Painting Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro

Refreshing your kitchen doesn’t always require a full remodel. One impactful change you can make is giving your cabinets a new coat of paint. With the right preparation and methods, painting cabinets can transform the entire feel of your space. Proper technique ensures durability and a professional-looking finish. Let Handydads guide you through every step for amazing results.

Project Snapshot

When you paint kitchen cabinets, you're taking on a project that can dramatically upgrade your room without the cost of replacement. This task builds your DIY skills and allows you to personalize the space. The job can be completed in a weekend with careful planning. High quality materials help the finish last for years. Attention to detail sets your project apart from the rest.

Tools and Materials

You’ll need a few essential tools and materials: quality paint brushes and rollers, a screwdriver, painter's tape, sandpaper, wood filler, tack cloths, degreaser or trisodium phosphate, primer, and cabinet paint. Consider drop cloths to protect flooring. Have a few clean rags on hand for quick wipe-ups and adjustments.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by removing cabinet doors and hardware, labeling hinges and screws for easy reinstallation. Clean all surfaces with degreaser to remove built-up kitchen grime, making sure everything is dry before moving on. Use sandpaper to scuff up the surfaces, wipe away dust with a tack cloth, and fill any dents or holes with wood filler. Tape off areas you don’t want painted, and apply a quality bonding primer. Once the primer is dry, apply the cabinet paint in smooth, even strokes, giving ample drying time between coats. Reinstall doors and hardware when fully dry, and admire your upgraded kitchen.

From the Toolbox

A Handydads client once tried painting cabinets without removing the doors or hardware, hoping to save time. Unfortunately, a few months later, paint was chipping around the handles and there were thin spots in hard-to-reach corners. Taking things apart may add a little time up front, but it pays off immensely in the finished look and longevity of your work.

Top 5 Mistakes

The top mistake is skipping the cleaning and degreasing step, leading to poor paint adhesion. Not removing doors or hardware can cause uneven edges and messes. Rushing the sanding and priming processes usually results in a less durable finish. Using cheap paint may save money initially but often disappoints long term. Finally, forgetting to label hardware makes reinstallation a headache.

Tool and Material Recommendations

Choose a primer designed for slick surfaces like cabinets, such as Zinsser Bulls Eye or Kilz Adhesion. Opt for fine sandpaper in the 220 grit range for prepping and smoothing between coats. Wooster or Purdy angled brushes provide good control. Use Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel for a hard, professional finish.

Quick Tips and Hacks

Always paint in a dust-free area. Label all doors and hardware before removal. Use a mini roller for flat surfaces and a brush for corners. Lightly sand between coats for an ultra-smooth finish. Let the paint cure fully before reinstalling doors.

Need a Hand?

Ready for a kitchen upgrade or just want a flawless finish without the hassle? Contact Handydads for professional cabinet painting and all your home improvement needs.