Whether you’re moving into a new house or sprucing up your old place, painting kitchen cupboards can make a world of difference in the overall aesthetic of your home. It’s also a relatively easy task compared to, say, replacing a granite countertop or changing your flooring. However, it’s not something you can jump into willy-nilly, as doing so might end up costing you more than just buying new cabinets at your local Ikea!
Here’s a comprehensive guide on painting kitchen cabinets, including vital questions to consider and a step-by-step process.
What to consider before repainting your kitchen cupboards
Here are five questions to ask yourself before you figure out how to paint your kitchen cabinets.
1. What is your budget?
According to Martha Stewart, “[replacing] kitchen cabinets usually takes up about one-third of the typical remodel budget”. While painting should be much cheaper than a full overhaul, it’ll still cost you money. Figure out a game plan and set a ceiling price for your expenses, then find tools, materials, and brands that fit within your plan. It’s no use having a pretty kitchen if you can’t buy food to cook in it!
2. Are you going to DIY it?
While painting kitchen cupboards yourself could theoretically save you money, it could also possibly cost you more than you hope. If you’re brand new to this home renovation stuff, you can easily muck up any part of the procedure, especially if you don’t do your research right. Sometimes, it’s okay to ask for help.
3. What tools do you have on hand?
Knowing what tools you already have can save you from overspending. However, don’t be too cheap and assume that all you need to update a kitchen cabinet is a bucket of paint and some rollers. You’ll also need tools to sand your cupboards down and primers to help the paint stick.
4. What state are your current cupboards in?
Now, before you head to pick up your materials, you need to take an honest look at your cupboard’s condition. Why? Because even the most professional paint job can only do so much to salvage an old cupboard.
5. What style and finish do you want?
Have a pegboard and know which style to go for before painting kitchen cupboards. This will determine what kinds of tools and paints you’ll need, as different materials require different paints. Typically, there are four types of materials used in building cabinets: solid wood, metal, melamine, and laminate. Wood is the easiest to paint, as it doesn’t need much sanding. Laminate and metal cupboards need to be scuffed down and primed with a special solution.
A step-by-step guide to repainting your kitchen cupboards
Gather your supplies
- Sugar soap
- Dulux Renovation Range Primer
- Dulux Renovation Range Cabinet Doors Satin in Vivid White and Anode
- Dulux Renovation Range Clear Coat Satin
- Handle drilling template
- Door handles
You’ll also need
- Screwdriver
- Bucket
- Sponge scourer
- Cloth
- Wood filler
- Scraper
- 240- and 400-grit sandpaper
- Paint- brushes
- Nap rollers
- Flat paddle stirrer
- Pencil
- Drill
- 3mm bit
When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, a mask and earmuffs, and tie your hair back. When appropriate, wear gloves and protective clothing.
Safety notes
Step 1
Use screwdriver to remove cabinet doors from carcasses, then remove all handles and hinges. Hinges will be reused and handles will be replaced.
Step 2
Mix up sugar soap with hot water in bucket. Scrub both sides and edges of one door with sugar soap solution and sponge scourer. Wipe away grime and debris with damp cloth until fully clean. Repeat for other doors, then allow to dry.
Step 3
With wood filler and scraper, fill handle holes plus any cracks on one door. Allow to set, then sand flush with 240-grit sandpaper. Scuff sand all surfaces with 400-grit sandpaper, then wipe away dust with damp cloth. Repeat for all doors.
Step 4
To apply primer to first cabinet door, cut in moulding and detailed areas with paintbrush. For a professional finish, use nap roller to apply one coat then, to lay off, go over again in the same direction with an unloaded roller. Repeat for all doors, then allow to dry for a minimum of 4 hours.
Step 5
To prepare Doors paint, pour contents of additive packet (under lid) into paint and mix in all directions with flat paddle for 5 minutes. Apply 2 coats as per method in Step 4. Let dry for 8 hours after coats.
Step 6
Apply 2 coats Clear Coat to cabinet doors using method in Step 4. Let dry for 8 hours after each coat.
Step 7
Use drilling template, pencil and drill (with 3mm bit) to mark and drill new handle positions on all doors. Attach new handles, as well as saved hinges, and rehang doors.
