By: Peter J. Wilson
Painting kitchen cabinets is much less expensive than either replacing or refacing cabinetry. Replacing cabinets is one of the most costly home improvement projects. If the cabinets are in good condition, but the finish is old looking painting can be a good option. Rather than spending thousands on new cabinets, you can update the look of your kitchen for a few hundred.
Choosing Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
It’s important to choose paint that is suitable for your cabinets. The paint store can help you find the right products. In general, 100% acrylic latex paint works well for most cabinet surfaces. This paint will stick well and is durable. Acrylic latex paint is also washable, which is important for easy cleaning.
Spray equipment is the best choice for applying paint. It will give a smoother finish than brushing. Spray equipment can be rented through large hardware stores, home improvement centers and some paint stores. Keep in mind that more prep work is needed in terms of taping and protecting surfaces you don’t want the paint to touch. A good brush is another option for painting cabinets. Use a high quality brush for best results. Ask for help in selecting brushes at the paint store. Some paints work well with natural bristles, while others need synthetic. Rollers are not the best choice for cabinetry. These leave roller marks or stippled marks on the wood.
Preparing for Painting
Preparing the cabinets is an important first step. You will need to remove all the doors and hardware. Mark the doors on the bottom to make your life easier when it’s time to put them back. For best results, strip the cabinets to bare wood and sand well. This will help the paint stick. Clean with mineral spirits to remove residue.
Once all pieces are stripped, sanded and cleaned you should repair any damage to the cabinets or doors. Use putty on any nicks. Let the putty dry thoroughly and sand before painting. An acrylic based primer should be used before applying the paint. This will help prepare the surface to accept the paint.
Using two coats of paint is usually sufficient. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the next coat. Paint the cabinets and then the doors. Sawhorses work well for painting the doors. This is helpful for getting all edges evenly covered without drips.
Hardware for Cabinets
An easy way to update the look is to replace the hardware. You can often reuse the same hinges and handles, but if you want to update the look consider spending the money for new hardware. New hinges ensure smoother operation. New handles on the cabinets and drawers can make a big difference in the overall look of the cabinets.
When purchasing new hinges and door handles, be sure they are compatible with the existing holes in your cabinets. Take the old hinges and door handles to the store with you. This will help you make sure the holes and spacing is the same on the new ones. It can save you a lot of hassle later.
