How do you paint old kitchen cabinets? Painting old kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to give your kitchen a major facelift without the high cost of replacement, and yes, you absolutely can do it yourself! This guide will walk you through every step needed for a professional-looking finish, ensuring your newly painted cabinets are both beautiful and tough enough for daily use.
Why Paint Your Old Kitchen Cabinets?
Replacing old kitchen cabinets is costly and messy. Painting them offers a budget-friendly alternative. It allows you to completely change the style and color of your kitchen. This is a key method for updating kitchen cabinets on a budget. You get a fresh look quickly.
Deciphering Cabinet Painting Preparation: The Most Important Step
Many people rush this part. They think cabinet painting preparation is boring. It is not boring; it is vital. Poor prep leads to peeling paint. Great prep leads to lasting beauty. Think of this as laying a strong foundation for a house.
Assessing Your Current Cabinets
First, check what your cabinets are made of. Are they wood? Are they laminate? The material changes how you must prep.
- Solid Wood: Generally the easiest to paint. They take primer and paint well.
- Wood Veneer: These are thin layers of wood over a core. Be gentle when sanding.
- Laminate/Thermofoil: These are tricky. Standard paint often won’t stick. You need special steps for how to paint laminate cabinets.
Deep Cleaning: Removing Years of Grime
Kitchen grease builds up over time. This grease prevents paint from sticking. You must remove every bit of it.
Use a strong degreaser. A 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar works well. Some professionals use TSP (Trisodium Phosphate), but wear gloves and protect your eyes if you use it.
Scrub every surface. Pay close attention to the areas around handles and under the sink. Rinse the cabinets well with clean water. Let them dry completely.
Repairing Damage
Look for chips, dents, or cracks. Fix these now. Do not wait.
Use wood filler for wood cabinets. For laminate, use a two-part epoxy filler made for slick surfaces. Sand the repairs smooth once they dry. The surface must be flawless before painting.
The Great Debate: Sanding vs. Deglossing
The traditional advice is to sand everything. Sanding creates ‘tooth’ for the paint to grip. However, refinishing cabinets without sanding is possible today, thanks to modern primers.
Traditional Sanding Method
If your cabinets have a very glossy or damaged finish, sanding is wise. Use fine-grit sandpaper (150 to 220 grit). You do not need to remove all the old finish. You just need to dull the shine completely. This process creates fine scratches that the primer can grab onto.
The No-Sand Alternative: Bonding Primer
If you want to save time and effort, use a high-quality bonding primer. These primers are designed to stick to slick surfaces like glass, tile, or glossy cabinets.
Look for primers labeled as “Adhesion Primer” or “Bonding Primer.” These products are game-changers for updating kitchen cabinets on a budget quickly.
Taping and Protecting Your Kitchen
Protect what you are not painting. This means your countertops, backsplash, and floors.
- Remove all doors and drawers from the cabinet boxes.
- Take off all hardware (knobs and pulls). Keep screws organized.
- Use good quality painter’s tape. Cover all edges, hinges if they stay on, and surrounding wall areas. Tape is cheap insurance against drips.
Selecting the Right Paint for Lasting Results
Choosing the best paint for kitchen cabinets is crucial for durability. Kitchens are high-traffic areas. Paint must handle moisture, grease, and scrubbing.
Paint Types for Cabinets
| Paint Type | Durability | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-Based Alkyd (Urethane Modified) | Excellent | High traffic, most modern projects | Dries hard, low odor. The top choice for most DIYers. |
| 100% Acrylic Latex | Very Good | Wood cabinets that might expand/contract | Flexible, easy cleanup, good adhesion. |
| Oil-Based (Alkyd) | Best Durability | Cabinets needing maximum toughness | High fumes, long drying time, yellowing risk. |
| Chalk Paint | Moderate | Cabinets requiring a rustic or matte look | Needs a strong top coat (wax or poly) for kitchen use. |
For the longest-lasting results, you need a durable paint for kitchen cabinets. Water-based alkyd paints often provide the best balance of ease of use and toughness.
The Role of Sheen
The shinier the paint, the easier it is to clean.
- Flat/Matte: Hides imperfections well. Hardest to clean. Not ideal for kitchens.
- Eggshell: A bit more wipeable. Still shows some dirt.
- Satin: A great middle ground. Offers good sheen and decent cleanability.
- Semi-Gloss/High-Gloss: The easiest to wipe down. Shows every brush mark and surface flaw. A high-gloss cabinet finish looks modern but demands perfect prep work.
