How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets
Replacing a kitchen can be costly and hectic, but if you contend with the layout and your cabinets are in good condition, why not consider painting them? If you do the painting yourself, you may end up saving some money for repairing your handles and worktops.
Most professional cupboard paints can be used for wooden and acrylic cabinets. The challenging part is in the preparation.
Where to Start
You are less vulnerable to runs and drips if you paint your doors on a flat surface. If you do not have enough space and you cannot remove them, just shield the hinges with masking tape. Also, cover every metalwork and paint in situ. Remember to remove the handles and apply dust sheets or newspapers on your floor to protect it.
How to Prepare Cabinets for Painting
Cleaning is necessary for clearing kitchen grime. But you should always use a specialist degreaser, such as Zep Commercial All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser, if possible. Then, key your surface with light sandpaper- 150 to 250 grit is recommendable- to support the paint stick. Clear all the dust using a damp cloth and let the cabinets dry before you start painting.
Do Kitchen Cabinets Require a Primer?
Basically, primers act as a base for paint and prevent knots from protruding from cabinet surfaces. Choose a primer suitable to your cabinet surfaces, or use a universal primer, like Ronseal’s One Coat All-Surface Primer and Undercoat. Not that wood primers are ideal for bare, unpainted wood. Again, some furniture-specific paints do not need primers- this should be indicated on the tin.
What Paint Should You Use?
The paint you will use is dictated by the door type and your desired finish. The best option for laminates is to purchase a specialist multipurpose paint meant for wood, melamine, and MDF. Besides, all eggshells and interior wood paints are suitable for wooden or painted kitchen doors. On the other hand, you can use chalk paints for kitchen units, but you need to cover the topcoat with wax or varnish.
Another essential point to note is that new colors need a few coats. Be patient and wait for every coat to dry well. Remember, this is not an afternoon makeover project. Many painters try to paint thickly and quickly to avoid painting more than once. However, regrets come when it when the least scuff chips the entire chunk of paint off.
Besta Kitchen experts advise painters to allow at least five to seven days to build up the paint in thin layers, lightly sanding and cleaning dust between coats. Set the primer a minimum of four hours to dry, and one day for all other coats. You should also paint a minimum of two coats of colors.
How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding
Previously painted cabinets may not need sanding. Simply clean the surface well, introduce a primer coat, and repaint your cabinets accordingly. Alternatively, you can use chalk paint as it does not need to be sanded or primed.
How Much Should You Sand Down on Your Kitchen Cabinets?
The role of sanding is to introduce a good texture so that the new paint can easily stick. However, you do not need to sand down to the bar wood. Remember, any vacuum can clear the mess you did during sanding, but a shop vac is designed for heavy-duty work.
The Best Durable Cupboard Paint
For a fade-resistant finish, try Protek paint. It is a trusted brand and is popular in durable garden paints. The interior paint, just like its garden counterpart, is a high-end comfy paint, which provides a water-resistant finish that reduces the impacts of wear and tear- suitable for busy kitchen cupboards.
Best Paint to Avoid a Primer
To achieve light work of the activity at hand, select a brand that enables you to avoid the primer, like Ronseal. This furniture paint is suitable for most upcycling activities because of its quality; everything you require is in one tin; therefore, you do not need a primer. Ronseal will allow you to face-lift your cupboards easily and quickly. Besides, it is durable enough to bear knocks and scuffs.
Best Cupboard Paint for a Glossy Finish
For a smooth finish, if you do not prefer a matt or chalky look, you can use Crown non-drip satin paint. Alternatively, you can Frenchic’s Lazy range that is infused with wax. This implies you do not have to seal or buff since it is self-priming. Thorndown’s resin-based method is intended to protect while allowing the natural grain to show through.
Can I Go for a Two-Toned Kitchen for a Stylish Look?
There is no standard rule that requires homeowners to stick to a single color when painting their kitchen cabinets. As a matter of fact, two-toned kitchens are currently trending, and it is an easy finish to get by painting your cabinets. You can use an island painting that differs from your cabinets or paint your wall cabinets in colour distinct from your floor cabinets. Your tastes should dictate the blend, but you cannot go wrong with a grey and dusky pink. Can you?
Final Thoughts on How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Painting your kitchen cabinets is more than a weekend or afternoon project, yet it is still a relatively only way to give your kitchen a new look at a cost-effective budget. Always remember to clean your kitchen cabinets and apply a primer for the most professional finish.
