Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Do you dream of a fresh, updated look but don’t have the budget for a full remodel? Repainting your kitchen cabinets offers an affordable, transformative fix to revive your space. With some simple prep work, the right paint and supplies, and a systematic approach, even total beginners can achieve dramatic results.
With these pro tips and techniques, you can give your kitchen a makeover that looks professionally done – even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before!
Materials You’ll Need
While repainting kitchen cabinets doesn’t require a ton of supplies, there are a few key items you’ll need to gather before starting:
- Paint – A high-quality latex enamel paint is best for durability and easy cleanup. Opt for satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finishes.
- Primer – Priming ensures better paint adhesion. Use an oil-based primer for the best results.
- Sandpaper – 120-150 grit sandpaper to scuff up cabinet surfaces before painting.
- Paint supplies – Angled sash brushes, foam rollers, paint trays, and more.
- Wood filler – To patch holes and imperfections before painting.
- Drop cloths – To protect floors and surfaces from drips and spills.
- Tack cloth – For removing dust between sanding and painting.
Hardware stores carry all the supplies you’ll need for repainting cabinets. Buy high-quality brushes and rollers – don’t skimp on the tools!
Prep Work: The Key to Success
They say that proper prep work is 90% of any paint job. That definitely holds true when repainting kitchen cabinets. Taking time up front to thoroughly clean and prepare your cabinets will ensure the new paint adheres smoothly and evenly. Don’t be tempted to skip steps – good prep is essential!
Remove Cabinet Doors, Drawers, and Hardware
Painting will be much easier if you remove all the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware prior to starting. This allows you to fully access the cabinet boxes and frames to prep and paint them. It also lets you paint cabinet doors evenly while laying flat. Number doors and drawers with painter’s tape so it’s easy to reinstall them in the right spots later.
Clean Surfaces
Make sure cabinets are free of grease, dirt, and grime before painting. Use a degreaser or TSP substitute cleaner to cut through grease. For especially dirty cabinets, give them a light scrub with an abrasive sponge. Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely before moving onto sanding.
Repair Any Damage
Inspect cabinets closely and repair any nicks, dents, holes, or imperfections with wood filler before painting. Sand rough areas smooth. Filling damage helps create a flawless painted finish.
Sand Cabinets
Lightly sanding cabinets gives paint something to adhere to. Use 120-150 grit sandpaper and scuff up all cabinet surfaces, frames, doors, and drawers. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth when finished. Your cabinets are now ready for painting!
Choosing Paint Colors and Finishes
Once your prep work is complete, it’s time to choose a paint color! This is one of the most exciting parts of the process. The colors you choose can completely transform the look of your kitchen.
Paint Type
For painting kitchen cabinets, a durable latex enamel paint is highly recommended. Enamel paints provide an ultra-smooth, hard finish that stands up well to cleaning, grease, and everyday wear and tear. Latex enamel also dries fast and is easy to clean up with soap and water.
Sheen Options
Popular sheens for cabinet paint include:
- Satin – Provides a smooth, velvety finish. Minimizes imperfections well.
- Semi-gloss – The most popular choice. Durable and easy to clean.
- Gloss – Ultra shiny finish. Best for darker colors.
Color Selection
Kitchen cabinet repaints are the perfect chance to personalize your space. Have fun with your color selection! Here are some tips:
- Darker colors highlight flaws, while lighter shades hide imperfections.
- Neutrals like white, gray, and beige have the widest appeal for resale.
- Bold, saturated colors make a dramatic statement.
- Stick to 1-3 colors for a cohesive look.
Test paint samples directly on cabinets to get an accurate view of the color.
Painting Cabinet Boxes and Frames
With your colors selected, it’s time to dig in and start painting! We’ll cover best practices for painting the fixed cabinet boxes first:
1. Remove Doors, Shelves, and Hardware
Remove everything from wall and base cabinet boxes prior to painting. This allows you to fully access all surfaces.
2. Use an Angled Sash Brush for Corners
An angled brush makes quick work of inner cabinet corners and hard to reach nooks. Allow the angled brush to become an extension of your hand for the smoothest finish.
3. Roll Larger Flat Areas
A small foam roller helps paint large flat cabinet sides efficiently. Load the roller and apply paint in a controlled, even manner to avoid drips.
4. Work Systematically from Top to Bottom
Paint cabinets in a methodical manner, starting with upper wall cabinets and working your way down. This prevents drips down onto already painted areas.
Take your time with each cabinet box and coat all sides and interior surfaces. Follow your paint’s drying times between coats. With patience and care, your cabinets will look factory-finished when done.
Painting Cabinet Doors
Next up are all those cabinet doors and drawers! Follow these best practices for a flawless finish on doors:
1. Lay Doors Flat to Paint
Set doors on sawhorses or across chairs to paint. This allows you to coat both sides evenly and avoids runs.
2. Use Thin, Even Coats of Paint
Thin coats prevent dripping and lead to a smooth finish. Allow proper drying time between coats as specified by manufacturer.
3. Lightly Sand Between Coats
Gently sand doors with 220 grit sandpaper between coats to remove any drips or rough spots.
4. Seal All Sides and Edges
Paint door sides, tops, bottoms, and even hinge edges for a fully sealed, professional look.
Take your time with doors and drawers for stunning results. Proper prep and multiple thin coats are key to success.
Rehanging Cabinets and Drawers
Once painting is complete, it’s time to reinstall all those doors, drawers, and hardware you removed earlier. Follow these final steps for a fully functioning kitchen:
Let Paint Fully Cure Before Rehanging
Give cabinet paint at least 2-3 weeks to cure before reinstalling doors and hardware. Test a small area to ensure paint is fully hardened and won’t stick or tear.
Reattach Hinges and Hardware
Refer to your labels or numbering system to reinstall doors, drawers, pulls, and knobs in their original spots. Take care not to scratch the fresh paint.
Touch Up Paint as Needed
Use a small artist’s brush to touch up any spots where new hardware installation marred the paint. Let touch ups fully dry and cure.
You’re in the home stretch now! Admire how your colorfully revitalized cabinets give your kitchen a completely fresh, updated look.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Now that you know the proper process for repainting kitchen cabinets, be sure to avoid these common mistakes amateurs make:
- Inadequate cleaning and prep
- Choosing the wrong paint sheen
- Failing to remove doors and hardware
- Applying paint too thickly
- Not sanding between coats
- Rushing the curing process
Many cabinet painting frustrations can be avoided by patiently following each step and allowing the proper drying time between coats. Resist the urge to rush through the job!
As you can see, repainting kitchen cabinets truly does not have to be an intimidating process, even for total beginners. With the right supplies, some elbow grease, and a methodical approach, you can completely transform the look of your kitchen in a weekend.
Not only will you save thousands compared to the cost of new cabinets, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of revitalizing your kitchen with your own two hands. We hope these tips instill confidence to tackle this project yourself. Don’t be afraid to add your own personal flair – repainted cabinets are the perfect chance to customize your space.
In no time at all, you’ll have a kitchen that looks like you hired a professional designer. But you’ll know that you achieved these incredible results all on your own. So gather your paint cans, turn up your favorite music, and let’s get to work repainting those cabinets!
