Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Painting the cabinets is an affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh, new look without the expense of a full remodel. With a coat of paint, you can transform the entire feel of your kitchen. From bright whites to bold, colorful hues, brilliantly painted cabinets open up endless possibilities. Read on for tips, inspiration and ideas to help you revitalize your kitchen with painted cabinets.
Painting your existing cabinets allows you to refresh your kitchen on a budget. New cabinets can cost thousands of dollars, but with some simple DIY painting techniques, you can upgrade your space for a fraction of the cost. Painting cabinets yourself does require some work – proper prep is key for success. But the transformative results are well worth the effort.
Preparing Your Cabinets for Painting
Proper prep work is crucial for painted cabinets that look professionally finished. Follow these steps to get your cabinets paint-ready:
- Remove doors, drawers and hardware. This allows you to fully access all surfaces and avoid drips.
- Thoroughly clean cabinets to remove any grease or grime. Tack cloth works well.
- Sand down the existing finish to rough it up so the paint can adhere.
- Fill any holes, dents or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth.
- Apply a high quality primer to seal the wood. Oil-based works best.
Taking the time to properly prepare your cabinets will ensure the painted finish looks smooth and professional. An uneven or damaged base can ruin the final look.
Safety Tips for Painting Cabinets
When prepping and painting your cabinets, protect yourself and your home with these safety tips:
- Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask.
- Protect nearby surfaces with drop cloths and tape.
- Follow all safety precautions when using paint removers, fillers, etc.
- Keep children and pets away from work area.
Choosing Paint and Finish for Cabinets
Selecting the right type of paint and finish plays an important role in achieving gorgeous, long-lasting results. Consider these tips when choosing paint:
- Enamel paint provides an ultra durable and scrubbable finish perfect for high-use cabinets.
- Acrylic paint offers excellent adhesion and dries quickly.
- Opt for satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss for easy cleaning. Flat has little sheen and stains easily.
- Darker paints show flaws less, while white makes a space feel open and airy.
- Add personality with vibrant paint colors – blue, green, red and more!
Be sure to get high quality cabinet paint. DIY acrylic paint may not adhere well or be as protective. Investing in the right paint leads to better results.
Tips for Choosing Paint Colors
Picking the perfect cabinet color for your kitchen can be tricky. Keep these tips in mind:
- Collect inspiration photos and paint color samples to test colors.
- Consider the style of your home . Modern? Traditional? Match the paint.
- Coordinate with countertops and backsplash for a cohesive look.
- Look at paint colors in both natural and artificial light to see how they change.
Deciding on your ideal color takes consideration, but the impact it makes is well worth the effort.
Painting Techniques for Kitchen Cabinets
Following the proper painting techniques ensures your kitchen cabinets come out looking flawless. Use these top tips when tackling cabinet painting:
- Lay cabinet doors flat on sawhorses when painting for best coverage.
- Opt for a high quality angled brush . It makes it easier to cut-in corners and edges cleanly.
- Apply paint in smooth, even coats. Thin coats are better than thick.
- Lightly sand between coats for maximum adhesion.
- Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect countertops, floors and walls .
Spray painting cabinets can seem faster, but doesn’t provide the same level of precision as brush painting. Take your time and use an angled brush for professional looking results.
Tips for a Flawless Painted Cabinet Finish
Follow these tips as you paint your cabinets for a flawless, high-end finish:
- Maintain a “wet edge” – don’t let paint dry between strokes.
- Work methodically and paint all sides of each door before moving on.
- Seal surfaces with 1-2 coats of high quality primer .
- Apply 2-3 thin coats of cabinet paint for full coverage .
- Inspect for drips and catch flaws early .
With close attention to detail as you paint, your cabinets will look like you hired a professional when done.
Painted Cabinet Ideas and Inspiration
Painted cabinets open up so many possibilities to give your kitchen a gorgeous new look. Get inspired by these popular painted cabinet ideas:
White Cabinets
A fresh coat of bright white paint is a classic and timeless choice. Crisp white cabinets make small spaces appear larger and bring light into dark rooms. For varied dimension, try painting lower cabinets a darker color and uppers bright white.
Colorful Cabinets
Why stick with neutrals when cabinet paint comes in unlimited bold, vibrant hues? Navy blue evokes a dramatic flair. Sage green has an earthy feel. Red makes a lively statement. Take a risk with colorful cabinets!
Two-Toned Cabinets
Paint upper and lower cabinets in contrasting colors for visual interest. Often light on top and dark on bottom works well. Or paint the island a different color from the perimeter cabinets. Two-toned kitchens add appealing dimension.
Black Cabinets
Deep black cabinets create a sophisticated, moody aesthetic. Often paired with marble, gold hardware, and modern furnishings, black evokes sleek elegance. Use black sparingly on select cabinets or the island.
| Paint Color | Mood Created |
|---|---|
| White | Airly, Bright |
| Blue | Soothing, Inviting |
| Green | Relaxed, Natural |
| Yellow | Warm, Cheerful |
| Gray | Modern, Sophisticated |
The mood you want to convey can help guide your color choice. Whites and lighter colors create an open, airier space while deep hues make a dramatic statement.
Finishing Touches for Painted Cabinets
Complete your kitchen cabinet transformation with these finishing touches:
- Update old hardware with new knobs or pulls to match your style
- Add glass cabinet inserts for an open, display feel
- Use specialty cabinet interior paint for a polished look inside
- Install crown molding along the top for an elevated aesthetic
- Carefully clean and avoid slamming doors to prevent paint chips over time
The hardware, moldings and other accents you choose will complement your painted cabinets for a complete, cohesive new kitchen look.
Caring for Painted Cabinets
Painted cabinets require a bit of maintenance to keep them looking fresh over the years. Follow these care tips:
- Allow paint to fully cure for several weeks before use
- Use soft cloths and gentle cleaners to prevent scratches or wear
- Immediately touch up any nicks to avoid additional chipping
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach that can damage the paint
With proper care and maintenance, your painted kitchen cabinets can stay looking like new for many years before needing a refresh.
Painting your kitchen cabinets opens up amazing possibilities to upgrade your space without breaking the budget. Proper preparation and application techniques will ensure you achieve gorgeous, professional-looking results. Whether you opt for timeless white, bold colors or an elegant two-tone look, painted cabinets can revive and revitalize your kitchen with brilliant style.
