Table of Contents
How to Paint Kitchen Cupboards
A Step by Step Guide on How to Paint Kitchen Cupboards
A true statement for most of us and a popular quote that we have all heard before “The kitchen is the heart of every home”. We’re increasingly using the kitchen not only to cook but also to eat, entertain, and spend time with loved ones.
It is fair to say that much time is spent in the kitchen and as a result, it can become easy to get a little bored and tired of your decorating schemes. And inevitably, your kitchen will begin to demonstrate some signs of wear and tear as the years pass by.
1. Popular Questions about Painting Kitchen Cupboards:
Can you paint kitchen cupboards?
You can paint kitchen cupboards in a couple of ways; by hand painting kitchen cupboards or spray painting kitchen doors
Can I paint kitchen cabinets?
You can paint kitchen cabinets by hand or choose to respray kitchen doors. There are many types of paints available and an array of colours to choose from when painting kitchen cabinets and cupboards.
What paint to use on kitchen cupboards?
Specialist kitchen cupboard paints should be used on kitchen cupboards. We recommend satin, semi-gloss or gloss paints as the best paint for kitchen cabinets. They’re easier to wipe down, more resistant to grease and cooking fumes, and less prone to chipping or scratching than matt kitchen cupboards.
2. A Simple Way To Transform Your Kitchen
Having your kitchen changed or refitted can be costly and time-consuming. However, if your cupboards are in good condition and are happy with the layout, a refit is unnecessary. Kitchen unit painting is a great way to transform your kitchen, creating a brand new look.
3. Kitchen Unit Painting
It’s easy to transform your kitchen and kitchen cupboard doors without spending enormous amounts of money. It is incredible what a few coats of kitchen cupboard paint can do, and you will also have the freedom to choose from hundreds of colours and a range of finishes. Kitchen unit painting also allows multiple colours to create truly bespoke kitchen designs.
You will be surprised at how great painted kitchen units can look. By following our simple steps, you will find that painting and elevating your kitchen is not as hard as it may initially seem. Our How to Paint Kitchen Cupboards Guide below will give you tips and tricks and also detail mistakes to avoid.
4. Repainting Kitchen Cupboards
Repainting kitchen cupboards can be a daunting experience. Still, the secret to every successful endeavour is ensuring that you are prepared beforehand. By making sure that you have all of the equipment in this checklist, you can be confident that the kitchen cupboard painting process will go as smoothly as possible.
4.1 - Equipment List | Tools & Materials
Vacuum with
Brush Head
Paint
Roller
2.5 inch
Paintbrush
Corner/Small
Brush
Masking
Tape
Soapy Solution
Detergent
Sponge
Sandpaper
Dust
Sheets
Face
Mask
Screwdriver
Drill
Optional
Step
Ladder
Primer
Paint
Vacuum with
Brush Head
Paint Roller
2.5 inch
Paintbrush
Corner/Small
Paintbrush
Masking
Tape
Soapy
Solution
Detergent
Sponge
Step
Ladder
Face Mask
Dust
Sheets
Sandpaper
Screwdriver
Drill
Optional
Primer
Paint
Vacuum with
Brush Head
Paint Roller
2.5 inch
Paintbrush
Corner/Small
Brush
Masking
Tape
Sponge
Soapy
Solution
Detergent
Sandpaper
Dust
Sheets
Face
Mask
Screwdriver
Drill
Optional
Step
Ladder
Primer
Paint
4.2 - Planning Ahead
Typically, kitchen cabinets are made from hardwood, plywood, particleboard, and fibreboard materials. Therefore, you must select a primer and paint specifically formulated for this purpose; otherwise, the paint won’t adhere to the surface properly, and the finish won’t meet your expectations.
Speaking of finishes, you should also consider what look you are going for, because that will also decide the paint and finish you choose. Many people opt for satin, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes for kitchens because these are pretty easy to wipe down and clean. Matte and eggshell finishes are less common, primarily because they’re not as durable. Whilst they can look very chic, they will require much more maintenance.
We manufacture paints; you can purchase the best paint for kitchen cabinets and any colour and finish you require.
Once everything has been arranged, you can immediately start working on your kitchen!
TOP TIP
This project will take time, do not stir any process or cut corners as all your efforts will be wasted when the final coat has dried.
REMEMBER
To achieve a good finish, you must ensure you carry out each step to the best of your ability.
5. Step-by-Step Process | How-To Paint Kitchen Cupboards
STEP 1
Removing Furniture and Hardware
It is always advised to remove whatever kitchen furniture you can in terms of the cabinet doors and drawer fronts you intend to paint. The reason for this is because it is much easier to paint them in this way, and you’ll lessen the risk of drips and blemishes.
If possible, using a screwdriver or drill, you should remove hardware such as handles and hinges. If it is not possible, cover them with masking tape and make sure that all metalwork is concealed.
Once you have done this, you can lay down dust sheets on the floor and on the counters to protect them from paint splashes.
STEP 2
Cleaning The Surfaces
Grease and dirt will accumulate in any kitchen, and this is why you should thoroughly clean the surfaces you are going to paint before you start.
