The color and finish of the entire kitchen can have a big impact on its overall appearance and its overall value. The cost of painting, how long it will take to finish, and the different types of paint are all considerations that you need to make when you have to paint your kitchen cabinets. Below, we’ll tell you what to consider and the steps to take before painting your kitchen cabinets.
Should you paint your kitchen cabinets?
If you’re a little DIY handy, have a free weekend, and are comfortable working with basic tools, you’re good to go. But before you head over the Sherwin Williams, closely examine your cabinets. If they’re old and fragile, you may need to replace them altogether. Even the best coat of paint can’t fix cabinets that are peeling or breaking down. Assuming they’re in good shape, then head on out to the paint store and get your supplies.
What type of paint should you use?
Oil-based or latex paint? Latex paint’s improved significantly over the years leading many professionals to begin using them more frequently. And latex is also more user-friendly than oil-based – especially for beginners. That being said, oil-based paints tend to form a harder surface that’s more durable and smoother looking. Additionally, latex paints can take much longer to fully cure (up to 3 weeks).
So which should you use? Both are great options. If you use latex, go with a 100% acrylic formulation. This is more durable and provides the best adhesion.
How to paint your kitchen cabinets
There are a number of steps to take when it comes to painting your cabinets and if any of them look daunting, you may just want to hire the professionals to do it for you. That being said, if you’re comfortable with the steps below, this is how to paint your cabinets.
- Remove the doors: Carefully remove the cabinet doors and the hardware from all of the doors.
- Tape the area: Any areas that need protection should be taped off or have plastic applied to prevent overpainting, drips, and spills. You should also cover up your counters and put plastic or a drop cloth on the floor.
- Clean cabinets: Use a wet cloth and remove all of the grime from your cabinets and cabinet doors.
- Sand: Proper sanding is critical. You want to make sure the surfaces, edges, etc. are completely sanded because this will determine how well the final product turns out.
- Prime: Apply primer to your cabinets and doors allowing at least 2 hours for them to dry.
- Sand again: Once your cabinets have dried, sand them again in the direction of the wood grain. Make sure to get all nooks and crannies.
- Paint: You want to two coats of paint and see how it looks. Begin on the back of the doors to ensure the paint looks how you want it to. Once the back’s are dry, flip and do the front. Repeat this process so that you have two coats on them.
- Hardware: Reinstall your hardware or put new handles and hinges on them. New hardware can really make it look like a whole new kitchen for very little money.
- Reinstall: Now that everything dry and you have new hardware, go ahead and reinstall the doors.
- Clean & touchup: take a look at the cabinets to see if there’s anything you missed. If not, go ahead and clean up the area. Remove your masking tape, plastic, etc. and enjoy your new kitchen!
Hire a Modesto Pro!
If you’re not the DIY type or simply prefer to enjoy your weekend and get professional quality results, reach out to Prime Modesto Painters. We can paint your cabinets quickly, affordably, and guarantee our work.