The Complete Guide to Repainting Your Kitchen Cabinets
If your kitchen is looking dated or dull, repainting the cabinets can be a fast and affordable way to give it an updated look. But before breaking out the paint brushes, it's important to think through the pros and cons of repainting versus replacing your cabinets entirely.
Some benefits of repainting kitchen cabinets include:
- It's much less expensive than a full cabinet replacement.
- You can transform the look without remodeling the whole kitchen.
- New paint can make cabinets look fresh and contemporary.
- It allows you to change the color easily.
Things to consider before repainting cabinets:
- Quality of existing cabinet boxes and doors - repainting won't fix structural issues.
- Condition of current paint - heavily chipped or damaged paint may require extra prep.
- Color and style you want - repainting allows change of color but not style.
- Time and commitment the process requires - repainting takes patience.
As you weigh the pros and cons, also consider costs of repainting versus new cabinets. While repainting is less expensive, the costs add up with supplies, tools, new hardware, etc. Prepare a thorough budget to determine if it's worth repainting or if new cabinets make more sense.
Choosing a New Cabinet Color
Selecting the right cabinet color involves considering what tone you want to convey, what paint finish will work best, and how the color will coordinate with your kitchen elements like countertops, backsplash, floors and walls. You'll also want to think about how much prep work your existing cabinet finish will require before painting.
Look at color trends and explore the psychology behind paint colors before selecting a shade. Whites and off whites are popular cabinet color choices because they keep things light and airy. Bolder colors like navy blue make a dramatic statement. Neutral tones like gray, beige and taupe offer flexibility. Your lighting, cabinet style, and the rest of your kitchen decor will inform what color is best.
The paint finish you choose will impact the aesthetic as well. Options like high-gloss enamel, satin, eggshell, etc. have different visual effects. Semi-gloss is the most common choice because of its subtle shine and easy wipe-clean properties.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
While repainting cabinets isn't rocket science, it does require patience, prep work and attention to detail. Refinishing cabinets yourself will cost less than hiring a professional, but may take longer and entail a learning curve if you don't have painting experience.
Consider how comfortable you are taking on the project, and what level of imperfection you can live with. Professionals have the tools, skills and workspace to potentially do a more seamless job. Evaluate whether the DIY cost savings outweigh a potentially better finished product from a pro.
Preparing Your Cabinets for Painting
Proper prep work is crucial for getting great painted cabinet results. With the right prepping approach, you can help the new paint adhere correctly and avoid problems like chipping, cracking or peeling later on. Prep steps for painting cabinets include:
Cleaning
Grease, dirt and residue on cabinet surfaces will interfere with paint adherence. Give cabinets a thorough wash with a degreasing cleaner like TSP substitute to remove buildup. Follow with a rinse then let dry fully.
Removing Doors, Drawers and Hardware
It's much easier to paint cabinet boxes and doors when you can lay them flat. Remove doors, drawers and hardware using screwdrivers. Label pieces so you can reattach everything correctly later.
Sanding
Lightly sand cabinet surfaces to rough them up - this helps paint grip better. Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to smooth any rough areas. Clean sanded surfaces to remove dust before painting.
Filling Holes
Fill any holes from old hardware attachments using wood filler. Let dry fully then sand smooth. Address dents or gouges using filler products as needed so surfaces are as flat as possible.
Priming
Priming helps provide a uniform surface for topcoat paint to adhere to, while blocking stains and wood tannins from bleeding through. Use an oil-based primer for best results before painting.
Painting Your Cabinets
With prep work complete, you're ready for the fun part of seeing your dated cabinets get refreshed with new color. Follow some best practices as you apply cabinet paint to get a smooth factory-like finish.
Applying First Coat
Use a high quality brush or microfiber roller to apply the first coat of latex or enamel paint, being sure to get full and even coverage on the fronts, backs and inside edges. Applying paint by hand gives you more control than spraying.
Letting Paint Dry
Give the first coat ample drying time since patience is key. Recoat only when paint is fully cured and no longer cool to the touch. Sand lightly between coats with fine grit sandpaper.
Additional Coats
At least two coats are ideal, sometimes three or more may be needed for full coverage and an even finish on all surfaces and edges. Allow thorough drying between coats.
Avoiding Drips
Work methodically and carefully when painting, maintaining a wet edge to avoid drips. Keep your brush well loaded with paint so it glides on smoothly without glops.
Finishing Touches
Inspect for any small gaps in coverage and touch up paint as needed. Use a small artists brush for precision work. Address any brushmarks or defects in the final coat as well.
Sealing and Protecting Your Painted Cabinets
Once your cabinet painting is complete, take steps to seal, finish and protect your painted kitchen cabinets so they stay looking like new for years to come.
Sealing
Use a sealant like polyurethane over the painted finish for better stain resistance and easier cleaning. Two coats ensures better protection.
Reattaching Hardware
Screw cabinet hardware like hinges, handles and knobs back into place. Consider updating hardware for a really new look.
Replacing Shelves
Maximize your kitchen's transformation by painting shelving or opting for new shelves entirely.
Do a thorough job wiping up paint splatters, cleaning brushes, removing paint tarps, etc. Proper cleanup protects your newly refinished cabinets.
You can give your kitchen cabinets a new look with a fresh coat of paint. Just be sure to put in the proper prep work so your paint job lasts for years of beauty and function.