How to Use a Paint Sprayer on Kitchen Cabinets
Upgrading our kitchen cabinets can breathe new life into our home's heart. But refacing or replacing cabinets takes time and money. An easier DIY approach is to give existing cabinets a fresh look with a new coat of paint. Using a paint sprayer allows us to achieve professional results without the cost of hiring a pro.
Painting cabinets by hand risks leaving unsightly brush marks and an uneven finish. Spray painting provides a smooth, consistent look that modernizes dated cabinets. Read on as we walk through tips for success when using a paint sprayer on kitchen cabinets.
Prep Work is Key
Before spraying, proper prep work ensures the paint adheres correctly for a long-lasting finish. We'll need to:
- Remove doors, drawers and hardware with screwdrivers, labeling as we go for easy reinstallation
- Clean cabinet surfaces thoroughly with TSP to remove grease and grime
- Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and let dry completely
- Sand cabinets lightly at first with 120 grit sandpaper, then again with 220 grit right before priming for a smooth finish
- Use painter's tape to mask off nearby walls, countertops, and floors
Taking our time with prep removes existing finishes and creates the ideal surface for the paint to adhere to.
Choosing the Right Paint
The type of paint we choose impacts the finished look and durability. For cabinets, we'll want interior paint that is:
- Durable - Withstands cleaning, wear and tear
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- Scrubbable - Able to be cleaned without damaging the finish
- Easy to apply - Sprays on smoothly and evenly
Enamel, epoxy, and acrylic cabinet paints work well. Brands like Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin Williams Emerald, and Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations feature tough finishes that don't require a topcoat.
Oil vs. Latex/Acrylic
Oil-based paints create an ultra-hard finish, but require mineral spirits for cleanup. Latex or acrylic paints clean up with soap and water but may need a protective clear topcoat for added durability.
Sheens
Higher sheens like semi-gloss are most durable for cabinets. But lower sheens like eggshell hide imperfections better with a subtle shine. Consider the existing cabinet finish when choosing a sheen.
Primer
Priming ensures better adhesion and a uniform finish. Tinting the primer close to our final paint color saves coats. But a white primer works well for light colors.
Choosing a Paint Sprayer
Investing in a quality paint sprayer suited for cabinets saves headaches down the road. Seek out models offering:
- Adjustable pressure/flow rate for control
- Various tip sizes - smaller tips for detail work
- Sturdy metal construction
- Easy cleanup
Types include:
- Airless sprayers - Best for spraying fast and covering large areas
- HVLP sprayers - Provide great control for spraying cabinets
Wagner, Graco, and Fuji make reliable sprayers for DIY projects. Purchase quality filters and tips too.
Setting up the Sprayer
Reading the manual is a must for assembly, setup, and use. In general, we'll need to:
- Attach the hose, tip, and filters based on directions
- Fill the paint cup with our strained paint
- Adjust the flow, pattern, and pressure for the paint viscosity
- Prime the sprayer by running paint through until any sputters stop
Check for leaks and tighten fittings as needed. Keep the sprayer upright and on a level surface.
Test Spraying
Dialing in our spray technique prevents messes down the road. We should:
- Practice on scrap cardboard or wood
- Adjust the pressure and nozzle tip to fine tune the spray pattern
- Get a feel for the proper spraying distance and speed
- Work out any clogs or sputters
Testing builds experience with the sprayer before pointing it at our cabinets.
Painting the Cabinets
Now we're ready for the real thing. Remember to:
- Apply primer first and let dry fully
- Lightly sand the primer before painting
- Spray paint in thin, even coats allowing proper drying between
- Start spraying off the cabinets, then sweep across smoothly
- Spray sides, fronts, insides, and doors systematically
Take care when spraying near hinges, edges, and hardware holes. Several thin coats create a durable finish.
Finishing Touches
Once the final coat has cured fully, we can admire our work and:
- Reinstall the doors, drawers, and hardware
- Apply a protective clear coat if needed
- Touch up any final spots by hand
Our kitchen has a fresh new look for a fraction of replacement cost. Proper prep work, spray technique, and quality paint allows us to easily spray cabinets like a professional.
Stay Safe When Spraying
Paint sprayers require caution to operate safely:
- Set up in a well-ventilated area
- Wear a respirator mask and protective eyewear
- Keep sprayer upright and level to avoid spills and splatters
Take breaks between spraying to avoid inhaling fumes. Clean spills right away to prevent slips. Following the manual keeps us safe when using spray equipment.
FAQs
How many coats of paint should cabinets get?
Typically 2-3 coats creates a durable finish - a primer coat, 1-2 paint coats, and optionally a protective clear coat.
