How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: Step-by-Step Guide
It’s no secret that painting kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look of your kitchen. But the process can seem a little daunting if you’ve never done it before. That’s why we’re here to help! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through every step so you can paint your cabinets like a pro.
First, gather all of the materials you’ll need: painter’s tape, cabinet cleaner or degreaser, primer, paint in your desired colour, a brush or roller for applying the paint, and a foam roller for finishing. Make sure to read the instructions on each product carefully before starting.
Next, clean and degrease your cabinets thoroughly using either a cabinet cleaner or a degreaser. This is an essential step because any dirt or grease on the surface will prevent the primer and paint from sticking properly. Let the cabinets dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Once everything is clean and dry, apply a coat of primer to all surfaces of your cabinets using either a brush or roller. Let the primer dry completely before moving on to Step 4.
Now it’s time to start painting! Apply one coat of paint to all surfaces of your cabinets, using either a brush or roller. Again, let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Finally, apply a coat of finish to all surfaces of your cabinets using a foam roller. Let the finish dry completely before putting your cabinets back in use.
1. Planning a Kitchen Wall Painting Project
Supplies Needed for Painting Kitchen Walls
The best way to paint your kitchen, you will need the following supplies:
– drop cloths
– painter’s tape
– painters extension pole
– You may also want to cover the floor with a protective covering, such as carpet or vinyl tile.
– After that, use painter’s tape to cover the trim around doors and windows.
– Next, choose your painting method: brush, roller, or sprayer.
– A high-quality paintbrush is necessary for detailed work on cabinets.
– The third option and the fastest is using a paint sprayer. However, professionals recommend this method for the best results.
– If you don’t have access to a paint sprayer, don’t worry! You can still get the job done with a roller and brush.
2. Prepping Kitchen Walls For Paint
Cleaning Kitchen Walls
Grease and grime can be a challenge to clean from kitchen walls. A cleaner solution is Savogran TSP. Mix a stronger solution of TSP to dull glossy walls, or improve the adhesion of new paint with a mixture of TSP powder and water/vinegar.
Never mix vinegar with bleach when cleaning mouldy areas, as it could cause damage to your walls. Make sure the walls are completely dry before you start painting.
Check the Ceiling for Water Stains
If you’re painting your kitchen ceiling then best way to paint your kitchen, it’s important to check for any water stains first. If there are any, make sure to fix the leak before painting. You’ll also need to apply primer designed to block tough stains so that the stain doesn’t show through when the paint is applied over the top of it.
Finally, use an 8-foot extension pole to paint a kitchen ceiling. Having the extra reach is useful for painting between can lights and cabinets, or rolling along walls.
3. Painting Kitchen Walls and Ceilings
Use A Painting Extension Pole
When painting walls and ceilings, it’s helpful to have a pole that is 8 feet long. This will give you more control and reach as you navigate the room. Additionally, an extension pole can help make wide roller passes with more reach and control.
Remember to strain the paint before use to remove any lumps. If you don’t want to strain the paint, filter any leftover paint before using it.
To strip paint on cabinets quickly and easily, use a brush. For best results, use a reactive stripper that will react when it comes to the wall or ceiling – even if you don’t have a brush handy!
Use a plastic scraper to remove the last of the paint before sanding. Be sure to cover your appliances and countertops before beginning work. Finally, sand surfaces with medium-grit sandpaper then clean all surfaces thoroughly to ensure the dust-free painting
Use Frog Tape on Cabinets
Frog Tape is a great way to get a clean paint line on your cabinets. The tape comes in yellow, green, and blue, and the powder coating prevents paint from leaking underneath the tape.
The painter’s tape is low tack, which means it won’t peel off the finish when you remove it. Before painting, you’ll need to protect hard-to-reach areas with drop cloths or newspaper so the paint doesn’t get on the countertops and cabinets.
Use Satin Paint on the Walls
When painting your kitchen walls, using a satin finish or semi-gloss paint is best. This type of paint will be easy to clean and will resist stains and grease buildup better than other finishes. In addition, it will also make your kitchen look more polished and professional.
If you are looking for paint that falls between matte and gloss, then Benjamin Moore paints are a good option. They offer low-sheen finishes that can help avoid the glossy look that some people don’t like in kitchens. With this guide, the author hopes to help anyone who wants to paint their kitchen walls themselves.
What Type of Paint Do I Need for Cabinets?
Oil or latex?
