Choose the Right Paint
- Purchase the appropriate supplies for your type of cabinets: solid wood, laminate or metal.
- Check the paint label on the can for specific instructions.
- Wood cabinets are ideal for painting, but any surface that can be scuffed with sandpaper can be painted.
- Laminate cabinets require a special bonding primer. ...
- Choose a high-quality paint. ...
Can you paint kitchen cabinets that are not real wood?
Non-wood cabinets are generally cheaper than real wood cabinets and will serve the function just as well. Just because the cabinet is not real wood does not mean you can't paint it if you want to remodel. Painting a surface is always possible if you use the right paint and paint primer.
How do I get paint off of my wood cabinets?
To use sandpaper or a power sander to remove paint:
- Thoroughly clean the painted surface with degreasing cleaner, dish soap or household cleaner and allow to dry.
- If necessary, remove any knobs, hinges or other hardware from the wood being sanded.
- Start with coarse 80-grit sandpaper in a manual hand sander or power sander.
Should I paint my custom, solid wood kitchen cabinets?
You CAN paint wood cabinets, and if you do, they’ll STILL be solid wood – they’ll just look better. Now, let’s jog back to that ORIGINAL question, ‘what condition are your cabinets in?’ If your cabinets need some TLC, consider the cost/labour of doing this vs painting.
Should you paint walls before installing cabinets?
if you're installing new cabinets, most professional house painters would prefer to do their work after the cabinets are installed. Cabinets Come First, It is best to paint the kitchen cabinets before you paint the walls.
What kind of paint do you use on wood cabinets?
There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.
Is painting wood kitchen cabinets a good idea?
If you need to make an economical choice, painting is the way to go. Even if you are not forced into making the most economical decision, painting is still an attractive option because it gives you more money to spend elsewhere. New cabinets plus installation can cost almost half of your kitchen renovation budget.
How do you paint over solid wood cabinets?
Steps for Painting CabinetsPrep the room. ... Remove the doors, drawers, and shelves. ... Clean all the surfaces. ... Prep the boxes. ... Prime the cabinet boxes. ... Sand, caulk, and fill. ... Paint the cabinet boxes. ... Prep, prime, and paint the doors, drawers, and shelves.More items...
Do you have to sand wood cabinets before painting?
You don't always have to sand, but you should make sure that your cabinet surfaces are very clean. You wouldn't want to go through all the trouble of painting only to have it flaking off months later! Clean all surfaces with a good grease-cutting soap, like dish soap and water.
How long will painted cabinets last?
8-10 yearsAlthough professionally painted cabinets should last 8-10 years there are a few factors that can drastically impact your cabinet's lifetime, requiring repainting only 3-4 years later. How long your kitchen cabinets will last depends largely on the way the paint was applied, and with what tools.
Is it cheaper to paint or replace kitchen cabinets?
Price out replacing your kitchen cabinets and painting will look better and better. The cost to paint a kitchen is typically 1/3 to ½ the cost of replacing. The paints applied to cabinets are also very durable and will last just as long as new cabinets in most cases.
What type of paint is best for kitchen cabinets?
While oil-based paints make a case for themselves with their reputation for easy application and a long-lasting finish that can be scrubbed and cleaned regularly, latex paint is widely regarded as the best choice for most kitchen cabinets, since it offers lower levels of VOCs and is quicker to dry.
How do you keep paint from peeling off cabinets?
Look for products labeled "peel bonding primer" or "peel stop." As long as the current coat of paint isn't chipping or peeling, you can apply these primers directly over top of the existing paint after a thorough cleaning.
What paint is best for kitchen cabinets?
What type of paint is best for cabinets?Best Overall Waterborne Alkyd Cabinet Paint: Benjamin Moore Advance.Best Value Waterborne Alkyd Cabinet Paint: Behr Urethane Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel.Best Overall Latex Cabinet Paint: Sherwin-Williams Infinity.Best Value Latex Cabinet Paint: Behr Premium Plus.More items...•
Can you paint cabinets without removing doors?
You don't have to remove the cabinet doors to repaint them, so leave them on their hinges if you're not going to replace them. However, it is easier to paint the cabinet's façade with the doors off. You can paint the hinges to match the cabinets or mask them with painter's tape to keep them as they are.
Can you just paint over cabinets?
Wood cabinets are ideal for painting, but any surface that can be scuffed with sandpaper can be painted. Laminate cabinets require a special bonding primer. The laminate must be in good condition for best results. Choose a high-quality paint.
Do you paint both sides of kitchen cabinet doors?
Doors typically require a good amount of time, because you need to paint both sides and let them fully dry in between coats. You can begin with the back side of your cabinet doors. Apply one coat, wait 24 hours and then move on to your second coat of paint.
Should I have my kitchen cabinets painted?
If you find yourself thinking, “Should I paint my kitchen cabinets?” the answer depends on your experience level as well as the state of your cabinets. Beginner to intermediate DIYers should leave this job to the pros, especially if the condition of the cabinets calls for more prep work beforehand.
