Yes, you absolutely can paint kitchen cabinets! Painting your kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to update your kitchen’s look without the huge cost of replacing them entirely. Many homeowners choose to DIY cabinet painting to save money and gain a custom look. This guide will walk you through every step needed to successfully refinish kitchen cabinets yourself.
Why Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Painting cabinets offers major benefits over other kitchen upgrades. It’s cost-effective. It revives old, dated wood. It lets you completely change your kitchen’s feel.
If you are weighing your options, remember that cabinet resurfacing vs painting often favors painting for budget-conscious renovators. Resurfacing might involve adding new doors or veneers, which can sometimes be pricier than a good paint job.
Planning Your Cabinet Painting Project
Good planning prevents big mistakes. Spend time here before you pick up a paintbrush.
Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Colors
This is one of the most fun parts! Choosing kitchen cabinet colors sets the tone for your whole room. Think about the light in your kitchen. Consider the color of your countertops and backsplash.
- Light Colors (Whites, Creams): Make small kitchens feel bigger and brighter. They look clean.
- Dark Colors (Navy, Charcoal): Add drama and sophistication. They hide small smudges well.
- Neutrals (Grays, Taupes): Offer a timeless look that pairs well with many styles.
Talk to friends or look online for cabinet painting ideas. A bold color on the island and a neutral color on the perimeter cabinets (a two-tone look) is a very popular choice today.
Selecting the Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
The paint choice is crucial for durability. Kitchens get grease, steam, and lots of touching. You need a tough finish. What is the best paint for kitchen cabinets?
The best paint for kitchen cabinets is usually a high-quality paint made for cabinets and trim. Oil-based paints (alkyds) were the standard for toughness. However, they yellow over time and have strong fumes.
Today, premium water-based enamel paints or hybrid paints are often recommended. They are durable, clean up easily, and dry hard. Look for paints labeled “self-leveling” or “cabinet and trim paint.”
| Paint Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-Based Acrylic/Alkyd | Low odor, quick dry time, easy clean up. | Might need more careful prep than oil. | Most DIY jobs. |
| Oil-Based (Alkyd) | Very hard, durable finish. | Strong smell, slow dry, yellows over time. | Extreme durability needs. |
| Laminate/Melamine Paint | Sticks well to slick surfaces. | Requires very specific primers. | Older, laminate cabinets. |
The Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Cabinets
Follow these steps carefully. Success in painting cabinets relies 90% on good prep work.
Step 1: Empty and Prepare the Area
First, you need space. Take everything out of the cabinets. Remove shelves, racks, and hardware (knobs, pulls). Keep all screws and small parts in labeled bags. Tape a small label onto the back of each door so you know exactly where it goes back.
Set up a clean, well-ventilated workspace. A garage or a spare room works well. Lay down plastic sheeting or drop cloths everywhere. Painting cabinets is messy, even when spray painting kitchen cabinets.
Step 2: How to Prep Cabinets for Paint
This is the most important stage. Poor prep means paint failure. You must remove grease, dirt, and old finishes.
Cleaning
Wash every surface thoroughly. Use a strong degreaser, like TSP substitute or a mix of dish soap and water. Scrub well. Rinse with clean water and let the cabinets dry completely.
Minor Repairs
Fix any dents or scratches now. Use wood filler for holes or deep gouges. Let the filler dry. Sand the filled areas smooth.
Sanding
Sanding creates a surface the primer can grip. You are not trying to remove all the old finish. You just need to dull the surface.
- Start with 120-grit sandpaper.
- Finish with 180-grit or 220-grit sandpaper.
- If the old finish is glossy or slick (like laminate), you might need to use a liquid deglosser or a sanding block with 100-grit paper initially.
Wipe down all surfaces with a tack cloth or a rag lightly dampened with mineral spirits. This removes all sanding dust. Dust is the enemy of a smooth finish.
Protecting Areas You Don’t Want Painted
If you are not taking the cabinets down, you must protect the countertops, walls, and floors. Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting. Take your time taping clean, straight lines.
Step 3: Priming the Cabinets
Primer helps the topcoat stick. It also blocks stains from bleeding through. Use a high-adhesion primer designed for cabinets or slick surfaces.
- Use a good quality brush or roller for application.
- Apply one thin, even coat. Do not glob it on.
- Let the primer dry completely according to the can’s instructions.
- Once dry, lightly sand the primer coat with 220-grit sandpaper. This is called “scuff sanding.” Wipe off the dust.
Step 4: Painting the Base Coat
Now for the color! Whether you roll, brush, or spray, thin coats are always better than thick ones.
Brushing and Rolling:
If you are using a brush and roller (common for DIY cabinet painting), use a high-quality angled brush for edges and corners. Use a small foam or microfiber roller for the large, flat areas. Foam rollers tend to leave fewer roller marks than standard rollers. Work in small sections.
Spray Painting Kitchen Cabinets:
For the smoothest, most professional finish, spray painting kitchen cabinets is highly recommended. You will need an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) sprayer.
- Thin your paint slightly, as directed by the sprayer manual or paint can.
- Practice on a piece of cardboard first. Adjust your pressure and speed until you get a fine, even mist.
- Use steady, overlapping passes. Hold the sprayer a consistent distance from the surface (usually 6-8 inches).
- Apply 2-3 light coats, allowing proper dry time between each coat.
Step 5: Applying Subsequent Coats and Topcoat
Most cabinet jobs require two coats of the main color paint for full coverage. Apply the second coat just like the first. Let the second coat fully cure.
Some paints do not require a separate topcoat. If yours does, or if you want extra protection (especially with lighter colors), apply a clear protective topcoat. Polyurethane or a specialized clear coat designed for cabinets adds scratch resistance.
