Transforming the look of your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint on the cabinets is an affordable way to give this important room an updated style. But painting cabinets isn’t always as simple as just grabbing a roller and slopping on some paint. To get a truly professional-looking, smooth finish that makes your kitchen look brand new requires careful prep work, the right tools, and proper painting techniques. Follow these pro tips for painting your kitchen cabinets and achieve flawless, stunning results.
Why Painting Kitchen Cabinets is Worth the Effort
Many homeowners are hesitant to take on the project of painting their kitchen cabinets, thinking it may be too difficult or time-consuming. But with the right approach, painting cabinets can be done surprisingly quickly and make a huge impact on the look of your kitchen for minimal cost. Here are some of the best reasons to add painting your cabinets to your to-do list:
- Saves money compared to replacing cabinets – A fresh coat of paint costs a fraction of what new cabinetry would run you.
- Transforms look of kitchen with minimal cost – Paint allows you to change color scheme instantly.
- Allows custom color options not available with wood cabinets – Express your personal style with unique painted cabinet colors.
- Provides long-lasting update with proper prep and techniques – Painted finishes can last for many years with just occasional touching up.
Painting is an affordable kitchen remodel option that allows you to update cabinets without the huge expense of replacing them. And with the right prep work and painting approach, you can end up with results that look professionally done.
Prep Work is Crucial for Smooth Results
They say that proper prep work is 90% of a successful paint job. That’s definitely true when it comes to painting kitchen cabinets. You can use the highest-quality paint and tools, but if you skip the prep steps it will be almost impossible to get a flawlessly smooth finish. Here are the key prep tasks for painting kitchen cabinets like a pro:
- Remove doors, drawers, and hardware – This allows you to paint the frame and doors conveniently.
- Clean and degrease thoroughly – Use TSP or degreasing wipes to remove grime and oils.
- Fill holes, imperfections with filler/putty – Patching creates a smooth surface.
- Sand to roughen surface for paint adhesion – Scuff sand with 120-150 grit paper.
- Wipe away all dust after sanding – Tack cloth removes dust between coats.
- Apply high-quality primer – Primer helps paint stick smoothly.
Proper sanding and cleaning of the cabinets cannot be skipped – this is what prepares the surface for the paint. Be diligent about getting cabinets very clean and smooth before painting. It will pay off with better adhesion and a flawless look.
Choosing the Best Primer
An essential part of your prep work is applying a high-bonding primer before painting the cabinets. The right primer will help the paint stick tightly to the cabinet surfaces for a smooth, consistent finish. For kitchen cabinets, oil-based primers tend to work better than water-based versions. They seal the wood surface well and provide excellent adhesion for the paint. Some good options are Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 and BIN shellac-based primers.
Removing Doors, Drawers, and Hardware
To make painting easier, remove all doors, drawers, and hardware before starting. This allows you to paint the cabinet frames and doors conveniently without having to tape off areas. Number doors and drawers with painter’s tape so it’s easy to reinstall them in the correct spots later. Soak hardware like hinges in a vinegar bath to remove grime before lightly sanding and spray painting them in a consistent finish.
Choosing the Right Paint and Supplies
In addition to primer, you’ll need high-quality cabinet paint and the right supplies to get a perfectly smooth, streak-free finish. Consider these factors when selecting paint and gear for painting kitchen cabinets:
- Paint Options: Latex, oil-based, acrylic, enamels. Latex dries quickly but needs multiple coats.
- Sheens: Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss. Satin is ideal for cabinets.
- Premium paints provide smoother finish than basic types.
- Supplies: Paint sprayer, brushes, rollers, trays, drop cloths, etc.
The products you choose impact the end result. Investing in high-quality paint designed specifically for cabinets will help achieve a smooth, durable finish that looks professionally sprayed on.
