How to properly prepare and paint kitchen cabinets

Kitchen cabinets

Looking to paint kitchen cabinets?

Well-built kitchen cabinets can last a very long time. However, many homeowners get tired of the look and feel of their kitchen and want to upgrade without spending a fortune. The most cost effective way is to paint the kitchen cabinets with a different color. Additionally, it is cost effective to switch from the traditional stained cabinets to a more modern painted look.

Although this process is not the cheapest of services out there, it is less costly than planning for a major kitchen renovation. Following are some situations in which it makes more sense to paint rather than replace your kitchen cabinets:

  • You’re in the process of buying a house and cabinets dirty or need to be freshened up with a color that reflects your taste.
  • Your kitchen cabinets are between 10-30 years old and still in good shape but you’re tired of the stain or paint color and want to update.
  • You’re planning to sell your home and your kitchen is outdated and needs to be freshened up.
  • Your kitchen cabinets and hardware are old but the boxes are solid.
    • You may replace the doors and hardware and paint the cabinet boxes and new doors instead of replacing it all.

Following is the process we recommend for a successful high-quality cabinet painting project:

  • Prepare and provide a sample finished for approval of the paint finish as well as color. You could choose between satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss finish.
  • Empty all cabinets and pack stuff into separate boxes and remove from the working area.
  • Although in many cases doors and hardware can be removed to be sprayed, there are cases it is best to spray the cabinets without removing doors. 
    • In case you must remove doors, drawers and shelves make sure to number them properly to be able to put them back exactly the same way.
  • Mask and cover all surrounding surfaces including but not limited to floors, countertop, backsplash, walls, etc.
  • Fill holes and imperfections with proper filler materials, sand and clean.
  • De-gloss and clean all surfaces to be painted and to ensure the primer coat adheres to the existing coating properly.
  • Using an HVLP Sprayer (High Volume Low Pressure) apply a coat of highly bonding primer. This is followed by light sanding and dusting after the primer is dry.
  • Spray two additional coats of specialty cabinet paint in the desired color. Allow sufficient dry time and sand between coats as needed.
    • At this point in the process, hardware will be installed. 
  • Clean up and remove all masking paper and tape and cover and wipe down the cabinets with a clean dry microfiber rag.
  • Allow paint to completely dry before starting to use the cabinets.

Final thoughts when putting paint on kitchen cabinets

The above is a general guide to properly prepare and spray paint but should be tweaked slightly depending on the project and material used. Failure to follow the proper procedure for any painting project could result in an undesirable finish.

Professional painters must know what paint and prep products yield the best results at any given time for any specific surfaces. This is because the paint industry is constantly evolving and introducing newer and more often better products. Navigating and matching the right paint and procedure for the right project is the key to any successful painting project.

Over the years, we have painted many kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. Additionally, sprayed built-ins and other architectural woodwork for homeowners in and around Westchester County, New York. Achieving a professional flawless finish on cabinets can add to the value of your home.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule a free consultation.

Please call or email us to set up an estimate or consultation at 914.762.7874 or info@painttrack.com
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