DIY Flip Projects >> How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets

How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Need to renovate your kitchen cabinets without spending a fortune? The answer to your woe is to paint them yourself to create a new look. If 
you have solid kitchen cabinets, painting them can do magic.

Painting kitchen cabinets can be done in two ways – hiring a 
professional to do spray painting if you have extra budget or do it 
yourself to save on labor costs. 

It’s true that spray painting can give a smooth finish but if you are 
skillful and patient enough, brush painting can give you the same 
lasting and smooth finish result as well. The only downside to brushing 
is that it takes more time, at least two weeks, to complete. Experts 
suggest that you use the best material and do the sanding and brushing 
right to achieve beautiful cabinets. 

Preparing your cabinets

Clear everything in your kitchen before you start your painting work. 
Empty the cabinets, clear the countertops and remove appliances and 
other decors. Transfer the furniture to another room to prevent them 
from being stained by paint. 

Make sure that the room is well ventilated and with no open flames for 
your protection. It’s also best if you apply hand cream first before 
painting as it’ll make cleaning easier afterwards. Hand cream is also a 
good protection for your exposed skin. 

The next step is to tape rosin paper on the countertops and flooring 
then tape plastic sheeting on the windows, fixed appliances and 
doorways. You could also use old newspapers to cover countertops and 
floors. Don’t forget to cover the wall around the cabinets. 

Create a worktable where you will paint the cabinet doors, drawers and 
shelves. If not, you can work on the floor but be sure you cover it 
with newspaper. Remove the handles of the door and drawer or remove the 
hinges. You can paint them as well if they don’t look good in your 
eyes. 

Cleaning and painting your kitchen cabinets

Clean first using the tri sodium phosphate (TSP) solution and rinse 
well. Let your cabinet dry before priming. After drying, lightly sand 
the surface by using 120 grit sandpaper then get rid of sanding dust 
using a rag. 

It’s now time to apply your primer in an even thin coat. Applying more 
primer is recommended to achieve an even coat. Use a ¼ inch nap mohair 
roller for large areas. Let the primer dry overnight. 



The next day, you can sand lightly again using 150 grit sandpaper after 
which you can already apply your finish enamel. For a nice looking 
finish, applying two coats is best. Let them dry and cure before 
removing the masking tape and reinstalling hinges. 

Recommended paints

As for what ideal paint to use, various brands of paints are available 
on the market today. Latex enamel is best for kitchen cabinets and the 
brands that have been given a thumbs up by homeowners who have used the 
products include Sherwin Williams, Pratt & Lambert, Cabinet Coat, BM 
Impervo and Benjamin Moore. 

Some users suggest applying a top coat of Minwax’ Water Based 
Polycrylic over the finished paint for a cleaner look and to help 
strengthen the surface. Sherwin Williams’ Proclassic Waterborne 
Interior Acrylic Enamel is recommended for cabinets and woodwork 
because of its smooth as glass finish. The Cabinet Coat brand, 
meanwhile, is available only in light and pastel colors. Another brand 
called Quick Solution Acrylic is also recommended as it does not need a 
primer. It colors, though, are limited. 

Want to buy new cabinets? Consider buying Ikea Kitchen Cabinets and save thousands.  Click here to find out more.


 

DIY Flip Projects >> How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets

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