Types of Paint for Cabinets
When selecting paint for your kitchen cabinets, you’ll come across several options including:
- Latex (acrylic) paint – Water-based, dries quickly, easier clean up
- Oil-based paint – Harder finish, takes longer to dry, strong odor
- Enamel paint – Glossy, durable finish good for cabinets
- Lacquer paint – Fast drying, very durable finish
While any of these will work, latex or enamel paints are most popular for DIY cabinet painting since they provide the right balance of ease of use and durable finish.
Sheen Levels
Paint sheen determines how glossy or matte your painted cabinets will look. Consider these common sheen levels:
- Flat – No shine, velvety matte look
- Eggshell – Soft glow, silky smooth finish
- Satin – Low luster shine, often used on cabinets
- Semi-Gloss – Medium-high shine, durable and washable
Satin is usually the best choice for kitchen cabinets since it resists moisture, stains, and scratches while still providing some subtle luster. Ultimately the sheen preference comes down to your desired style.
Paint Sprayers Are the Key to a Seamless Finish
To achieve a beautifully seamless, ultra-smooth finish similar to factory sprayed cabinets, you need to break out a paint sprayer. Paint rollers and brushes simply can’t compete with the flawless results of spray painting. Here are some advantages of using a paint sprayer on kitchen cabinets:
- Provides most consistent, professional-looking finish
- Prevents brush marks and roller stippling
- Applies an even coat on grooves, carvings, and detailed areas
- Airless sprayers atomize paint for a perfectly smooth coat
- Can be rented if buying is not affordable
Paint sprayers allow you to achieve a beautiful, seamless look that makes your painted cabinets resemble expensive custom cabinetry.
Types of Paint Sprayers
When shopping for paint sprayers, you’ll come across a few different types including:
- Airless paint sprayers – Uses high pressure to atomize paint; best for flawless, smooth coat on cabinets
- HVLP spray systems – Lower pressure sprayers, provide good control for spraying cabinets
- Air-powered sprayers – Uses compressed air to spray thinner paints and stains
Airless sprayers are ideal for kitchen cabinet painting since they provide fine atomization of the paint at high pressure for the smoothest possible finish.
Paint Sprayer Tips
To get the best results from a paint sprayer, follow these tips:
- Always strain paint before pouring it into sprayer’s paint cup
- Adjust nozzle for ideal fan spray pattern
- Keep sprayer nozzle perpendicular to surface and 6-8 inches away
- Apply light, even coats; don’t flood surface
- Overlap spray pattern by 50% on each pass
- Do not stop spraying mid-stroke
Proper spraying technique is important for getting an even, consistent coat. Move sprayer at a steady pace, releasing the trigger at the end of each stroke.
Brushes and Rollers Work but Require More Coats
If you don’t have access to a paint sprayer, you can still achieve beautiful results by brushing and rolling cabinet paint. The finish just won’t be quite as flawless as spraying. When brushing and rolling painted cabinets, use these tips:
- Use high-quality angled brush for trim and edges
- Short-nap microfiber roller for flat cabinet surfaces
- Thin coats to prevent drips; wait proper dry time between coats
- Lightly sand and vacuum between coats
- Multiple thin layers needed to match sprayer smoothness
Take extra time and diligence when brushing and rolling to get as smooth a finish as possible. You’ll need 3-5 coats this way versus 1-2 with spraying.
Brushing Technique
When applying cabinet paint with an angled sash brush, use these techniques:
- Load brush well but avoid excessive dripping
- Brush in direction of wood grain on flat surfaces
- “Tip off” corners and details lightly
- Use smooth, gentle strokes; no jabbing motions
- Brush from wet into dry areas to avoid lap marks
Maintaining a gentle touch is key to achieving a smooth brushed finish on cabinets. Let each coat dry well before adding the next.
Roller Technique
For rolling paint onto large cabinet surfaces, these tips will help:
- Use short-nap microfiber roller for smooth finish
- Roll in direction of wood grain
- Use light pressure; excessive pushing causes stippling
- Keep a wet edge to prevent lap marks
- Avoid over-rolling which can pull up paint
The trick is applying the paint smoothly without too much pressure. Follow with a brush to blend and tip-off corners.
