For many homeowners, being personally involved in home improvement projects like kitchen remodeling is an achievement. In addition to the satisfaction of a do-it-yourself job, there is also the matter of cost savings. Hiring a professional to do the work for you may be worth every penny for some people but it’s not always necessary. You can achieve a beautiful and durable finish on your kitchen cabinets without spending an arm and a leg by learning how to paint them like a pro.
The key to success when painting kitchen cabinets is all in preparation. That being said, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you get started.
Consider The Cost of Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets
One of the most common kitchen remodeling mistakes a DIYer can make is underestimating the cost of paint and supplies. A good quality paint job will require more than just a couple of cans of paint. You’ll need primer, sandpaper, painter’s tape, drop cloths, and other supplies which can add up quickly.
All these things should be considered when budgeting as well as adding up at least 15 to 20% more to your total for unforeseen costs that always pop up. This way, you won’t be caught off guard and unable to complete your project.
Make sure to research how much each item can cost and then put them on a list where you can easily see what you need and the cost of everything. This will help you stay on track when making your budget.
To give you a better perspective, here are the common prices of materials and supplies needed when painting cabinets:
- Paint – $30 to $100 per gallon
- Primer – $15 to $50 per gallon
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting – $10 to $20
- Sandpaper – $5 to $10
- Cleaning supplies – $5 to $10
- Painter’s tape – $5 to 10
- Brushes or rollers – $5 to $20
- Ladder – $30 to $50 rental per day
By having a realistic idea of what it’s going to cost, you can either set a firm budget or be more lenient with your spending.
How Long Will Kitchen Cabinet Painting Take?
There’s no concrete answer to how long it will take to paint your kitchen cabinets. The length of time will depend on various factors such as:
- The size of your kitchen
- The number of coats you plan on applying
- How well do you prep and sand your cabinets
Some kitchen cabinet painting projects can be done in under 6 hours while more complex jobs may take up to 3 days. The best way to approach your project is to give yourself enough time so you don’t feel rushed and can take your time with the important prep work. This will ensure a high-quality finish that will last for many years. Not to mention, your skill as a painter will also affect the duration of the job.
If you’ve never painted cabinets before, it’s best to start with a small project like painting just the doors or cabinet frames. Once you get a feel for the process and what’s involved, you can then move on to tackling a more complex job.
Different Types of Paints You Can Use
There are different kinds of paints available in your local supply shop when planning to have a kitchen cabinet paint job. But that doesn’t mean you have to buy just any kind to paint cabinets. For cabinets, you’ll want to use high-quality paint that can withstand wear and tear while also providing a smooth and durable finish.
That being said, let’s talk more about the two most common types of paints used for kitchen cabinets which are latex and oil-based.
Latex Paint
Latex paints are water-based paints that are most commonly used for painting walls and other surfaces in your home. It’s easy to work with, quick-drying, and doesn’t require any special cleanup afterward. However, they can take up to three weeks to fully cure.
The main advantage of latex paint in a cabinet door painting is that it’s a very low odor and is non-toxic making it a safer option to use, especially if you have young children in the home. However, it is important to note that oil-based paints are more durable and offer a more smooth finish.
Oil-Based Paint
Oil paint is a type of paint that uses oil as its base instead of water. It’s more durable and offers a smoother finish but is also more toxic and has a strong odor. This type of paint is a popular choice for many homeowners and contractors when painting cabinets.
The main advantage of using oil-based paint when you paint kitchen cabinets and cabinet doors is that it dries harder and offers more protection against scratches, stains, and other wear and tear. It’s also easier to achieve a smooth finish with this type of paint compared to using spray paint. However, the downside is that oil-based paints can be tricky to work with and require special cleanup afterward. But nonetheless, oil-based paint can be painted on both wood and laminate cabinet surfaces which makes them the perfect choice for many homeowners.
Now that we’ve gone over the different types of paints available, let’s talk about how to choose the right kind for your project.
So, what should you use to paint your cabinets?
The answer to this question depends on the type of cabinets you have and what kind of finish you’re hoping to achieve. If you have wood cabinets, then latex or oil-based paint would be the best option. However, if you have laminate cabinets, then latex paint would be the best choice
If you have a very busy kitchen it is important to have a durable finish that can withstand moisture and other spills. You can opt for a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint for a more durable finish. These types of paint also make it easier to clean your cabinets.
But if you’re looking for a more subtle finish, then satin or eggshell paint would be a better option. These types of paint have a bit more sheen to them but aren’t as glossy as the semi-gloss and high-gloss paints.
Pre-Painting Preparation
Now you have all the materials and the right type of paint for painting the doors and frames of your cabinet, it’s time to start prepping for the project.
Remove Doors and Other Cabinet Hardware
The first thing you’ll want to do is remove all the doors and hardware from the cabinets. This includes the knobs, handles, hinges, and any other hardware. Once everything is removed, label each door so you know where it goes when it’s time to reassemble the cabinets.
You’ll also want to remove any items from inside the cabinets so you can have a clear and unobstructed workspace.
Clean All Surfaces
The next step is to clean all the surfaces that you’ll be painting. This includes the cabinet doors, frames, and any other surfaces. Use a mild soap and water solution to remove any grease, dirt, or grime.
Once everything is clean, use a tack cloth or a lint-free cloth to remove any dust particles.
Fill in Any Holes or Imperfections
Now that the surfaces are clean, you’ll want to fill in any holes or imperfections. This includes any cracks, dents, or scratches. Use a putty knife to apply wood filler or spackle to the area and then use sandpaper to smooth out the surface once it’s dry.
Protect Your Countertops
You don’t want to accidentally get paint on your countertops so it’s important to protect them. You can do this by covering them with a drop cloth or an old sheet.
Tape Off Edges and Other Areas
The last step in the prepping process is to tape off any areas that you don’t want to get paint on. This includes the edges of the cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and any other areas. Use painter’s tape to create a clean line and then use a putty knife to smooth out the edges.
Now that you’ve prepped all the surfaces, it’s time to start painting!
Start Painting
Before having your paint stick to all your surfaces, mix a small amount to test the color in an inconspicuous area. You should also consider using primer, especially if your cabinets are a darker color. When using dark paint, a white primer can help with the coverage.
Paint the frames first and then move on to the doors. For best results, use a small paintbrush or a roller with a foam pad instead of a paint sprayer. Start painting doors in the middle and work your way out toward the edges.
Let the wet paint dry completely before moving on to the next coat. Depending on the type of paint you’re using, you may need to apply two or more coats.
The Bottom Line
Newly painted cabinets will not only bring a new look to your kitchen, they can also increase the resale value of your home. But before you start painting, it’s important to choose the right type of paint and do some prep work. With a little time and effort, you can have newly painted cabinets that will last for years to come!
