Painting your kitchen Cabinets is the easiest way to give your space a new take on life! Regardless of the look you’re going for, a fresh coat of paint will make a huge difference. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process from prep, to finish!
Items Needed To Best Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets :
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- Screwdriver
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- Painter’s Tape
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- Drop Cloths
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- Cleaning Solutions/Degreaser
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- 120 & 220 Grit Sandpaper
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- Microfiber cloth
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- Primer
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- Paint (high quality cabinet paint or semi-gloss enamel)
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- Paintbrushes (angled ones for the corners)
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- Foam Roller
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- Paint Trays
Step 1. Remove Cabinet Doors & Hardware
Before you can begin, you need to remove all doors and hardware. We recommend taking pictures and marking doors with tape to make installation easier! Another tip, make sure you keep screws labeled and together for easy location during installation!
Step 2. Clean the Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets over the years can amass quite the collection of dirt, dusty and food residue. We recommend cleaning with a mixture of dish soap and water, or even better, with a degreaser solution. After cleaning, make sure to give cabinets full time to air dry!
Step 3. Sand the Cabinet Surfaces
Starting with the 120 grit sandpaper, lightly sand the areas you will be painting. Once all rough areas have been cleaned, go back over your sanding with the 220 grit sandpaper to smooth everything out. Once finished with sanding, wipe the kitchen cabinets down with your microfiber cloth to get up any fine debris left from sanding.
Step 4. Time to Tape!
Tape off any areas where you don’t want paint to get! These should be areas like walls and countertops. Now is also a great time to lay down your drop cloths. If you are painting the cabinets in place, be sure to cover any appliances or fixtures in the area.
Step 5. Prime the Cabinets
Now it’s time to prime the cabinets! This is an essential step, so take your time. Dark-colored wood can require a heavier primer layer, so more coats may be needed for your particular needs. Always use a high quality primer that’s suited for cabinetry. Apply a smooth, even coat, using the angled brush for corners and the foam roller for the larger sections. Allow the primer to drain according to the manufacturer recommendations. Additional coats may be needed.
Step 6. Sand Again (LIGHTLY!)
Once dry, using your 220 grit sandpaper, lightly sand over the primed surfaces. We want the painted surfaces to be free of any imperfections before applying the color coats. When you are finished sanding, wipe down the cabinets with your microfiber cloth to remove any debris.
Step 7. Apply the First Coat of Paint
Now it’s time to paint! Begin by painting the backs of the cabinet doors, then move on to the front. Use the foam roller for large sections and the angled brush for harder to reach areas. Apply paint in thin, even coats to avoid dripping. Always allow the first coat to fully dry before applying the second!
Step 8. Apply the Second Coat of Paint
Once the first coat is completely dry, you can begin applying the second coat. Depending on your color, a third coat may be required. Be sure to take your time and apply coats evenly!
Step 9. Allow the Cabinets to Cure
After painting, allow the cabinets to cure for at least 24 hours, or according to the manufacturers recommendations. This ensures that the paint hardens and remains durable through use.
Step 10. Reattach Doors and Hardware
Now you can begin reattaching doors and hardware. Make sure to refer to taped sections or photos for help during the installation.
Final Tips for Success:
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- Use high-quality paint: Opt for paint specifically designed for cabinets or furniture for the best results.
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- Work in a dust-free environment: Dust can settle on wet paint, ruining the smooth finish.
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- Don’t rush the drying process: Each coat of primer and paint needs sufficient drying time to ensure a professional finish.
With patience and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-looking kitchen makeover yourself or if you want a pre build custom Kitchen Cabinet you can always go for Nomarkk. Happy Painting!