You don’t need to hire a professional to paint your kitchen cabinets! With the right tools, anyone can accomplish this task with ease.
Follow our complete how to paint kitchen cabinets guide for all the tips and tricks you need to be successful.
Page Contents
Tools & Materials Needed For The Job
Aside from your sprayer and the paint you are using, there are some tools and materials you will need to make the job appear professional and complete.
Useful Tips When Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Spray painting your kitchen cabinets isn’t a difficult task. There some things you can do to make the project more enjoyable and easy, though.
How to Spray Paint Kitchen Cabinets Step By Step
When you want to save time, it is wise to consider spray painting the kitchen cabinets.
Instead of rolling or brushing the paint, a high-quality paint sprayer can have the job done in a fraction of the time.
The key to perfectly painted cabinets lies in the quality of preparation work.
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Clean all the Cabinets
It is imperative that you clean the cabinets thoroughly to remove the years of dirt and grime before painting. If you don’t take this step the primer and paint will not be able to adhere properly.
Then, label each cabinet properly. Remove any hardware and label that accordingly as well. Now is a great time to take your cabinets to the garage or workshop. Then, stick tape into the hinge holes to keep unwanted paint out.
2. Sand and Prime
Many people want to learn how to paint cabinets without sanding. It is possible, with certain paints and finishes. Otherwise, it is wise to scuff up the surface before priming. You can use this as a time to sand any damaged areas. Generally, a 320-grit sandpaper will work well for this.
Then, follow these steps:
Use a gloss or semi-gloss latex enamel paint for your cabinets. Its hard, shiny finish resists stains and fingerprints.
3. Spray Paint the Cabinets
Prepare your area for spray painting.
It is also important that you prepare the materials according to the spray painter’s manufacturer directions.
Thinner paint will provide a finer finish.
Test your spray pattern on cardboard first. Here are some more tips to remember while spraying:
4. Install the Hardware and Cabinets
Once the cabinets are dried and everything looks good, you are ready to reinstall the hardware. Hopefully, you followed the instruction to label everything carefully which makes this task much easier.
All that’s left is to hang the cabinets and enjoy your hard work.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting FAQs
Here are some of the common things that people want to know when learning how to paint kitchen cabinets.
What Kind Of Paint Do I Use On Kitchen Cabinets?
It is a common question to wonder what kind of paint to use on kitchen cabinets. This is one of the biggest struggles that a homeowner faces.
You can use a variety of paints as long as they are compatible with your sprayer.
A good rule of thumb to remember is that you don’t want to use a matte finish paint on kitchen cabinets.
It is also best to stay away from an eggshell finish. It is important to create a surface that’s durable and wipeable. By doing this, you’ll avoid painting the cabinets again for at least a few years.
How to Nest for Less prefers to use latex paint because, “they don’t yellow over time, have quick drying times for your second or third coats, and it’s easy to clean your brushes after each day (just a little water and dish soap).”
If you don’t want to use a sprayer, there are several people that swear by using spray paint in an aerosol can. In fact, First Home Love Life shares “how to get professional looking spray painted cabinets for less than $20!”
Should I Use White Paint For Kitchen Cabinets?
While it is perfectly acceptable to use white paint for the kitchen cabinets, you don’t need to stop there. With a wide array of kitchen cabinet paint colors available, you can choose most any shade that suits your taste.
In fact, one of the top picks by A Piece of Rainbow is, “Rich natural wood with the prettiest blue.”
Even if you do decide to go with a white color, there are many shades of white to choose from as well.
Do I Need To Be Experienced To Paint Cabinets?
When you are looking at tackling DIY kitchen cabinets, you might feel a little intimidated by your lack of experience. There is no need to be worried.
Every task that needs to be completed to paint the cabinets can be performed by a beginner.
The key will be taking your time and doing each step properly. A lot of the result will depend on the preparation of the cabinets as well as your spraying techniques.
If you aren’t a professional paint sprayer, simply take some time and practice with the gun on a spare piece of cardboard or wood first.
This will help you get the hang of the movement and you can make setting adjustments to get the flow right. When you consider the cost associated with purchasing new cabinets or having a professional paint them, it is clear to see the savings you will enjoy by doing it yourself.
Can I paint kitchen cabinets without priming or sanding?
It is not recommended to paint any surface without first sanding and priming. Sanding will remove old paint, varnish, and finishes, as well as remove and burrs, scratches, or wear marks that can show up in the finished product.
Primer is essential to make the paints adhere to the surface. Without primer, your paint won’t last as long and will be susceptible to chipping, peeling and flaking.
Is spray painting kitchen cabinets better & easier than using rollers or brushes?
While this is an opinion, based on the painter doing the job, in general, spray painting kitchen cabinets is easier than brush or roller painting.
A sprayer will apply an even layer of paint while allowing the paint to get into corners, decorative lines, and on the sides or hard to reach areas. Sprayers will also help you prevent paint runs, thick paint areas, or missed spots that brushes and rollers can’t offer.
What Is The Cost To DIY Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
Determining the cost to paint kitchen cabinets will depend on the materials you decide to use. If you are using a paint sprayer, you’ll have to factor in that cost as well.
When purchasing a paint sprayer, you need to keep in mind that you’ll have it to use on future projects. It’s more of an investment.
It is possible to paint your cabinets on a budget. Designer Trapped said, “When I painted my kitchen cabinets, we were able to update the entire kitchen for $700, including flooring, fixtures, everything–the whole shebang. Y'all, that price can’t be beat! New cabinets alone would put most kitchens well over the $700 threshold.”
How much will it cost to have kitchen cabinets painted by a professional?
According to Home Advisor, the national average for the professional painting of kitchen cabinets is $697. The actual price range will vary from $384 to $1110, depending on location, paint used, and professional labor costs per hour.
Can laminate kitchen cabinets be painted, if so, what type of paint should I use?
Laminate cabinets can be painted, though it isn’t ideal. Laminate is notorious for refusing paints, and you will need to invest in specialty paints for the project. First, you will need to start with a laminate primer.
This is a primer specifically designed to adhere to laminate. Once the primer fully cures, then you can paint with your chosen color. You will want to use oil-based or latex-based paints over the primer for this project.
Can I spray chalk paint on kitchen cabinets?
Yes, you can use chalk paint in a sprayer for kitchen cabinets. You will need to sand the varnish away and remove anything else on the wood before the chalk paint application.
Once you have the surface ready, a thin layer of primer can be used to help the chalk paint adhere to the wood surface. After the primer has cured, you can apply your chalk paint in thin layers until the surface is coated evenly. Several coats may be required for a solid, finished look.
Conclusion
Painting the kitchen cabinets yourself is a great way to save time and money. While it can seem like a big task to undertake, it doesn’t have to be cumbersome. Take the time to do the necessary preparations and ensure you have the right equipment for the job.
Then, you’ll be amazed at how great your kitchen cabinets look after the job is complete.