Should doors be removed before painting cabinets?
Yes, removing doors makes spraying easier. Lay doors on sawhorses to spray fronts and backs.
Can you spray paint existing cabinets?
Yes, spray painting updates wood, laminate, or painted cabinets without having to replace them.
Giving kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint offers an affordable DIY update. Using a paint sprayer, rather than painting by hand, allows us to easily achieve a smooth, professional-quality finish.
Spray painting is faster with less mess than brush painting. It also avoids leaving unsightly brush marks. Modernizing our existing cabinets by spraying can extend their life at a fraction of replacement cost.
Follow along as we walk through essential steps for spray painting kitchen cabinets. We'll share tips for choosing paint, setting up the sprayer, and techniques to end up with a flawless revamped look.
Start with Proper Prep
Preparing our cabinets well ensures the new paint adheres correctly for long-lasting durability. Proper prep work includes:
- Removing doors, drawers, and hardware using screwdrivers
- Cleaning with TSP solution to remove grease and grime
- Filling any holes or imperfections with wood filler
- Lightly sanding to rough up the surface for paint adhesion
- Masking off nearby walls, counters, and floors with painters tape
Taking time with prep creates an ideal smooth, clean surface for the paint to stick to.
Picking the Right Paint
High quality cabinetry paint ensures an attractive, durable finish that withstands wear and tear. We'll want interior paint that is:
- Scrubbable - stands up to cleaning without damage
- Impact resistant - doesn't chip easily from bumps and knocks
- Stain resistant - resists grease, dirt, and grime
- Durable - lasts for years with proper care
Brands like Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin Williams Emerald, and Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations work great.
Oil or Latex/Acrylic
Oil-based paints create an extremely tough finish. But they require mineral spirits for cleanup. Latex and acrylic paints clean up with soap and water but may need an added protective clear coat.
Sheens
Semi-gloss offers the most durable finish. But lower sheens like satin or eggshell also work well. They hide imperfections better with a smooth, subtle shine.
Primer
Priming ensures better adhesion for a smooth, uniform look. Tinted primer close to our final paint color can save coats. Or white primer works for light cabinets.
Choosing a Paint Sprayer
A quality paint sprayer designed for cabinets makes all the difference for an easy, flawless finish. Look for key features like:
- Adjustable pressure and flow rate
- Ability to use various tip sizes
- Metal construction
- Easy to clean
Types include:
- Airless sprayers - Cover large areas quickly
- HVLP sprayers - Offer great control and detail
Reliable brands like Fuji, Graco, and Wagner make sprayers perfect for DIY cabinet painting.
Proper Sprayer Setup
Carefully reading the manual helps us set up the sprayer correctly. Key steps include:
- Assembling all hoses, tips, and filters
- Filling the paint cup with our strained paint
- Adjusting flow rate and pressure for our paint thickness
- Priming the sprayer to test spray pattern
Check for any leaks and tighten fittings as needed during setup. Keep the unit upright and balanced.
Testing the Sprayer
Practicing our spray technique prevents missteps down the road. We should:
- Spray on scrap cardboard or wood
- Dial in pressure and tip size for ideal spray pattern
- Get a feel for proper distance and speed
- Work out any clogs or sputters
Testing builds skills and comfort before pointing our sprayer at the real cabinets.
Spray Painting the Cabinets
When ready, we'll want to:
- Apply primer first and let it fully dry
- Lightly sand again before painting for maximum adhesion
- Slowly spray in thin, even strokes avoiding drips
- Apply multiple thin coats for best results
- Spray systematically - sides, fronts, insides, doors
Careful precision provides maximum coverage while avoiding messes. Patience creates a flawless factory finish.
Perfecting the Finish
Once fully cured, we can complete our kitchen's makeover by:
- Rehanging doors, drawers, and hardware
- Adding a protective clear coat if needed
- Touching up any final spots by hand
Proper planning, quality paint, and spray technique allows us to revamp our kitchen cabinets with a smooth professional finish. No need for expensive replacements.
Stay Safe While Spraying
Using a paint sprayer safely involves:
- Working in a well-ventilated area
- Wearing a respirator mask and goggles
- Keeping the sprayer upright to prevent spills
Taking breaks avoids inhaling fumes. Quick cleanup of spills prevents slips. Following all instructions keeps us safe during use.
FAQs
How many coats of paint do cabinets need?
Typically 2-3 coats - 1 primer coat, 1-2 color coats, and optionally a protective clear topcoat.
Should cabinet doors be removed before painting?
Yes, removing doors provides much easier access for spraying. Lay them flat to spray.