Painting your cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh, new look without spending thousands of dollars on replacements. And according to some of the pros we spoke to, you can save even more money if you do the work yourself.
However, to do a good job, you need to allow enough time to ensure that your cabinets look like a professional job when the job is complete. “Ask yourself if your schedule and lifestyle allow you to get the job done without rushing,” says Frank Vega, senior manager at Waldwick Paint and Wallpaper. “Depending on the size and scope of the project, it can be completed in a few days. However, in some cases it can take him at least a week.”
Ready to fool everyone into thinking you had your cabinets professionally painted? Check out our expert advice on how to get the job done.
Before you start
Before you start painting, decide what type of cabinet material you're working with. Cabinets made of wood, wood laminate, veneer, fiberboard, and metal are suitable for repainting, but if your cabinets are made of plastic laminate or PVC vinyl thermofoil, research special paint and application techniques. need to do it.
Next, measure the surfaces of your cabinets and decide whether you want to paint just the outside or the inside as well. “Once you have the measurements, find a professional at your local paint store who can crunch the numbers and determine how much material you need,” he says Vega. “When it comes to paint, plan on one gallon for every 350 square feet of paintable surface, and about half that amount for one coat of primer.”
Instructions
Design: Emily Henderson.Photo: Sarah Trump
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Choose a color:
When choosing a paint color, it's important to focus on the fixed components of your kitchen, such as your countertops, backsplash, and hardwood floors. “These items have their own color stories and will influence your cabinet color choices,” says Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore.
Next, consider how much sunlight your room will receive and from which direction. Keep in mind that cold light can make colors look dull and cold. “Some kitchens have an abundance of natural light facing south, giving you a wide range of color options, while others have cold north-facing light, limiting your options,” says Magno.
Keep in mind that the paint you choose needs to be able to withstand the demands of your kitchen. When it comes to painting cabinets, many professionals look for hybrid water- and oil-based paints that are durable, impact-resistant, and have a satin finish.
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Clean the cabinets.
Thoroughly wipe down your kitchen cabinets using a degreaser and a cloth. Removing surface buildup is an important step when painting kitchen cabinets. “Cabinets are covered in grease, oil, dust, and dirt from everyday cooking and use. For example, if you add water-based paint to a cabinet that has oil on it, the paint won't stick,” says Vega.
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Remove the door and drawer.
Before removing cabinet doors, empty the cabinets, clear countertops, and move anything that can be moved to another room. Use sticky notes to label the doors and use numbers to match them to their corresponding cabinet boxes (you may also include where the door is in the room, such as the cabinet above the dishwasher), all Make sure you put it back in the same location. when the work is completed.
Next, vacuum the room to remove any dust or dirt that may affect the paint job.
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Remove all hardware.
Remove all hardware and place each piece in a small plastic bag. Identify each bag with a number that corresponds to the number on the door or box, and store that bag on a shelf or drawer insert in that particular cabinet. “If you paint a door or drawer with the hardware still attached, you run the risk of getting paint on the knobs, handles, hinges, and around the edges,” says Vega.
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Protect contact area:
Before painting, tape off any necessary contact areas, such as the sink or stove, with painter's tape. Use drop cloths or brown builder's paper to protect floors, and hang dense plastic drop cloths over countertops, etc.
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Scrub the wood to be painted.
Move the doors to another location (like a well-ventilated garage or basement), space them about 2 feet apart (even better if lined up in a two-by-four), and sand. Dennis Fiorilli, director of product excellence at Sherwin-Williams, says, “Your goal is not to strip the paint or get the stain down to the bare wood; it's simply to dull the surface so that subsequent paint won't bleed.” We just want to improve the adhesion.” .
After sanding, vacuum the dust and wipe the surface with a lightly damp microfiber cloth. Next, inspect the surface for chips and cracks and see if any wood filling work is needed, such as holes from old hardware.
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Prepare the cabinet.
Apply the first coat of primer and let dry according to the manufacturer's instructions (some take 4 hours, others up to 24 hours). “We want everything to cure to the right level, especially if the cabinets are in poor condition and require two coats of primer,” said Mike Mandwiller, senior manager at Benjamin Moore. I am.
Some people like to sand a second time after priming to smooth out any bumps or drips and make sure the surface is as flat as possible before painting. If you take this additional step, wipe off any remaining dust with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
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Start painting.
Use a foam roller to paint large, flat surfaces and a soft-bristled brush to cut in tight spots and corners. Apply thin coats of paint, as thicker paint on the surface will make the cabinet more susceptible to future chipping.
There's no rhyme or reason to the order you paint them, but many pros prefer to start with the door and then move on to the box. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding drying time. Allow the cabinet to dry for at least 24 hours in a well-ventilated area before applying the second coat.
Do not attempt to remove the cabinet box while painting. This can open a Pandora's box, especially if the cabinets have been there for a long time.
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Reinstall the door and hardware.
Allow everything to dry completely for a day or two, then reinstall the pulls and knobs.