Does painting kitchen cabinets add value?
On average, this trend alone can boost a home's value by $1,547. By painting your kitchen cabinets and then pairing them with some new hardware that dollar amount can increase significantly.
Do painted kitchen cabinets chip?
It's actually a common problem to have painted cabinets chip and peel, and that means people have already developed solutions to give paint a long-lasting finish. If your kitchen cabinets are peeling or the paint scratches off with a fingernail, you just need to do some touch-ups with the right products and procedures.
Are painted cabinets hard to keep clean?
Because most cabinets are painted with a high-gloss or semi-gloss paint, they will be more durable (and easier to wipe clean) than, say, a matte finish wall paint, but you do want to take care not to use anything so harsh that you end up striping the paint or damaging the finish.
Choose the Right Paint
Purchase the appropriate supplies for your type of cabinets: solid wood, laminate or metal.
Prepare to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Painting cabinets will take several days to complete, so plan accordingly. Always wear the appropriate safety gear and open the windows for ventilation. Also, for best results you should remove the doors and drawers and work on them in an area that’s out of the way, like a garage or basement. Make sure you’ll have proper ventilation there too.
Prime Kitchen Cabinets
Applying primer is an important step in the painting process. Primer provides a suitable surface for the paint to stick to and it covers imperfections.
Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Paint can be applied with a brush and roller (DIY-friendly) or a sprayer (advanced). If you'd like to use a paint sprayer, watch this video for tips on getting the perfect finish.
Refinish Cabinet Hardware
If you’re using your old hardware, you can clean it or refinish it with spray paint for a new look. If your hardware simply needs cleaning, see Refinishing and Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets for instructions. If you want to replace your hardware instead, see our Cabinet Hardware Buying Guide for options.
Finish: Reassemble Kitchen Cabinets
Now that your cabinets are painted, consider adding shelf liners. Some liners are decorative and stick to the surface. Others are padded to help protect the surface.
See How Your Neighbor Did It
Don't just take our word for it. Hilary of Embellishments, took on this project in her bathroom and the results are impressive. She'll walk you through her real-life process of painting cabinets.
What does it mean to paint wood cabinets?
Painting wood kitchen cabinets usually means painting surfaces that are visible when the cabinet doors and drawers are closed, though some backs do get painted.
How to protect yourself when painting wood cabinets?
Protect yourself when cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting your wood kitchen cabinets by wearing breathing protection. Particulate masks are sufficient for sanding. If you decide to use oil-based paint instead of the recommended water-based paint, protect yourself against VOCs (volatile organic compounds) with a respirator mask.
What is the difference between priming and painting?
This allows you to paint edges without worrying about them sticking to the cloth when the paint dries. Whether you are priming or painting, the procedure is the same. The only difference is that you want to work the primer into the wood a bit. When painting, you'll focus on longer, more even brush strokes.
How long does it take for paint to dry on a house?
Apply a coat of paint to all the primed surfaces, finishing up with top-to-bottom strokes along the grain. When the paint dries, usually in about four hours , lightly sand the first coat of paint, wipe clean with a tack cloth, then apply a second, final coat of paint.
Where to paint cabinet doors?
Identify and prepare a work area outside of the kitchen where you can paint the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Ideally, this would be a garage so that the large door can be open for ventilation, along with a heating source if you are painting in cooler seasons. Or you may choose a basement or an unused room of your house, as long as either can be ventilated to the exterior.
Can you paint cabinets with clear wood?
Painting cabinets that have a clear wood finish can be a little trickier since it's critical that the glossy surfaces be thoroughly roughened (et ched) in order to ensure that primer and paint adhere well.
Can you paint cabinets with oil based paint?
When painting your kitchen cabinets, you can choose either water-based latex paint or oil-based paint. For years, oil-based paint was the logical choice for kitchen cabinets since it sticks well and forms a hard surface, but latex paints have evolved to the point where they work equally well for cabinets. With many communities banning oil-based paints except in small quantities, latex paint might be your only choice.
What Will It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
Let’s put it into perspective by analyzing the cost of painting cabinets vs. the cost of purchasing new ones.
How much does it cost to paint a kitchen?
Depending on your kitchen cabinet layout and paint quality, painting professionals may charge between $1,200 and $7,000 to repaint a full kitchen. Ordinarily, the standard painting fee per linear foot of cabinetry is within $30 - $60. In other words, the bigger your kitchen, the higher the cost for repainting.
How to turn traditional cabinets into modern cabinets?
The best and cheapest way to turn traditional style cabinets into modern cabinets is to paint them a modern color and replace original hardware with a modern pull. Colors that will freshen and modernize traditional style cabinets are whites, beige tones, and greys.
How much does it cost to replace cabinet doors?
In this case, the national average can rise to the range of $2,000 to $8,000.