Step 6: Reassembly and Curing
Wait! This is the hardest part. The paint might feel dry to the touch in a few hours, but it needs time to fully “cure” or harden. Curing can take 1 to 4 weeks depending on the paint type. Until it cures, it is soft and easily scratched.
Handle doors very carefully during reassembly. Put the hardware back on. Reinstall the doors.
Achieving Different Types of Cabinet Finishes
Your paint choice and application method determine the final look. Knowing the types of cabinet finishes helps you choose the right tools.
| Finish Type | Description | Best Application Method | Look/Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Gloss | Very shiny, reflective. | Spraying is best for a smooth application. | Modern, sleek, but shows every flaw. |
| Satin/Eggshell | Low sheen, subtle glow. | Brushing, rolling, or spraying work well. | Popular, hides minor imperfections better. |
| Matte/Flat | No shine. Very modern. | Brushing or rolling. | Hides imperfections well, but harder to clean grease off. |
| Glazed Finish | A stain brushed over the paint to give an aged or antique look. | Brushing, wiping off excess before it dries. | Traditional, rustic, or distressed look. |
The Cost Factor: Professional vs. DIY
Can you paint cabinets yourself? Yes. But should you? It depends on your time, skill, and budget.
DIY Cabinet Painting Cost
If you choose to DIY cabinet painting, your main costs are materials:
- Paint and Primer: $150 – $400 (Depending on the size of the kitchen and paint quality).
- Supplies: Sandpaper, tape, brushes, rollers, plastic sheeting: $50 – $100.
- Rental Equipment (If spraying): $50 – $150 for a weekend.
Total Estimated DIY Cost: $250 – $650+
Professional Cabinet Painting Cost
Hiring a professional team is much faster and often yields a more flawless, factory-like finish, especially when spray painting kitchen cabinets in a dedicated booth.
The professional cabinet painting cost varies widely based on location, cabinet condition, and the finish chosen.
- Hourly Rate: Some painters charge hourly for prep work.
- Flat Rate: Most painters charge a flat fee per linear foot or per job.
National Average Professional Cost: $2,500 to $7,000+. High-end finishes or very complex wood types can push this higher.
When to Hire a Pro:
- You need a flawless, factory finish.
- You have very old, damaged cabinets that require extensive repair.
- You lack the time or space for the multi-day prep process.
Advanced Topics in Cabinet Refinishing
For those looking for the absolute best results, consider these advanced techniques.
Deciphering Wood Species and Existing Finishes
Different wood types accept paint differently. Oak, with its deep grain, shows texture even after painting. Maple or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) yield the smoothest results. If your cabinets are laminate or Thermofoil, you must use specialized primers designed to bond with plastic surfaces. Standard wood primers will fail.
Considering Cabinet Resurfacing vs Painting
We already touched on cabinet resurfacing vs painting. Resurfacing often means applying a new veneer or laminate over the existing doors.
- Resurfacing Pros: Can hide major structural damage or change the door style significantly (e.g., changing a raised panel to a flat slab door).
- Painting Pros: Keeps the original cabinet box structure intact, much cheaper, easier to touch up later.
For most kitchens where the door style is acceptable, painting is the superior, lower-cost route to refinish kitchen cabinets.
Making Sure Your Paint Job Lasts
Durability comes down to two things: the quality of your prep work and the quality of the materials used.
- Use the Right Primer: This bonds the paint to the wood. Do not skip it.
- Apply Thin Coats: Thick coats take forever to dry hard. They sag, wrinkle, and chip easily. Thin coats build durability layer by layer.
- Allow Full Curing Time: Be patient! Do not put heavy pots or sharp objects near the cabinets for at least two weeks. Gentle cleaning only during the first month.
Final Touches and Style Integration
Once the paint is hard, it’s time to finalize the look.
Hardware Selection
New hardware can completely change the perceived value and style of your newly painted cabinets. This is often where you can splurge a bit after saving money on the paint job itself. Matte black, brushed gold, or simple chrome knobs work with many cabinet painting ideas.
Backsplash and Lighting
Ensure your new cabinet color complements the backsplash. If you went with a bold color, perhaps choose a simpler, neutral tile. Good under-cabinet lighting will highlight your fresh paint job beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I paint over stained wood cabinets without stripping them completely?
A: Yes, but you must thoroughly clean, degrease, and sand the surface until it is dull. Then, you must use a high-quality stain-blocking primer. The primer creates the bridge between the old stain and the new paint.
Q: How long does it take to paint kitchen cabinets?
A: For a DIY project, expect 3 to 7 days. This accounts for drying time between coats of primer and paint, which often requires waiting 12–24 hours per coat. Professionals using spray booths can do this much faster, sometimes in 3 days, but they use high-heat curing methods.
Q: Should I paint the inside of the cabinets too?
A: This is a personal choice. Painting the inside adds significant time and material cost. If the inside wood is in good shape, many people leave it stained or just wipe it down. If you are painting the outside a very light color and the inside is dark, you might want to paint the inside to brighten the space.
Q: What grit sandpaper should I use for the final coat before the clear coat?
A: For the final scuff sand before your final coat of paint or clear coat, use very fine sandpaper, like 320-grit or 400-grit. This removes any tiny dust nibs without creating deep scratches that the clear coat will magnify.
Q: Are chalk paints suitable for kitchen cabinets?
A: While chalk paints are popular for furniture, they are generally not recommended for high-use areas like kitchens. They require heavy waxing for protection, and wax breaks down easily when exposed to kitchen grease and humidity. If you use chalk paint, you must seal it with a very durable topcoat.