What do you need in cabinet painting? How to paint kitchen cabinets?

If your kitchen cabinets are starting to show wear and tear, or if you’re just looking to freshen up the look of your kitchen, painting them could be a great idea.

While it’s possible to paint most types of cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and panels yourself, it’s not always the ideal choice. We’ll explore the expenses involved in hiring a professional cabinet painter versus doing it yourself.

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What do you need in cabinet painting?

Giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint can be a rewarding DIY project, but it’s important to know what you need before diving in. Whether you’re dealing with laminate doors, melamine, timber, or spray-painted cabinets, each material may require a specific type of paint.

Start by visiting your local paint supplier armed with a cabinet door sample. They can advise you on the best paint type and even help you choose the perfect colour for your kitchen cabinets. Once you’ve selected your colour, they’ll mix the paint for you. Consider also purchasing a primer, which can be tinted to match your chosen colour to simplify the painting process.

While you’re at the store, pick up some trisodium phosphate (TSP) for cleaning off built-up grease and grime from your cabinets. You’ll also need 120 and/or 220-grit sandpaper to roughen up the cabinet surfaces, ensuring better paint adhesion and longer-lasting results. For any dents or deep scratches, grab some wood filler to make repairs.

For the painting process itself, a roller will be your main tool, but you’ll also need a paintbrush and an angled brush for detailing. Keep in mind that neither a roller nor a brush will leave a perfectly smooth finish, so opt for satin or matte paint rather than gloss if you want to avoid imperfections. If you’re after a glossy finish, consider spray painting your kitchen cabinets for a professional look.

Preparing your kitchen cabinets for a fresh coat of paint

Preparing your kitchen cabinets for a fresh coat of paint is a crucial step in achieving a professional-looking finish. If you’ve decided to tackle the project yourself instead of hiring a professional cabinet painter, here’s how to get started:

• Step 1: Remove doors, drawers, and hardware: Begin by taking off all the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware like hinges and handles. Set them aside in a safe place to avoid painting them accidentally.
• Step 2: Mask off areas: Use masking tape to cover any areas you don’t want to paint, such as drawer runners, tiles, and splashbacks. This will ensure clean lines and protect surrounding surfaces from accidental paint splatters.
• Step 3: Protect surfaces: Lay down and drop cloths over the benchtop and floor to catch any paint drips or spills. Remove any loose objects from the workspace or cover them securely to prevent them from getting paint on them.
• Step 4: Thorough cleaning: Before painting, it’s essential to thoroughly clean all surfaces you plan to paint. Use a cleaner like trisodium phosphate (TSP) to remove grease and grime, ensuring better paint adhesion.
• Step 5: Sanding: Sand the cabinet surfaces to roughen them up slightly, creating a better surface for the paint to adhere to. Alternatively, if your cabinet material allows, you can use a de-glosser for this step. Consult your paint supplier for guidance on the best method for your cabinets.

If there are any dents or imperfections on the cabinets, fill them in with wood filler and sand them smoothly using a block sander. After sanding, wipe down all surfaces with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris, ensuring a clean painting surface.

How to paint kitchen cabinets: step-by-step

Achieving a flawless finish when painting your kitchen cabinets requires patience and attention to detail, but the results are well worth the effort. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a successful DIY cabinet painting project that will refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank.

• Step 1: Test paint on a door begin by painting the back of a single cabinet door as a test. This allows you to confirm the chosen paint colour before committing to painting all the cabinets.
• Step 2: Paint doors and drawers once satisfied with the colour, paint the backs of all cabinet doors and drawer fronts first. This provides practice and allows sufficient drying time. Then proceed to paint the remaining surfaces of the doors and drawers.
• Step 3: Paint shelves and interiors next, remove and paint one side of the shelves, followed by the interiors of the cabinets. After allowing ample drying time, reassemble the cabinets.

Tips for a Smooth Finish

To achieve a durable finish, apply at least two coats of paint, lightly sanding between coats to ensure adhesion and a smooth surface. Be cautious not to sand through the paint layer. Before applying each coat, wipe away any dust or debris.

Choosing the Right Paint Finish

For cabinets, opt for semi-gloss or gloss paint finishes for added durability and easier cleaning. These finishes are more resilient against wear and tear compared to matte paint.

Extra tips when painting your cabinet

To ensure a successful DIY cabinet painting project and avoid common pitfalls, remember these key tips:

1. Thoroughly clean wooden cabinets with TSP (trisodium phosphate) before painting to remove grease and ensure proper paint adhesion.
2. Fill any imperfections or open grain in the wood before painting to achieve a smooth finish.
3. Allocate sufficient time for the project, as painting all cabinets in a large kitchen can take several days to a week.
4. Develop a system to remember the placement of doors and drawers to streamline reassembly.
5. Prop up cabinets during painting to ensure complete coverage, especially along edges and corners.
6. Apply a primer to prevent blotching as the paint dries and cures.
7. Utilize colour-matching apps or services to find complementary paint colours for cabinets and other kitchen fixtures.

Following these guidelines will help you achieve professional-looking results and avoid common painting mishaps.

Final notes

Painters typically charge hourly rates ranging from $30 to $50 or more, depending on factors like location and experience.

To avoid uncertainty about the final cost, it’s advisable to negotiate a flat rate per cabinet or for the entire project. This could amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of painting required.

Opting for a professional cabinet painter offers numerous benefits:

1. Superior Quality: Professional painters deliver a high-quality finish that enhances the aesthetics of your cabinets and adds value to your home.
2. Time Savings: Painting cabinets yourself can be time-consuming, potentially taking several days to complete. Hiring a professional allows you to reclaim your time for other priorities.
3. Cost Efficiency: In some cases, having kitchen cabinets professionally spray-painted may be more cost-effective than renting equipment and attempting the job yourself.
4. Warranty Coverage: Professional painting services typically come with warranties, ensuring that any touch-ups or repairs needed in the future are covered.

Sprucing up your cabinets doesn’t have to be a DIY headache. Hiring a pro painter can give your space a fresh, new look without the fuss. They’ve got the skills to make it quick and slick, leaving you with top-notch cabinets and zero stress.

It’s a smart move that saves you time and trouble, so you can kick back and enjoy your home’s new vibe. Plus, a pro’s touch can add that extra oomph to your kitchen or bathroom, making it feel brand new.

So, why not let the experts handle the brushes and give your cabinets the glow-up they deserve?