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 Be it outdated cabinetry or a plain urge to change the look of your kitchen into something more modern, each time a fresh coat of paint works wonders.
Here is a step-by-step detailed tutorial form Royal Home experts to take you through the process, from the preparation of your cabinets down to choosing the best materials and tools. By the end of this tutorial, you will be knowledgeable in how to paint kitchen cupboards like a pro and achieve a durable, smooth finish.
Why Paint Your Kitchen Cupboards?
In repainting your kitchen cupboards, you will not only enhance the aesthetic appearance but also manage to increase the value of your house. 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 important 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 good quality materials and tools for painting your kitchen cupboards. Some of the necessary ones are listed below:
Primer for painting cabinets:
It is very important to use the best primer in setting up your kitchen cabinets. Proper primer ensures that your paint will last longer and stick properly. For most kitchen cabinets, acrylic water-based primer works best.
Paint:
In most cases, the most recommended paints for kitchen cabinets are usually those that have a durable and washable finish, like satin or semi-gloss. These finishes are resistant to stains and can easily be cleaned.
Brushes & Rollers:
These are for the painting of cabinets and the best paint rollers for cabinets are going to present a professional look. This is great to go over the big, 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 that super-smooth finish when it comes to painting kitchen cabinets. Kitchen cabinet spraying yields a flawless surface with the least amount of brush marks.
Sandpaper or Sanding Sponge:
When preparing kitchen cupboards for painting, light sanding removes the old paint and gently smooths the surface area.
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 steps 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 that you will be able to 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 so any buildup is removed. This is an important 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 enable the paint to attach properly to the surface and to smoothen 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 an optional step.
4. Prime the Cabinets
The most important steps when it comes to repainting kitchen cabinets start with the priming process. The best primer for painting kitchen cabinets will block stains from bleeding through, prevent peeling of the paint, and ensure an even finish of the paint. 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 what type of primer to use on your cabinets, try to find one that will work on more than one surface, 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. Take the best paint roller for a smooth finish on cabinets, along with a good brush to paint those cabinets. Now, apply thin, even coats of paint, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next layer.
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 just get with a brush and roller.
DIY painting of cabinets is a task that requires a lot of patience. If you are in haste, the finish will be either covered with visible brush marks or it will be uneven. If you are painting vinyl cabinets, use paint specially formulated for the same 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
Selection of the best paint for kitchen cabinets is the most vital thing that would offer the result for long in duration. Acrylic paint for kitchen cabinets is an ideal alternative as it is durable and hence is easily cleaned. You may consider a cabinet painting primer that adheres well with 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 important it is when repainting kitchen cupboards.
– Using thick coats of paint:
A thin, even coat is major to prevent 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 right process of cabinet painting is applied and the best materials are used, then a professional finish can be achieved which will last for many years. Whether it’s repainting or building new kitchen cabinets, your little time and effort will make quite a difference.