Remove the contents from your cabinets and drawers, and then clean away any grime with the sugar soap solution and a sponge. If needed, you can use a strong detergent as well.
TOP TIP – wash your door with warm soapy water or wipe down with methylated spirits to remove any residue.
STEP 3
Sanding Your Kitchen Cupboards and Doors
The next step is to sand everything down. It is essential to do this thoroughly because sanding creates a rough surface or key for the paint to adhere to properly. It is especially crucial if your kitchen has laminate or veneer surfaces; otherwise, their smoothness will prevent adequate adhesion.
To protect yourself from the dust produced, make sure you wear a mask and goggles. When you have finished, wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any residue and then vacuum everything for good measure. The last thing you want is any dust particles ruining the finish.
TOP TIP 1 – Do not use rough sandpaper or rub too hard as you will end up with scratches that will show through the Paint.
TOP TIP 2 – Ensure that you pay particular attention to any edges or details on the door.
STEP 4
Priming The Cabinets
Apply the primer once everything has completely dried. For example, with wooden doors, you will need a wooden primer or undercoat. In contrast, you should use a multi-purpose or specialist primer instead of laminate ones. You can use either a roller or a paintbrush; you just have to ensure that the primer gets into every nook and cranny.
Then leave the primer to completely touch dry, the instructions on the kitchen cupboard paint tin will tell you how long the drying time is, usually a couple of hours.
If you have laminate or veneer doors, you should sand and clean them one more time so that there is even more texture for the paint to adhere to. With wooden doors, you can move straight onto the following step.
STEP 5
Applying The First Coat of Paint
To begin with, use a corner brush or smaller brush to apply paint to any corners, edges and difficult to reach areas. Then, you can use either a brush or a roller for the main surface. Brushes and rollers are beginner-friendly, whereas alternative options such as kitchen cabinet spraying are best left to the professionals.
Start in the top corner, then systematically work your way across the surface and then down for the even distribution and application of paint. It is also critical that you don’t apply too much paint as this will leave you with an uneven and clumpy finish.
TOP TIP – if you want to achieve professional-quality results, multiple thin coats are preferable to a single thick coat.
STEP 6
Applying The Second Coat of Paint
Wait for the first coat to completely dry, and then you can start with the second coat. Then, follow the technique you used for the first layer in Step 5.
The third coat of paint will depend on the colour you are painting over and the paint you are using. Then, when the second coat has dried, you can assess the finish and decide if needed.
STEP 7
Finishing Off
When you are happy with the finish, and the paint has cured, you can reattach the doors, handles, and hinges you removed in Step 1. You can purchase new handles for your new kitchen for a more incredible transformation!
7. Mistakes to Avoid when you Paint Kitchen Cupboards
Of course, knowing what you should do is always helpful. However, knowing what you shouldn’t do is an excellent way to achieve your desired results.
Kitchen cupboard painting doesn’t have to be complicated. However, below is a list of some common mistakes that should be avoided for the most desirable outcomes:
Inadequate preparation
Cleaning and sanding your cabinets and drawers can be tedious, but it is critical. First, everything has to be wiped down and then sanded; otherwise, your paint won’t adhere properly.
Unrealistic expectations
Renovating your kitchen can be an exciting prospect. However, remember that it is challenging to get a perfect finish when you hand paint kitchen cupboards. Wood, especially, has a grain that will always have some texture.
Not giving yourself time
Whilst the results are more than worthwhile, painting your kitchen doors isn’t a quick process. It is not something that can be completed in a single day. Instead, it will require at least five to seven days of cleaning, sanding, priming and then applying several coats of paint (and waiting for the paint to dry each time).
Leaving the furniture and hardware on
Leaving the doors and handles on isn’t going to save you any time; in fact, it will waste time. You have to manoeuvre your brush or roller around everything, and you will also end up having to wash the hardware when the paint on the hinges begins to crack after a few weeks.
Putting the furniture and hardware back too quickly
Once everything has been painted, you have to wait for it to dry. If you attempt to reassemble the doors and handles too soon, you could end up smudging or denting the paint. The only solution to this would be to sand, clean and paint it all over again, which can easily be avoided as long as you wait long enough.
Choosing the wrong colour or paint
Doing research beforehand is essential because the wrong choice might mean that you have to redo everything. With the wrong paint, you risk an uneven and patchy finish or the paint not even lasting for half as long as it is meant to. On the other hand, if you choose the wrong colour, the results might not match your expectations, leading to disappointment.
8. You are Ready to Paint Kitchen Cupboards
With these recommendations in mind, you are in the perfect position to begin painting your kitchen cupboards. We have outlined what you should definitely do and what you absolutely shouldn’t do so that you can embark on this project with confidence and assurance.
9. Professional Kitchen Cupboard Painters
As professional kitchen cupboard painters, we are experts in transforming kitchen cupboards. We can provide you with expert knowledge, trending colour schemes, and respray kitchen doors within a few days.
Spraying paint onto a surface will ensure a perfect and smooth finish, and we offer a ten-year guarantee on all paintwork. If you decide to enlist in our professional service, call us or fill out the quick form for a free no-obligation quote. You will save thousands and have a new kitchen in a few days.
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