Tips for Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

Altering the appearance of your cabinets is one of the easiest ways to change the look of your kitchen. Since installing brand new cabinets would cost a pretty penny, painting them is a more affordable option with equally great results- if done the right way. With a little help from the hardware store and some extra time on the weekends, you can get the job done and show off the new look of your kitchen.

First, you need to plan. Browse photos online and visit your local hardware store to get inspiration for paint colors. If you can, bring home paint swatches or small samples to see what you like best. Make sure that you keep in mind the color of your kitchen walls, appliances and hardware finishes. Research prices so you are prepared to budget accordingly and always be prepared for mix-ups or messes.

The next step is to prep your cabinets for painting. First, you should remove the doors, drawers and hardware. Then you should clean your cabinets with a cleaning liquid (soap and water may just do the trick) to get rid of any grease stains, dirt or food particles. Any noticeable or large dents or scratches should be filled in so you have an even surface to work with. For a smooth and even finish, sanding is required. Choose the proper type of sandpaper (medium to fine grit) and sand away. Wipe the cabinet doors clean of dust or other debris and then apply one coat of primer as a base.

Now it’s time to actually paint your cabinets. Using a high-quality brush for the best results, apply two layers of a semi-gloss paint. Gloss paint offers greater protection and will hold up well. There are a variety of other paints to choose from including acrylic (water-based) or alkyd (oil-based) options. Purchase high-quality paint for the best results. A better quality brush with avoid uneven strokes and brush marks and will prevent pesky brush hairs from being noticeably stuck in your paint. It’s important to let the paint dry completely before attempting to put the cabinets back onto your wall. This will prevent them from sticking to the cabinet box and therefore ruining your hard work.

Lastly, make sure your hinges and hardware match your new color of cabinets. Even if it’s just a simple cleaning, you can transform the look of your cabinets with clean hardware. You may want to switch out your old knobs to something new that matches better with your painted cabinets. If you want to stick to your old hardware, you’ll need to screw or attach it back onto your cabinets.