Want to make a major impact in your kitchen? Consider learning how to paint kitchen cabinets. Though a pricy renovation may be out of the question, a fresh coat of paint can lighten, brighten, and give your space a completely new feel. And painting kitchen cabinets is a straightforward DIY makeover, albeit a time-consuming one, that most determined DIY-loving homeowners should feel confident taking on.
Another benefit: It’s relatively inexpensive (especially when you consider how much new cabinets cost), totally transformative, and is likely to make you feel incredibly proud of your DIY paint job. Since the kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, maintaining its aesthetic and creating a space that you and your family and friends want to gather in has the potential to offer a large return on investment. Here’s what you should consider before getting started:
Why should I consider painting my kitchen cabinets?
You’ve seen how a fresh coat of paint can do wonders to a room or an old bookshelf. Your kitchen cabinets are no different. Color trends change over time, and while the dark wood that you first fell in love with for your kitchen may still be in excellent condition, it may not evoke the light, bright space that you want to emulate from more contemporary designs you see daily in your Pinterest or Instagram feed. And when you consider that painting cabinets is a few hundreds of dollars, not the thousands that it would take to replace them, this project becomes an appealing fix for someone who isn’t ready to tackle a complete kitchen remodel.
Can I really paint kitchen cabinets myself?
Painting kitchen cabinets is not hard, but follow all the steps in the process to ensure the paint job will get satisfying results. This isn’t the time to take shortcuts. As with most projects, a buddy is helpful, but having one isn’t necessary. If you’re particularly motivated and savvy with a paint brush, this could even be a doable weekend DIY project—depending on the size of your kitchen and how quickly you work.
The more kitchen cabinets you have, of course, the more time-intensive the paint job will be. You’ll also need a significant amount of space to lay out your cabinet doors for sanding, priming, painting, and drying in between applying the first and second coat. More patience means a smoother finish too.
Can I just paint over my kitchen cabinets?
Don’t skip any steps with this makeover job. Painting over existing paint can make the new cabinet doors too thick, which can cause issues with closing and opening. And if you don’t clean the original cabinets, the oils can botch the new paint job. That mean’s you’ll need to remove all hardware, take cabinet doors off of their hinges, sand, prime, and then paint. Sound like a lot? Don’t worry, you’re likely to get into a groove and, since cabinet doors and drawers are usually flat, the process is easy once you are organized and get started.
Do you need to sand cabinets before painting?
Skipping this time-consuming step is a surefire way to lead to a messy finished product. Sanding helps fresh paint adhere to surfaces and will help prevent chipping down the line. It’s also better to sand twice (first to remove old paint, then to smooth out the wood). Get ready for an arm workout!
What kind of paint do you use on kitchen cabinets?
As with other areas in your home, the type of paint you choose matters. Many brands, including Benjamin Moore, Behr, and more, have special formulations made just for doors, cabinetry and trim, which are easy to apply and provide a bit of self-leveling, providing a nice, smooth finish. But any high-quality paint—latex paint or enamel-based paint—should work well and will be durable enough for the daily wear and tear as well as routine kitchen cleaning. Keep in mind that a gloss or semi-gloss is likely to stand up better to cleaning and scratches and will provide the most durable finish.
Is it better to roll on or brush on paint for kitchen cabinets?
You’ll likely want to use both. A brush is great for getting into any crevices, like the inside border on a classic Shaker door design. When it’s time to paint a larger area, grab a foam roller. It will help the paint go on more smoothly and is also likely to make the project go a bit faster.
How do I choose the right paint color?
If you go through all the work of painting your kitchen cabinets, you might as well pick a color you really love. Green—in all its shades and hues—has been on the rise in kitchens, so that’s a great place to start, whether you love a jewel or or an earth tone. White paint is a forever classic and likely goes with everything you already have in your kitchen (just be aware of the potential for showing stains and grime). Black is a bold and moody option for creating a sleek look in your kitchen.
Another good idea for picking a cabinet color: Take cues from the other elements in your kitchen. Take note of the pieces you already love (the hardware? fixed appliances?) to come up with a harmonious palette. Kitchen cabinets should also complement your countertops. What paint color would highlight your backsplash? What hue would stand out against the flooring? Most important, remember you can always change your mind and paint again.
How much space do I need for this project?
This project does take up a bit of space. You’ll need a large-enough area where you can lay cabinet doors flat to prevent drips while the paint dries between the first and second coat. The more doors you have, the more space you’ll need, unless you plan to work in batches. If you’re banking on borrowing sawhorses and using your front yard, great—just be sure to check the weather first. (Rainstorms and freshly painted cabinets don’t mix.) You might also run into debris flying onto your new paint job. If you’re doing the painting indoors (a garage or covered patio is ideal), invest in little plastic tripods. Don’t forget to get some fans going and open the windows for ventilation.
