How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: The Best Paint Brands, Tips & Techniques [2023]
If you’re wondering how to paint kitchen cabinets, this is the post for you! Painting your cabinets is a great way to give your whole kitchen a fresh, new look. But before you pick up a brush, there are some things you need to know.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best paint brands for kitchen cabinets, how to prepare your cabinets for painting, and the best techniques for achieving a beautiful finish.
So read on for all the information you need to get started on your own DIY cabinet painting project!
Choosing Paint: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
When it comes to choosing paint for your kitchen cabinets, there are a few factors to consider.
The most important thing is to choose paint that will adhere well to your cabinets and stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use. In general, latex paints are a good choice for kitchen cabinets, as they are durable and easy to clean.
However, if you’re looking for a paint with a little more gloss, you may want to consider an oil-based paint.
Oil-based paints do have some cons, including their tendency to yellow over time, their higher price tags, and the fact that they can be more difficult to clean up.
If you have laminate cabinets, be sure to check out our post about how to paint laminate!
Best Paint Brands for Painting Kitchen Cabinets
When it comes to specific brands, there are a few that stand out above the rest.
4. Behr
Behr is a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly paint that still delivers high-quality results. There is a specific cabinet paint made by Behr that comes in a semi-gloss or satin finish.
Look at this amazing before & after kitchen update using Behr paint by E. Downing!
3. Benjamin Moore
If you’re looking for a slightly higher-end paint, Benjamin Moore is known for its high quality.
2. Farrow & Ball
Farrow & Ball is a great choice if you’re looking for unique and stylish paint colors.
1. Sherwin Williams
If you’re looking for a kitchen cabinet paint that is both durable and environmentally friendly, then Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel Series is a good option.
Prepare Your Kitchen Cabinets for Painting
Removing Cabinet Doors
If you’re painting kitchen cabinets that are already assembled, it’s best to remove the doors and paint them separately.
This will ensure a more even finish and will prevent the paint from getting on the hinges.
Remove cabinet doors by unscrewing the hinges and removing them from the cabinet frames. Remove the cabinet pulls by unscrewing them and set them aside.
It may be a good idea to draw yourself a kitchen map and number the doors and drawers so that you can put them back in the right places when you’re finished painting.
It is also helpful to put the hardware into a small plastic bag or container so that it doesn’t get lost.
If there are different types of hardware that you plan to reuse, be sure to keep these separate and labeled clearly.
If you intend to keep and update your hardware, you can paint it while the cabinets are drying.
Removing Drawers
If you’re painting the inside of your kitchen cabinets, it’s necessary to remove the drawers. This will allow you to get into all the nooks and crannies for a more even finish.
But even if you are not painting the inside of your cabinets, it’s a good idea to remove the drawers so that you can clean all the surfaces well.
It is also easier to paint the drawer fronts if the drawers are removed.
Remove drawers by pulling them out from the cabinet and unscrewing the pulls.
Cleaning the Cabinets
The next step is to clean the cabinets thoroughly.
Products like TSP [click to buy on Amazon] can be used to remove grease and dirt.
Be sure to rinse your cabinets thoroughly.
Another good cleaner for cabinets is a mixture of one part bleach to four parts water. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using any type of cleaning product, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Preparing your cabinets before painting is one of the most important steps in ensuring a good finish.
Sanding Kitchen Cabinets
If you’re painting wooden kitchen cabinets, it’s a good idea to sand them before you start painting.
This will help the paint to adhere better and will give your cabinets a nice, smooth finish.
Using a powered orbital sander [love this one!] with 120-grit sandpaper will make this job quick and easy. Be sure to vacuum up your mess and wipe the cabinets down with a damp cloth before moving on.
Taping off the Area Before Painting
You’ll need to use painters’ tape [click to buy our favorite kind on Amazon] to tape off any area that you don’t want to paint.
This includes the edges where the cabinets meet the wall, as well as the inside of the cabinet where the shelves are.
If you are spraying the boxes of the cabinets, you may want to use plastic sheeting to protect the cabinets’ interiors in addition to the floor and surrounding walls.
Priming the Cabinets
If your cabinets are made from a porous material like wood, it’s a good idea to prime them before painting.
This will help the paint to adhere better and will give your cabinets a more even finish. Best primers for kitchen cabinets are oil-based, and you can find them at any hardware store.
If your cabinets are made from a material other than wood, you may not need to prime them before painting. However, it’s always a good idea to do a test patch in a small, inconspicuous area to be sure.
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Once the cabinets are clean and primed, it’s time to start painting. There are a few different techniques you can use, but the most important thing is to make sure the paint is applied evenly and in thin coats.
First, decide if you will use a sprayer or brushes and rollers.
Sprayer / How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
If you’re using a sprayer, make sure to read the instructions carefully and practice on a piece of scrap wood (or two or three!) before painting your cabinets.
The benefits of using a paint sprayer on cabinets include even coverage and a smooth finish. However, be forewarned: there may be more prep and cleanup involved if you choose a sprayer.
Brushes & Rollers / How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
If you choose to paint by hand, it’s important to use a brush with synthetic bristles.
This is because natural bristles can absorb too much paint, which can lead to drips and uneven coverage.
Another option is to use a foam roller, which will give you a smooth finish with very few brush strokes.
Putting the Kitchen Back Together
Once the paint has dried, it’s time to put the cabinets back together.
Be sure to screw the pulls back on tightly and reattach the drawers.
Check the map that you made when you were taking the kitchen apart to ensure that you are putting everything back in the correct spot.
It’s a good idea to wait at least 24 hours before putting anything back in the cabinets. This will give the paint plenty of time to dry completely and will help to prevent any peeling or chipping.
Conclusion / How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Now that you know how to paint kitchen cabinets, it’s time to get started on your own renovation!
Be sure to read any instructions carefully, take your time, and most importantly, have fun. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to achieve a beautiful, professional-looking finish.
Looking for more information about kitchen cabinets? Be sure to check out:
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