Introduction
Refinishing your kitchen cabinets can give your space a whole new look without the high cost of installing brand new cabinets. With the right prep work, paint, tools and technique, you can transform dingy or dated cabinets into a stunning focal point.
The goal of this article is to walk you through the key steps of choosing the right paint for your cabinet refinishing project. We'll cover how to assess your existing cabinets, determine the best paint type and finish, select a color, properly prepare for painting, apply the paint and protect the finish. With some strategic planning and effort, you can revitalize your kitchen in a weekend. The end result will be a fresh, updated kitchen you'll be proud to show off.
Assess Your Cabinets
Before choosing paint, you'll need to assess the current condition of your cabinets. This will help determine the best type of paint and prep work required. Consider the following:
- Materials - Are your cabinets made of wood, laminate, metal, etc? Paint adhesion will vary based on the material.
- Condition - Check for any existing damage, stains, grease buildup or other issues. Damaged areas may need extra preparation and primer.
- Age - Older cabinets are more likely to have multiple layers of paint that will need to be removed. Newer cabinets may only need light sanding.
- Style - The style of your cabinets, such as shaker or traditional, can impact the prep work needed. For example, cleaning intricate grooves takes more effort.
- Hardware - Take note of all hardware, handles and hinges. You'll need to remove these prior to painting.
Thoroughly examining the current state of your cabinets allows you to identify potential problem areas and choose the right methods and products. Aim to get your cabinets into a blank, smooth canvas state before painting.
Choose Paint Type
When selecting a paint for cabinets, you'll need to decide between oil-based and water-based options. Here's an overview of the most common types of cabinet paint and their pros and cons:
Oil-Based Paints
Alkyd Paint
- Pros: Extremely durable finish, hardens to a glossy enamel, adheres well to slick surfaces like cabinets
- Cons: Strong odor, requires mineral spirits for cleanup, takes longer to dry
Traditional Oil-Based Enamel
- Pros: Very glossy, smooth finish, most durable option for cabinets, self-leveling
- Cons: Long dry time, yellows over time, strong fumes, requires paint thinner
Water-Based Paints
Acrylic Latex Paint
- Pros: Dries quickly, low odor, easy water clean-up, available in matte/satin/semi-gloss
- Cons: Less durable than enamels, needs primer for cabinets, prone to chipping over time
Water-Based Alkyd Paint
- Pros: Combines alkyd durability with water-based ease of use, low VOC, dries quickly
- Cons: Not as hard as traditional oil-based enamel, moderately expensive
Chalk Paint
- Pros: No prep needed, matte finish, can distress for antique look
- Cons: Soft finish prone to scuffing, needs protective topcoat for durability
When choosing paint for cabinets, consider durability, finish level, and ease of application based on your needs. Oil-based enamels offer the hardest finish, while acrylic latex provides an affordable water-cleanup option.
Select Finish
When choosing a finish for your cabinet paint, there are 4 main options:
Gloss
Gloss paint has a shiny, reflective surface. It provides good stain resistance and durability. Gloss paint is easy to clean as dirt and grime have a harder time sticking to the slick surface. However, it will show imperfections like brush strokes more. Gloss paint works best for areas that get cleaned frequently like kitchens and bathrooms.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss paint falls between gloss and satin finishes. It has some reflective qualities while also absorbing more light to hide imperfections. Semi-gloss is durable, stain resistant, and easy to clean. It's a good choice if you want more shine than satin but less than gloss. Semi-gloss works well for cabinets, trim, doors, and bathrooms.
Satin
Satin paint has a smooth, velvety appearance. It has a subtle surface shine, absorbing more light than gloss for a less reflective look. Satin paint is durable and stain resistant. It hides surface imperfections well while still being easy to clean. Satin works great for interior walls and cabinetry in medium to low traffic areas.
Matte
Matte paint has a flat, non-reflective finish that absorbs light. It will hide imperfections in the surface well and is good for disguising flaws. Matte paint is more difficult to clean and less durable than glossier finishes. It's best used for walls and ceilings where durability and washability are less important. Matte paint is not ideal for cabinets or high traffic areas.
Pick a Color
When choosing a color for your cabinets, you'll want to select a shade that complements your existing kitchen decor. Consider the colors of your countertops, flooring, backsplash, and any other prominent features in the room. You'll want your cabinet color to blend in nicely.
Some tips for coordinating cabinet color:
- If you have neutral countertops like white, beige or gray, you can choose just about any cabinet color. Bold hues like navy blue or emerald green will pop against neutral counters. For a more subtle look, stick with light tans, grays or soft whites.
- Try to match wood cabinet stain colors to your flooring. For example, medium oak cabinets would pair nicely with medium oak floors. If your floors are dark, go for a darker wood stain. With light floors, use a lighter stain.
- For tile backsplashes, look at the dominant colors in the tile pattern and choose cabinet colors that contain similar tones. A multicolored mosaic backsplash gives you more freedom.
- Granite, quartz and other patterned countertops offer a mix of colors to draw from. Focus on the most prevalent shade or metallic flecks.
- With white appliances, white cabinetry tends to look clean and seamless. For stainless, black or colored appliances, choose a cabinet color that complements but doesn't exactly match the appliances.
Be sure to look at color swatches in both natural and artificial light to get an accurate impression. And don't be afraid to try bold colors - painted cabinets can easily be re-done if you don't like the final look. Most importantly, pick a shade you'll enjoy seeing every day!