Step-by-Step Painting Instructions
Now that you have prepped the cabinets, chosen your paint and supplies, and understand spraying, brushing and rolling techniques, it’s time to start painting. Follow these steps:
- Apply first coat using sprayer, roller, or brush according to techniques above. Use thin, even coats.
- Allow paint to dry completely according to manufacturer directions.
- Once fully dry, lightly sand again with fine 220-320 grit sandpaper to smooth any brush marks or imperfections. Be gentle.
- Thoroughly wipe cabinets with a tack cloth to remove all dust particles before second coat.
- Apply second (and if needed, third) finish coat of paint using same careful techniques.
- Closely inspect cabinets and remove any drips, sags, dust specs, or debris between coats.
Following this process of applying multiple thin coats while sanding in between will build up to a gorgeously flawless, glass-smooth painted finish. Take your time with each step and don’t rush the process.
Tips for Applying Cabinet Paint
- Work in sections for easier control and less mess
- Follow paint can directions for dry times between coats
- Have a wet rag handy for instantly wiping up drips
- Maintain over 50deg F temperature and low humidity in workspace
- Work methodically and avoid lap marks
- Change roller cover after primer and first paint coat
Careful preparation, patience, and persistence will lead to stunning DIY painted cabinets that look professionally sprayed. Take your time and don’t cut corners.
Getting a Flawless Finish on Doors and Drawers
For the cabinet doors and drawers, which are the most visible parts, you’ll want an ultra smooth factory-like finish. Follow these pro tips:
- Remove doors and hardware to paint separately
- Use painter’s tape for ultra sharp paint lines if needed
- Spray horizontally then vertically to prevent drips
- Lightly sand and clean between coats
- Use thin coats; thicker paint will sag and ruin smoothness
The doors and drawers will likely need 2-3 coats of paint sprayed on lightly to build up to a perfect finish. Take extra care prepping and painting these most visible surfaces.
Hanging Doors to Paint
To paint removed cabinet doors efficiently, hang them on nails or hooks so you can access all sides. Some good options include:
- Hanging on scrap wood with hooks or nails
- Placing on a vertically positioned saw horse
- Leaning against ladder rungs
- Lying flat on sawhorses with cushioning underneath
This allows you to fully paint the fronts, then flip to finish backs and edges evenly. Let doors dry completely before reinstalling.
Curing and Reassembly
Once all cabinet components are painted, there are still some important final steps:
- Let paint cure fully before reinstalling doors (check label)
- Clean all cabinets one final time with tack cloth
- Drill new holes for hardware if needed
- Reattach hinges and install hardware
- Touch up paint if needed
Allowing the painted cabinets proper curing time prevents sticking and tackiness when you reassemble. Use care when cleaning, drilling, and reinstalling to preserve the flawless finish.
Adjusting and Installing Doors
Getting doors to hang perfectly after painting involves a bit of finesse. Follow these tips:
- Add small shims if door rubs against side of cabinet
- Use wood putty or sander to adjust if door hits face frame
- Adjust hinge plates to raise or lower door if needed
- Ensure drawer fronts are aligned and gaps are even
Take your time rehanging doors and drawers to get everything realigned properly. Then step back and admire your smooth DIY paint job!
Maintaining Your Smooth Painted Cabinets
To keep your newly painted kitchen cabinets looking like new for years to come, follow these maintenance tips:
- Allow full paint cure time before cleaning (check label)
- Use gentle cleaners and soft microfiber cloths only
- Avoid abrasive pads, scrub brushes, or harsh chemicals
- Rinse immediately if cleaners sit too long
- Touch up any nicks/scratches right away to prevent damage
Your smooth painted finish will stay looking fresh for many years before needing a touch up.
