Can You Paint Kitchen Cupboards?
If you want to update your kitchen without breaking the bank, painting the cupboards may be an economical and efficient solution. Just be sure to prepare all surfaces thoroughly first before beginning to paint.
Experts advise using forgiving latex paint that dries quickly and can be cleaned up easily with water. Priming is also essential in creating an even and durable surface finish.
Choose the right paint
There’s an extensive range of paint available for cabinets and other surfaces, perfect for creating farmhouse chic kitchens or sleek contemporary spaces. Latex is often chosen as it contains lower levels of VOCs than oil-based alternatives and dries faster. When selecting latex for cabinets or surfaces, look for high quality brands with excellent coverage to guarantee a flawless surface without brush marks.
One growing trend in interior design is using bolder hues to enliven a room and add some personality, especially in simple slab or Shaker cabinet styles.
Milk paint can add an earthy feel to any project. Sold as powder form and then mixed with water to meet project needs, milk paint has very low VOC emissions while drying quickly; however, its use may increase chipping risks than other paint types.
Preparation is key
If you want your new paint job to last, it is imperative to complete proper prep work. Start by thoroughly cleaning your cupboards. Wipe them down with grease-fighting kitchen cabinet degreaser before hitting every surface with some sandpaper to reduce shine and give the new coat of paint something solid to grip onto.
If your doors are made from man-made materials such as melamine or veneer, sanding gently before painting them can help ensure that paint adheres properly. A little effort goes a long way and is certainly worth your while!
Vacuum and wipe down your cupboards to get rid of dust, and if they feature wooden doors with lots of grain then re-sand them after applying primer. Apply thin layers of primer as instructed until each is completely dry before moving on with your project.
The finish you want
Painting your cupboards is a fantastic way to give them a facelift, but be sure to choose a finish that can endure daily use without becoming worn and faded. Many professionals recommend enamel paint which has been specifically developed as it stands up well against moisture and scrubbing. While enamel may cost more than standard wall paint options, its resilience means that it will hold up well against wear-and-tear.
If your wood cabinets feature an intricate grain pattern such as oak or walnut, be sure to sand them before repainting in order to ensure that the new paint adheres securely and to prevent paint edges from showing, which could create an unsightly tired appearance in your cabinets. This step will also prevent dust particles from getting embedded within them that could contribute to dust build-up on their surface.
Prior to painting laminate or veneer doors, be sure to sand their surfaces. Vacuum the sanding dust from these surfaces, then wipe down with Krud Kutter degreaser using a clean rag to eliminate grease build-up that might interfere with adhesion or cause smudges on fresh coats of paint.
Painting your cupboards
Painting kitchen cupboards is an effective way to update an outdated space without breaking the bank. But it requires considerable planning to achieve professional-looking results.
Before beginning painting, take steps to secure any hardware that needs removing and number each door and piece as you remove them. Tarp or paper must cover surfaces you don’t want painted such as floors and countertops to prevent accidental paint spillage or other damages that might result from their removal.
Krud Kutter degreaser should be used to remove any grease build-up on cabinet frames and doors before applying any fresh coat of paint. You should sand any laminate or veneer doors prior to beginning painting so the new layer of color sticks securely; an orbital sander works best here; though for tricky edges hand sanding might also suffice.
