Guide To Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Painting the wooden cabinets is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to give the kitchen space a refreshing look and feel. Applying a coat of paint is an ideal solution that works wonders for homeowners hoping to spruce up the look of their old and tired cabinets without replacing them.
Painting the wood or wood-laminate kitchen cabinets is an easy but time-consuming DIY project. A lot of time goes into preparing the surface for paint application and ensuring that it adheres well.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide for homeowners to achieve a perfect paint job for the kitchen cabinets:
Prepare the kitchen
The kitchen contains a lot of stuff. Start with clearing off the kitchen counters and removing the things that can come in the way and hamper the process. Ensure ample space to move around freely, access the cabinets, and place the painting supplies. Cover the countertops, floor, backsplash, appliances, and other areas using drop cloths and painter’s tape to prevent paint spills and splatters.
Prepare the cabinets
Preparing the kitchen cabinets is the key to a successful painting job. Ensure the room is well-ventilated and always wear appropriate protective gear while performing the job.
Remove hardware. Empty the cabinets and remove all the latches, handles, knobs, and other hardware pieces. Clean everything and place them in a clear and labeled plastic bag if looking to reuse the hardware. Consider replacing the old hardware for an updated look. Remove all the doors and drawers, and use painter’s tape to label them to avoid hassle during re-installation.
Clean the cabinets and repair any damage. Kitchen cabinets accumulate dirt, steam, grease, and food splatters. Therefore, it is essential to clean them before sanding or painting for quality results. Use a store-bought cleaner or a homemade solution of vinegar, water, and salt to gently scrub the cabinet surface to remove stains, followed by a thorough rinse. Allow the doors and drawers to dry completely before moving to the next step. It is also essential to repair all the damages and fill holes and gaps.
Sanding. Use medium-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the cabinets and visible edges of the frame for the smooth finish needed to allow the paint to stick. Avoid removing the old paint if it is in good condition. Vacuum the sanding dust and wipe all the surfaces that require painting.
Priming. Primer application is a critical step in every painting job. Evenly apply a couple of coats of primer to all surfaces to seal them and offer a watertight base for semi-gloss, latex paint application. Prime the frames first, followed by the cabinet doors’ back, and after it dries, paint the front of the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Allow proper drying time between coats. Lightly sand the surfaces after priming to eliminate brush marks and allow them to dry.
Painting the kitchen cabinets
Choose a high-quality, semi-gloss paint for a smooth finish. Acrylic latex-based paint is ideal for wooden cabinets as it is easier to clean and more durable. Use a brush, roller, or sprayer for paint application.
Use a foam roller to paint large flat surfaces and an angled or flat brush for small areas. The technique to apply the paint is similar to that of primer application. Apply thin and light paint coats to the cabinet frames, cabinet back and front, and drawer front. Once the first coat dries completely, apply a second coat and leave it overnight to allow it to cure.
Reattach the hardware and reassemble the kitchen cabinets
Painting the kitchen cabinets is challenging yet rewarding and offers the kitchen area the perfect makeover.
The Wood Doctor is the leader in wood restoration, refinishing and refacing in the Portland area. Call 503-560-5220 for a project consultation.