Is it cheaper to replace kitchen cabinets than paint?
Replacing your kitchen cabinets might cost more than the cost to paint kitchen cabinets initially, but it provides more long-lasting results and is often backed by a warranty.
Is it better to paint cabinets or invest in new cabinets?
In essence, investing in a new set of cabinets offers more advantages than cabinet painting, with few downsides.
Do new cabinets last forever?
New cabinets will last a lifetime, unlike painted cabinets which will require future touch-ups. Plus, purchasing a new set of cabinets allows you to rearrange your kitchen layout if you’d like. With our free 3D design tool, the options for your kitchen design are endless!
How long does it take for paint to dry on cabinets?
At minimum, let the cabinets dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours —however, two or three days is even better.
How to paint a cabinet door faster?
Time-saving tip: Painting cabinet doors (and similar large areas) may go faster if you use a foam or microfiber paint roller instead of a brush. Like with primer, let your first coat of paint dry completely before moving on.
How to protect countertops when painting?
Make sure to tape a drop cloth or another protector over the countertops and the surrounding work area while painting.
Can you use primer on laminate cabinets?
If you’re painting laminate cabinets, our Fresh Start ® High-Hiding All Purpose Primer (046) is the choice of professionals. Do not use lacquer-based primers, as they can impede how ADVANCE adheres to the surface of the cabinets.
What Color Is Best For Kitchen Cabinets?
When choosing a color for kitchen cabinets, there is no right or wrong color. Be patient, don’t rush, and think about what would best fit into the rest of the interior in your kitchen and your home.
What are the disadvantages of oil based paint?
Chemicals such as turpentine, are used for cleaning brushes, rollers, and other tools, which are harmful to the environment and must be properly disposed of and recycled. These colors also turn yellow and crack with time.
Is Painting Cabinets a Bad Idea?
Painting kitchen cabinets is not a bad idea at all. But it is not an easy task.
Is latex paint better than oil paint?
On the other hand, one of the biggest advantages of latex paint is its easy cleaning. Brushes and paint rollers can only be cleaned with warm water and mild soap. Latex paints also do not turn yellow with time, dry much faster, and are better for the environment than oil-based paints.
Is latex paint bad for wood?
Latex paint also has serious disadvantages. Wooden surfaces must be prepared more carefully when using latex paints. The surface must be perfectly clean for the paint to stick properly. Latex paint is sensitive to temperature and stains also penetrate the paint more easily which needs frequent repairs.
Is it better to paint the walls of a kitchen white or gray?
Some colors are better than others. You simply can’t go wrong with white, but if you also paint the walls of your kitchen, consider what other shades could suit well, making you satisfied and happy. Your whole kitchen doesn’t have to be painted of the same color, so why don’t you, for example, combine shades like dark gray and white or maybe blue and white.
Can you choose between latex paint and oil based paint?
This is the first question homeowners will ask when it comes to the time of the renovation of the kitchen cabinets. They cannot decide between latex paint and oil-based paint. In fact, both types have their advantages and disadvantages.
How long does it take to paint cabinets?
Depending on the kitchen’s size and number of cabinets, it could take a DIYer weeks to complete a project of this scale. The kitchen’s layout may mean that you need to remove the cabinet doors. You’ll want to invest in special gear like a paint sprayer; small mistakes and brush strokes may not be evident on a large wall, but they can be glaringly apparent on cabinets. You’ll also need more patience: It’s essential to let the paint completely cure before putting drawers and cabinets back in place, or you risk ruining all your hard work.
Can you take on a kitchen project yourself?
If you try to take on this project yourself, you could end up investing money in a process that has to be salvaged by a professional, which will cost more in the long run. Professionals will ensure that the kitchen is appropriately prepped to keep all of your appliances and flooring safe.
Is wood more porous than paint?
Wood is more porous and will absorb some of the cabinet paint. On the other hand, the paint will have a harder time sticking to something nonporous like laminate. Plus, your specific cabinets may need certain cleaning materials or repairs to prep them for color. These materials will only add to the project’s bottom line.
Is it necessary to paint cabinets?
Painting cabinets is time-consuming and requires special gear. Painting a wall usually requires minimal materials and experience—just some prep work, patience, and arm strength. When it comes to painting kitchen cabinets, you may not think there’s anything you need to learn. While it may seem more manageable because individual cabinets are smaller ...
Can you paint cabinets?
Depending on the cabinets’ age, they could have been subjected to serious wear and tear over time from constant use and accumulated layers of grease and grime. Before making any aesthetic decisions, take a close look at your cabinets to see whether paint can improve their appearance or if they will need to be replaced altogether. Multiple areas of damage might indicate that you’re better off replacing the cabinets, but consult a professional to see if repair is possible before heading off to the kitchen showroom. While paint can freshen up a kitchen’s appearance, it won’t do anything to enhance the cabinets structurally—you may just be delaying the inevitable.
