Restyled Kitchen Cabinets With Paint

Transforming your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint on the cabinets can make a dramatic difference without a full renovation. Painting kitchen cabinets allows you to update the look of your space with color, hide flaws, and camouflage dated styles for a budget-friendly price.

Benefits of Painting vs Replacing Kitchen Cabinets

Should you paint or replace your kitchen cabinets? While the answer depends on your specific needs, painting offers many advantages:

• Painting costs a fraction of full cabinet replacement.
• You can repaint cabinets in a weekend instead of waiting weeks for new cabinet installation.
• Custom color options to fit your exact vision.
• Refresh worn cabinets without replacing them.

Unless your current cabinet boxes are damaged or the layout needs changing, paint is an affordable way to update their look and style.

Color, Sheen, and Paint Options for Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing the right paint is critical for a successful kitchen cabinet paint project. Consider these factors:

• Paint Type - Enamel, acrylic, and latex paints all work on cabinets. Enamel paints provide the most durable finish.
• Sheen - Satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss finishes are easiest to clean. Flat paint shows more defects.
• Color - White, black, gray, navy, and green are popular cabinet colors. Be sure to pick a timeless shade.

For the best results, use a high-quality acrylic or enamel interior cabinet paint like Benjamin Moore Advance or General Finishes Milk Paint .

Prep Work for Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Proper prep is crucial for painted cabinets that look professionally sprayed. Prep work steps include:

• Clean cabinets thoroughly with TSP substitute to remove grease and grime
• Lightly sand cabinet boxes, doors, and frames
• Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth
• Remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware

Take your time prepping kitchen cabinets to ensure the new paint adheres properly. Rushing this step can cause peeling or bubbling of the fresh paint job.

DIY Painting Techniques for Kitchen Cabinets

Ready to start painting? Arm yourself with these tips for achieving a smooth, professional look:

Painting Order

Paint the cabinet boxes first, then the doors and drawers. For the cabinet boxes:

• Paint the cabinet interiors and shelves first
• Paint the cabinet sides and face frames next
• Finish with the cabinet fronts and exterior sides

This ensures layers of paint hide well and drips don't spoil your finished kitchen cabinet surfaces.

Painting Methods

Painting kitchen cabinets requires more finesse than walls. You can use a brush, paint sprayer, or paint roller:

• Brushing gives you plenty of control for cutting in.
• Spraying offers the most seamless, professional finish.
• Rolling works well for quick coverage on broad surfaces.

Many DIYers find success by brushing and rolling combined. Use angled brushes to cut in edges sharply.

Achieving a Smooth Finish

Follow these tips for a smooth, consistent finish on your painted kitchen cabinets:

• Always prime existing cabinets first before painting
• Apply paint in thin, even coats using a smooth back-and-forth motion
• Lightly sand painted cabinets with fine grit sandpaper between coats
• Allow proper dry time between paint coats

Rushing the painting process or applying the paint too thickly can ruin the final look of your kitchen cabinet paint job.

Unique Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

Painting kitchen cabinets opens up many exciting possibilities for two-tone looks. Consider painting just the top or bottom cabinets a different color to define them visually. Or opt for an accent color on the island for a pop of contrast.

Some stylish two-tone painted kitchen cabinet ideas include:

• White uppers, green lowers
• Navy blue island, soft gray perimeter cabinets
• Black base cabinets, cream uppers
• Light blue lowers, wood-tone uppers

Painting the lowers a darker color than the uppers creates a custom look while giving the illusion of more counter space.

Tips for Painting Existing Cabinets

Some strategies to transform existing cabinets with paint include:

• Paint interiors a bold color for a fun pop when open
• Paint just the doors for less work
• Add painted trim details for enhanced character
• Modernize oak or wood cabinets with a coat of paint

With the right prep work and paint products, you can paint veneer, laminate, and wood cabinetry to look like new. Updating cabinets through painting costs a fraction of full replacement.

Achieving a Smooth, Flawless Painted Finish

While painting cabinets yourself can save thousands over replacement, improper techniques can leave a bumpy, unsightly finish. Avoid common mistakes like these for smoother results:

• Skipping proper sanding and priming of existing cabinets
• Applying paint too thickly or inconsistently
• Not allowing proper dry time between coats
• Using low-quality brushes that leave marks
• Neglecting to clean cabinets thoroughly before painting

Patience and proper products pay off when painting kitchen cabinets. Allowing paint to fully cure before reinstalling doors also prevents sticking or tackiness.

Troubleshooting Flaws in Painted Finishes

Despite your best efforts, paint flaws can still occur. Here are fixes for common cabinet painting snafus:

• Brush marks: Lightly sand problem areas and repaint
• Drips: Let paint fully dry, then carefully scrape away
• Bleed-through: Apply heavy-bodied primer to block stains
• Chipping: Smooth edges before touching up paint

Addressing painting mishaps right away keeps them from marring the final look of your kitchen cabinet paint project.

Cost of Painting Kitchen Cabinets vs. Replacement

One major appeal of painting over replacing kitchen cabinets is the cost savings. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2022 Cost vs. Value Report, the average cost of a midrange major kitchen remodel is $75,000.

In contrast, you can paint cabinets yourself for less than $500 in supplies. Hiring a professional painter costs $2,000-$5,000 depending on cabinet size and coating methods. This makes painting cabinets an affordable alternative to boosting your kitchen's style.

Beyond lower costs, painting means:

• No demolition mess or construction delays
• Keep existing cabinet layout and functionality
• Greater color personalization
• Shorter timeline from start to a fresh finished look

For many homeowners, painting provides a bigger return on investment over replacing quality cabinets.

Should You Hire a Professional or DIY Cabinet Painting?

Torn between DIY or professional kitchen cabinet painting? Consider the trade-offs:

• DIY pros: Lower cost, customize paint choices, sense of accomplishment
• Professional pros: Perfect results, less work, project management

Other questions to weigh:

• Do you have the time for a DIY project spanning multiple days?
• Is your cabinet layout complex, with hard-to-reach spots?
• Are you willing to take on the prep work like removing doors and sanding?

Hiring a professional takes the work off your plate. But if time allows, painting cabinets yourself can be very satisfying and affordable.

Inspiring Painted Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

Ready for inspiration? Browse these stunning examples of painted kitchen cabinet ideas:

1. Classic White Kitchen Cabinets

Crisp white painted cabinets keep this kitchen looking light, bright, and timeless. White plays well with any color and matches any style, from modern to traditional.

2. Navy Blue Kitchen Cabinets

Deep navy instantly creates drama and sophistication. Pair navy cabinets with brass accents and light counters or backsplash for a vibrant pop of contrast.

3. Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets

Painting upper and lower cabinets different colors adds modern interest. Classic white up top keeps things light and airy.

4. Sage Green Kitchen Cabinets

Looking for color that energizes but also soothes? Green cabinetry brings vibrance to a space in a natural, timeless way.

5. Black Distressed Kitchen Cabinets

Distressing painted cabinets adds Old World charm and texture. The deep black tone grounds the space beautifully.

Beyond just paint color, consider creative painting techniques like glazing, rag-rolling, or stenciling to make your kitchen cabinet paint project unique.

Painting kitchen cabinets delivers a fresh new look without the investment of full replacement. With strategic planning and preparation, you can paint cabinets like a pro for a transformed kitchen.

This overview covers all the key steps for success, from essential supplies to techniques for a flawless finish. Prepping properly and applying paint with care leads to durable, beautiful results.

Bring your kitchen vision to life at a fraction of replacement cost by taking on a DIY painted cabinet project. With the right guidance, you can paint your way to a kitchen you love without breaking the budget.