Should You Use Chalk Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
Chalk paint kitchen cabinets is a popular trend. Chalk paint dries very matte and adheres well, even without much sanding. However, chalk paint is soft. Kitchens need hard, washable surfaces. If you use chalk paint, you must seal it with at least two coats of a durable polyurethane topcoat or specialized wax sealant. Without sealing, your cabinets will scuff easily.
Application: Priming and Painting Techniques
Now for the fun part: applying the color! Technique matters more than the brand name here.
Priming: The Adhesion Layer
Primer seals the surface and helps the topcoat stick. Never skip primer, especially on old or laminate surfaces.
If you are refinishing cabinets without sanding, your bonding primer needs time to cure fully. Read the can instructions closely. Sometimes this means waiting 24 hours before painting.
Apply primer thinly. Use a high-quality synthetic brush for edges and corners. For large, flat areas, use a small foam roller or a microfiber roller cover designed for smooth surfaces.
Painting the Doors and Drawer Fronts
It is best to paint the doors horizontally (lying flat). This allows the paint to self-level, which reduces brush strokes.
The General Rule: Work Top to Bottom
- Edges First: Use a high-quality angled brush (often 1.5 or 2 inches wide). Paint the edges and details along the frame.
- Fill In: Use your roller for the flat central panels. Roll in a ‘W’ or ‘M’ pattern. After making the pattern, lightly roll over the area in smooth, long, straight strokes to even out the paint. Do not press too hard with the roller.
Painting the Cabinet Boxes
Paint the boxes next. Use the same top-to-bottom order. Paint the inside shelves first if they are staying the same color. Be mindful of drips inside corners.
Layers and Drying Times
Two thin coats of primer and two thin coats of topcoat usually look best. Thick coats lead to drips and sagging.
Check the paint can for recoat times. Rushing between coats is a common cabinet painting mistakes. If the previous coat is not dry enough, you can lift the fresh paint when you apply the next layer.
Achieving a High-Gloss Cabinet Finish
If you want that modern, slick look, you need patience and the right tools.
- Use a premium enamel paint designed for high sheen.
- Apply primer and first color coat thinly. Allow full drying time.
- For the second color coat, consider thinning the paint slightly with the recommended thinner (water or mineral spirits, depending on the paint type). This helps the paint flow out better.
- Use a high-density foam roller specifically for gloss finishes. Some pros spray for a truly flawless look, but careful rolling can get close.
Specialized Situations and Challenges
Different materials require different plans to succeed.
How to Paint Laminate Cabinets
How to paint laminate cabinets successfully depends entirely on proper adhesion. Laminate (often thermofoil) is slick plastic. Paint will peel right off if you skip these steps:
- Degrease Thoroughly: Use a powerful degreaser.
- Scuff Sand Lightly: Use 220-grit sandpaper just to break the gloss. You are not trying to remove the laminate.
- Use a Specialty Bonding Primer: This is non-negotiable. Use a high-adhesion primer like Zinsser BIN or a similar product meant for plastics or glossy surfaces.
- Use a Durable Topcoat: Choose a high-quality water-based urethane enamel for the topcoats.
Do not use chalk paint kitchen cabinets directly on laminate without an industrial-grade bonding agent first. The result will be disappointment.
Exploring Cabinet Glaze Techniques
Glazing is an optional step often used to add depth or an antique look. A glaze is a thin, tinted topcoat applied after the main color coat is fully cured.
Cabinet glaze techniques are simple:
- Apply the glaze over the dried topcoat using a brush or rag.
- Wipe off the excess quickly using a clean, lint-free rag. You want the glaze to settle into crevices, corners, and around details, mimicking natural aging or shadow.
- Use a dry brush to soften hard edges where you wiped away the glaze.
- Seal the entire piece with a clear topcoat once the glaze is set.
Glazing works best on detailed shaker or raised-panel doors. It adds character but is less common with sleek, modern paint jobs aiming for a high-gloss cabinet finish.
Troubleshooting Common Cabinet Painting Mistakes
Even with careful planning, things can go wrong. Knowing what causes common issues helps you fix them or avoid them next time.
Common Cabinet Painting Mistakes
- Not Cleaning Enough: Grease residue causes “fisheyes” (small craters) in the wet paint.
- Painting Too Thick: This leads to drips, runs, and uneven texture. Thin coats look better and dry faster.
- Skipping Primer: The paint doesn’t stick well, leading to chipping, especially on edges.
- Using the Wrong Roller: Using a roller meant for textured walls leaves an orange-peel texture on smooth cabinet doors. Stick to 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch microfiber or smooth foam rollers.