When it comes to painting, there are two main types: latex and oil. So which one should you use for your cabinets?
Latex paint is more user-friendly than oil-based paint – it’s easier to apply, less toxic, and cleans up with soap and water. However, latex paints take longer to cure than oil-based paints – typically about 30 days. They’re also more susceptible to damage, such as scratches or dents.
Consider whether you want to use latex paint, as this can be damaged during curing. If you decide on latex paint, make sure the label says “100 percent acrylic.” This will produce a smoother finish and a more durable surface.
Brush or Spray Paint?
When it comes to painting cabinets, there are two main options: brush or spray paint. Each has its own set of pros and cons:
Spray paint is a difficult method to use and can be expensive. You need to rent or buy the necessary equipment, which can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with how to use it. In addition, you have less control over the finished product than with brush painting.
However, using high-quality brushes offers the smoothest finish, with less effort – so it’s a better option if you cover a lot of surface area. For instance, choose a brush 3- to 4-inch wide for larger cabinets, and 2½- or 3-inch wide for angled doors with molding.
latex and oil-based paints should be applied with synthetic or natural bristles respectively. This will help ensure even coverage and prevent the paint from bubbling up under the brush.
If you’re looking for a high-gloss finish, spray painting is your best option – but renting the necessary equipment will cost a lot. It’s also worth noting that spray paint produces fewer fumes than other types of paint, making it safer for indoor use.
Consider a faux finish with a crackling glaze for a farmhouse or rustic look. This can be achieved with either brush or spray painting.
Regular or faux finish?
When painting your kitchen cabinets, you have two options: a regular finish or a faux finish. With a regular finish, the paint will be one solid color and will cover the surface of the cabinet. With a faux finish, you can add texture and style to your kitchen’s look by using different techniques.
One popular way to create a faux finish is to apply paint in only one direction, and then let it dry. This will create cracks in the paint that give it an aged look. Another way to achieve a distressed look is to use a chain – simply run the chain over the surface of the painted cabinet for that rustic feel.
If you’re looking for an antiqued look, try using some “paint magic.” Dip your brush into a lighter color of paint and make light dabs until the brush is almost dry – this will create an antique effect.
The best type of paint for cabinets is usually dark, with a textured finish that reveals colors underneath when it dries (not an entire deep color). This gives your kitchen character and makes it stand out from other kitchens with traditional finishes. To top off your new look, finish with high-gloss clear acrylic varnish for extra shine!
Top Mistakes to Avoid if You Want to Master Painting Kitchen Cabinets
1. You overlook practicality
One of the most common mistakes that people make when painting kitchen cabinets is not taking into account practicality. For instance, if your cabinet is made of open grain, the paint will not be completely smooth. In this case, you can use putty to fill in the gaps, but it is time-consuming and difficult to do perfectly.
Before painting your kitchen cabinets, it is important to check that they are durable enough for paint. Laminate and veneer are two types of materials that require a little more work – you may need to sand them before painting. Additionally, some other man-made materials like melamine demand special attention when painting.
You should also sand your doors before painting them – this will help the paint adhere better. Finally, it is important to remember to paint in a well-ventilated area so that overspray does not accumulate and clog windows or doors.
2. You don’t carve out enough time
When painting your cabinets, allowing enough time for the project is important. You should plan on four days of prep work in full-time mode before you start painting. This includes removing all the doors and drawers from their hinges and slots and then diagramming where everything goes so you can remember how to put it back together.
Once you’re ready to paint, use painter’s tape to protect any hardware or edges, and apply a thin layer of paint that will be allowed to dry completely before adding another layer.
3. You didn’t use the right tools
One of the most common mistakes people make when painting cabinets is not using the right tools. A two-inch angled brush is the best tool for cutting into the inside corners of cabinets and crevices – you can also use this brush to get into tight spaces around cabinet hardware.
A roller with a finer nap will provide less texturing in your finish than a traditional woven roller. Make sure to remove all handles and hardware before painting – this will help you avoid any drips or spills that may occur while you’re working.
Additionally, if there are any gaps, cracks, or other imperfections on your cabinet doors and drawer fronts, be sure to sand them down so they can receive a clean, crisp finish when the paint is applied.
Finally, consider changing your cabinet handles if you decide to give your kitchen a new look (or just to match). You should always use high-quality paint that has been thoroughly tested in the industry – this will ensure that your project goes off without any trouble or obstacles. With some practice and effort, painting cabinets can become second nature even if it’s your first time trying it out!