always prime your cabinets before painting. Even the best paint and primer combination for cabinets does not work right if you do not use the primer.

– Insufficient sanding:

Good paint adhesion depends on good sanding, but, more importantly, on repainting kitchen cupboards.

– Using thick coats of paint:

A thin, even coat is key to preventing drips and for a smooth finish.

Final Thoughts

Painting kitchen cabinets is quite a satisfying DIY project; it refurbishes the kitchen without the need for a complete renovation. If the proper cabinet painting process is followed and the best materials are used, a professional finish can be achieved that will last for many years. Whether it’s repainting or building new kitchen cabinets, your little time and effort will make quite a difference.