- Not Allowing Cure Time: If you put the doors back up too soon, they might stick together (doors fusing) or scratch easily when you reinstall hardware.
Fixing Brush Strokes and Orange Peel
If you notice texture after the paint has dried:
- If it is very slight, you might be able to lightly sand (using 320-grit) the dried coat and apply a very thin final coat.
- If the texture is bad (orange peel), you must sand the entire surface down to the primer layer and repaint. This is why thin coats are so important!
Curing vs. Drying: The Waiting Game
Paint dries when it is safe to touch. Paint cures when it reaches its full hardness and durability.
Drying time might be a few hours. Curing time can be 14 to 30 days, depending on the paint type. During the curing phase, be gentle. Avoid scrubbing hard or slamming drawers shut. This is especially true when using chalk paint kitchen cabinets that require a sealant cure.
Reassembly and Finishing Touches
Once all coats are fully cured, it is time to put the kitchen back together.
Hardware Installation
Wait until the final coat is fully cured (usually 48-72 hours minimum) before installing hardware. If you try to drill or screw handles into a slightly soft finish, you will cause the paint around the screw holes to tear or chip.
Consider updating kitchen cabinets on a budget by upgrading the hardware. New knobs and pulls make a huge visual difference and look like brand-new cabinetry.
Painting Hardware (Optional)
If you choose to paint your existing knobs and pulls instead of replacing them:
- Remove all hardware.
- Clean them thoroughly with mineral spirits or degreaser.
- Use a spray primer designed for metal or bonding primer.
- Use a durable paint for kitchen cabinets in spray form (like an oil-rubbed bronze spray or high-gloss enamel). Spray multiple light coats rather than one heavy coat.
Cost Analysis: Painting vs. Replacing
Painting is almost always the cheaper option. Here is a general comparison for a medium-sized kitchen (20-25 doors/drawer fronts):
| Item | Estimated Cost Range (DIY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paint & Primer (High Quality) | \$150 – \$300 | Depends on sheen and paint line. |
| Brushes, Rollers, Trays | \$40 – \$75 | Good tools are essential. |
| Sandpaper, Fillers, Tape | \$30 – \$50 | Consumables. |
| New Hardware (Optional Upgrade) | \$100 – \$400+ | Huge impact on final look. |
| Total Painting Cost | \$220 – \$825+ | |
| Replacement Cabinet Boxes | \$5,000 – \$15,000+ | Professional installation adds to this. |
Painting clearly offers massive savings, making it the top choice for updating kitchen cabinets on a budget.
Final Considerations for Long-Term Success
To keep your newly painted cabinets looking great for years:
- Clean spills immediately. Do not let grease sit.
- Use mild, non-abrasive cleaners. Harsh chemicals can break down the paint finish over time, even if you used a durable paint for kitchen cabinets. Avoid anything highly acidic or abrasive.
- If you opted for chalk paint kitchen cabinets, be extra careful with cleaning tools. Stick to soft cloths and gentle cleaners.
By respecting the preparation stage and choosing the right materials, you can achieve a professional, long-lasting finish on your old kitchen cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I paint over varnished wood without sanding at all?
A: While refinishing cabinets without sanding is achievable with modern bonding primers, heavily varnished or glossy surfaces still require some level of abrasion to ensure the best grip. At minimum, you should “scuff sand” the varnish lightly with 220-grit paper to dull the shine completely, even if you use a bonding primer.
Q: How long do I have to wait before I can use my kitchen cabinets after painting?
A: You can usually handle the doors carefully after 24 hours, but they need much longer to cure fully. Wait at least 3 to 7 days before heavy use, cleaning, or slamming drawers. If you used a high-quality, durable paint for kitchen cabinets, the full hardness (cure) is often reached in 2 to 4 weeks.
Q: Is spraying the best way to get a high-gloss cabinet finish?
A: Yes, spraying is generally the best method for a flawless, factory-like high-gloss cabinet finish because it applies the thinnest, most even layer. However, good results are possible with high-density foam rollers if you apply multiple thin coats and allow ample drying time between them.
Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when how to paint laminate cabinets?
A: The biggest mistake is using standard wall or furniture paint without a dedicated bonding primer. Laminate is slick plastic, and without the right adhesion layer, the paint will peel off like a sticker within months.
Q: Can I paint my cabinet hardware?
A: Yes, painting hardware is a great budget hack. Use a quality metal/bonding spray primer first, followed by two light coats of spray enamel paint. This is a key part of updating kitchen cabinets on a budget.