Pros of Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Painting kitchen cabinets offers several benefits:
- Cost-effective: Painting existing cabinets is much cheaper than installing new cabinets. You can transform the look of your kitchen for a fraction of the price.
- Quick Update: A fresh coat of paint is one of the fastest ways to update the look of your kitchen. Painting cabinets can be accomplished in a weekend.
- Customizable: Paint opens up endless color options. You can select any shade your heart desires to create a unique look.
- Durability: When properly prepped and primed, painted cabinets are surprisingly durable. The paint protects the wood from moisture, spills, and wear and tear.
Preparing Cabinets for Painting
Proper prep is crucial for painted cabinets to look good and stand the test of time:
- Clean thoroughly to remove grease and grime so the paint adheres well.
- Sand to rough up the surface and help the paint stick.
- Fill any holes/imperfections with wood filler for a smooth finish.
- Prime with a high-quality primer formulated for cabinets. Priming provides a barrier between paint and wood.
- Caulk around edges and joints for a seamless look.
Taking time to prep ensures the paint job will have a professional, flawless finish.
Painting Techniques
Apply cabinet paint in thin, even coats using high-quality brush or sprayer. Allow proper drying time between coats. Here are some key tips:
- Work in a ventilated area – fumes from paint and primer can be strong.
- Keep pets/kids away during the painting process to avoid accidents.
- Remove doors/drawers to make painting easier. Use painter’s tape for a crisp paint line.
- Start with the cabinet frames, then doors and finally drawers.
- Use a high-quality brush for cutting in and trim work. Rollers work for large flat areas.
- Sprayers provide the most seamless, professional finish but do require some expertise.
Patience and attention to detail as you paint will ensure your cabinets look like a professional painter tackled the job.
Choosing the Right Paint Color
Selecting the perfect color is key to achieving your dream kitchen:
- Consider the existing elements – countertops, backsplash, flooring – and look for complementary colors.
- Look at paint swatches in both natural and artificial light. Colors look different under each.
- Neutral colors like gray, beige and white are always fashionable and easy to match with different styles.
- Bold colors make a dramatic statement but are harder to match with other decorative elements down the road.
- Opt for a matte/eggshell finish rather than high-gloss, which shows imperfections.
Take your time choosing a shade you’ll love for years to come. Paint stores offer sample sizes so you can visualize before taking the full plunge.
Maintaining Your Painted Cabinets
Painted cabinets should hold up well for years with proper care:
- Hand wash cabinets using a mild soap and soft cloth to remove grease and dirt before it builds up.
- Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive sponges which can damage the paint over time.
- Re-caulk as needed to maintain a watertight seal around sinks and joints.
- Watch for chips/scratches and touch up paint as soon as possible to avoid moisture getting under the paint.
- Clean up spills quickly to avoid stains which can be harder to remove from painted finishes.
- Consider re-painting every 5-10 years or as needed to refresh the look. Proper prep makes re-painting easier.
With the right prep and care, painted cabinets can look amazing for many years, providing a bright and budget-friendly kitchen update! Have fun choosing a color that showcases your personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Should I paint my oak cabinets?
Painting oak cabinets is a great way to update their look without the cost of new cabinets. The key is proper prep and primer. Make sure to thoroughly sand, clean, fill holes, and use a primer formulated specifically for laminate surfaces. Then your oak cabinets can be painted just like any other wood surface.
What sheen is best for cabinet paint?
An eggshell or satin sheen is ideal for cabinet paint. These finishes provide a subtle sheen but hide imperfections well. High-gloss paint shows every flaw in the wood or application. Matte is too flat and does not clean as easily. Satin or eggshell offer the best of both – some sheen but enough to hide flaws and wipe clean easily.
How do I choose the right white paint color?
Picking a white paint color for cabinets can be tricky because whites vary from warm to cool undertones. A warm white complements wood cabinets nicely. Compare shades in natural daylight when possible. Whites like Swiss Coffee and Decorators White are warm whites that pair well with oak cabinets and avoid a sterile hospital look.
Should I paint cabinet interiors?
The interior cabinets frames, doors and sides can be painted to match your exterior color. However, painting the back cabinet “boxes” is optional since they are not visible. Priming and painting the interiors does provide more durability and moisture protection. But for a budget option, simply paint visible interior surfaces.
What type of paint adheres best to cabinets?
An oil-based primer followed by a high-quality enamel paint formulated for cabinets and trim will adhere best. Alternatively, use a paint kit designed just for painting cabinets that contains primer and paint in one. Look for adhesion-promoting properties on the label. Stay away from all-in-one paints which do not adhere or withstand wear as well.
Conclusion
Painting kitchen cabinets can provide a fresh, updated look with a reasonable amount of time and money invested. With proper planning, preparation, high-quality paint and careful application, your painted cabinets can take on a like-new appearance that looks professional and custom. Take your time prepping, choosing dream colors and applying the paint correctly. Follow tips on maintenance and touch-ups to enjoy your painted kitchen cabinets for many years to come. Embrace the chance to re-imagine your kitchen with the magic of a simple paintbrush.