Prep Work
Properly preparing your cabinets for painting is crucial to achieving a smooth, professional-looking finish. Here are the key prep steps:
Cleaning
Thoroughly clean inside and outside of cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers using a degreasing cleaner or tsp substitute to remove built-up grime, oils, and waxes. Pay special attention to areas around knobs and handles. Allow to fully dry.
Sanding
Sand surfaces lightly with 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough up the finish so paint can adhere properly. Be sure to sand any bumps or drips smooth. Clean up dust with a vacuum and tack cloth.
Filling Holes
Fill any holes, gouges, or cracks with wood filler and allow to dry completely. Sand smooth. You may need to do multiple thin coats of filler for larger holes. Check drawers and cabinet interiors for holes too.
Proper prep ensures your painted cabinets will have a smooth, professional finish that lasts. Don't skip this important step!
Painting Process
When it comes to the actual painting, you have a few options for application tools.
Brushes
Angled sash brushes are great for cutting in edges and painting door frames and moldings. Look for high-quality bristle brushes that hold a lot of paint.
Rollers
Choose mini foam rollers (3-4 inches wide) for a smooth finish on flat cabinet surfaces and drawer fronts. Rollers allow you to quickly apply an even coat of paint.
Sprayers
For the most efficient application, consider using a paint sprayer. HVLP sprayers are ideal for spraying cabinet paint as they have good control and minimize overspray. Practice first on cardboard if unfamiliar with sprayers to get the right consistency, distance and speed. Protect surrounding areas from overspray.
The key is using high-quality application tools to get a smooth, consistent coat of paint on your cabinets. Prepare to use a combination of brushes, rollers and/or sprayers based on what works best for your project.
Apply Top Coat
After the paint has fully cured, you'll want to apply a clear top coat to protect the finish and enhance the look. There are two main options for cabinet top coats:
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is the most common and durable top coat for painted cabinets. It provides a smooth, glass-like finish that is resistant to moisture, heat, and household chemicals.
When applying polyurethane, use a high-quality brush to evenly coat the cabinets. Apply thin coats and sand lightly between each coat. Typically 2-3 coats are needed for good protection. Allow each coat to dry completely before adding the next.
Polyurethane has a yellowish tone, so it can slightly alter the cabinet color. Water-based polyurethane will have less effect on the color.
Clear Acrylic
Clear acrylic lacquers and varnishes are another option for a protective top coat. Acrylics dry faster than polyurethane and have a crystal clear look that does not alter the paint color.
Apply acrylic top coats in thin, even coats, following the manufacturer's directions. Lightly sand between coats to ensure proper adhesion. Acrylic top coats provide good protection for painted cabinets, though polyurethane is generally more durable.
No matter which top coat you choose, properly prepping and applying it is key for the most long-lasting finish. Follow all safety precautions when using any paints, primers, or top coats.
Cure & Clean Up
After painting your cabinets, you'll need to give the paint enough time to fully cure before using the cabinets again. The curing process allows the paint to fully harden and become durable.
Dry Time
Oil-based paints take around 24 hours to become tack-free or dry to the touch. However, they require 7-10 days to fully cure. During this curing time, avoid opening cabinets, touching painted surfaces, or placing items inside.
Latex or water-based cabinet paints dry more quickly, often within just 1-2 hours. But they still require a full cure time of 30 days before considering the paint job complete. Try to keep cabinet doors closed and limit use during this month-long curing period.
Cleaning Paint Brushes
To clean oil-based paint from brushes, use mineral spirits. Pour a small amount of mineral spirits into a jar and swish the brush around until the paint thins out. Rinse with more mineral spirits and repeat until the brush is clean. Follow up with soap and water.
For water-based paint, you can clean brushes with warm, soapy water. Swish the brush around in a mixture of soap and water until the paint starts breaking down. Rinse thoroughly until all paint is removed.
No matter what type of paint you used, make sure to fully clean brushes immediately after painting. This prevents the paint from drying on the bristles and ruining your brush. Follow the paint's instructions for proper brush care and cleaning. Proper maintenance will allow you to reuse the brush for future paint jobs.
Maintain Your Cabinets
Once your cabinet painting project is complete, you'll want to take steps to keep your cabinets looking fresh and clean. Here are some tips for maintaining painted cabinets:
Regular Cleaning
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth or sponge and a mild soap and water solution to clean painted cabinet surfaces. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads which can damage the paint over time.
- Pay special attention to areas that are touched frequently like knobs, handles and edges. These high-contact zones tend to collect dirt and grime faster.
- For stubborn dirt or grease, use a degreasing cleaner formulated for kitchens. Test on a small inconspicuous area first before applying to the entire cabinet.
- Dry immediately with a clean soft cloth after washing cabinets. Allowing water or cleaner to sit on the surface can lead to damage.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Do not use harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia or acidic products on painted cabinetry. These can react with paint and cause discoloration or bubbling.
- Avoid spraying cabinet cleaner directly onto surfaces. Instead apply to your cloth first before wiping on cabinets. Overspray can seep into cracks or drill holes.
Touch Up Paint Chips
- Inspect cabinets periodically for any nicks, scratches or paint chips. Address these immediately to prevent further damage.
- Lightly sand the area to rough up the surface, wipe away dust, then use touch up paint that matches your cabinet color. Apply in thin coats allowing to dry completely between coats.
Reapply Top Coats
- Over time, the protective top coat on painted cabinets can wear down from cleaning and use. Reapply a fresh coat of topcoat like polyurethane every 2-3 years. This will renew protection and give a like-new luster.
With proper care and maintenance, your painted kitchen cabinets will stay looking fresh and minimize the need for repainting. Be diligent about regular gentle cleaning and mindful of harsh products that can degrade the paint over time.
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