How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: Steps, Cost, and Tips
How to paint kitchen cabinets yourself? Here are four main steps:
1.Clean and repair the cabinets: Use a specialized degreaser and wax remover to clean the cabinets, and use wood filler to repair any damage. Then, sand the cabinet surfaces with sandpaper to ensure better adhesion of the paint.
2.Apply primer: Primer helps the paint adhere better to the cabinet surface and prevents paint peeling and fading. Let the primer dry completely before moving to the next step.
3.Paint the cabinets: Use a brush and roller to apply the cabinet paint evenly. You may need to apply multiple coats for the desired color and coverage. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
4.Reassemble the cabinets: Once the paint is fully dry, reassemble the cabinets. If you removed the cabinet doors and drawers before painting, now is the time to reinstall them.
Changing the color of kitchen cabinets is an economically effective way to enhance the overall look of your kitchen. This guide will help you paint kitchen cabinets yourself and give your kitchen a fresh new look. This article is quite long, so it is recommended to bookmark it for careful reading.
Why Paint Kitchen Cabinets Painting?
Kitchen cabinets is a simple and effective method to bring a new atmosphere and appearance to your kitchen. Not only that, it is also a way to maintain kitchen cabinets, extend their lifespan, and showcase your personal style. It is not only more cost-effective than replacing the entire cabinets but also increases the value of your home.
The Cost of Hiring a Professional to Sand and Paint Kitchen Cabinets
On average, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $6,000 for a professional to sand and paint kitchen cabinets. This estimate typically includes the cost of materials, such as paint, primer, and sandpaper, as well as labor costs.
The Preparation and Cost to Sanding and Painting My Kitchen Cabinets at Home
Before starting to paint kitchen cabinets, you need to prepare some necessary supplies.
Choose a painting location
It is strongly recommended not to do sanding and painting activities in the garage because the dust is really hard to clean, and the primer is oil-based with a choking smell. Typically, garages cannot be well-ventilated at night.
(At the time, we didn't have many options due to the rainy season. Later, we set up a plastic shed in the yard, which had good ventilation and dried quickly.)
Cost of tools and materials
Excluding reusable large tools, the pre-tax cost is $723.4. Here are the specific items:
1.Primer * 1 can = $35.98
2.White paint * 1 can = $39.98
3.Foam roller * 1 pack = $4.97
4.Brush * 1 pack = $19.47
5.Foam brush * 1 pack = $6.17
6.Paint tray * 1 = $1.87
7.Wood filler * 1 tube = $1.78
8.Square sandpaper * 1 pack = $4.97
9.Triangular sandpaper * 1 pack = $4.97
10.Sponge sandpaper * 1 pack = $6.97
11.Glass scraper * 1 = $4.97
12.Glass * 1 piece = $13.98
13.Masking tape * 1 roll = $6.23
14.3M masks * 1 pack = $7.97
15.Wood filler kit * 1 box = $10.67
16.Cabinet handle template * 1 = $7.86
17.Shelf liner * 3 rolls = $170.51
18.Cabinet handles * 24 pieces = $95.76
19.Air freshener * 1 bottle = $3.98
20.Degreaser * 1 bottle = $6.97
21.Protective plastic sheet * 1 roll = $10.98
22.Trash bags * 1 pack = $5.98
23.High-dexterity gloves * 1 pair = $4.97
24.Adjustable pry bar * 1 = $14.98
25.Wood screwdriver set * 1 = $10.98
26.Glass cleaner * 1 bottle = $5.98
The above tools and materials can be found at Home Depot and are for reference only. Please prepare according to your own needs.
Addressing related issues
Make sure you have repaired any damage to the cabinets and removed grease and other dirt before starting to paint.
Time spent
The entire process may take a weekend or longer, depending on the size of the cabinets and your work efficiency.
Does this budget fit within your consideration?
11 Steps to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
1.Remove all cabinet doors and drawers, and note the position of each door and drawer so that you can easily find their locations when reinstalling.
2.Use a glass scraper and adjustable pry bar to remove all hardware fittings from the doors and drawers, including handles and hinges.
3.Thoroughly clean all surfaces with a degreaser. Ensure every corner is clean without grease or stains. Then rinse with clean water and let it dry.
4.Inspect all surfaces and repair any damage or dents using wood filler. Then sand them smooth with an electric sander.
Note: It is recommended that you suck up most of the sanding dust and wipe the rest with a dry cloth.
5.Apply a layer of primer. Use a foam roller and brush to apply it evenly, ensuring that all surfaces are covered. Then wait for it to dry.
6.Apply the first coat of paint. Again, use a foam roller and brush to apply it evenly, then wait for it to dry.
7.If needed, apply a second coat of paint. Remember, each coat of paint needs to be completely dry before applying the next one.
NOTE: After each coat is dry, lightly sand with #14 sponge sandpaper to remove small raised paint spots that may remain on the surface.
8.After the paint is fully dry, install new hardware fittings. Use a cabinet handle template to ensure the correct placement of each handle.
9.Reinstall all doors and drawers. Make sure each one is properly installed in its original position.
10.Clean up the work area and use glass cleaner to clean all glass parts.
11.Finally, use an air freshener to remove any lingering paint odor.
Do you find the 11 steps cumbersome?
Practical Tips and Advice for Painting Kitchen Cabinets
1.Don't rush to apply the next coat of paint. Each coat needs to dry completely to avoid affecting the final result.
2.Keep the work area tidy. This not only helps you work more efficiently but also prevents dust and debris from contaminating the paint.
3.Precautions for painting, the roller paint should be as thin as possible.
4.Always follow safety regulations, especially when using power tools and paint.
5.Make sure you have enough materials and time before starting. This is a project that requires patience, so don't rush.
6.Wear protective clothing, goggles, masks, and gloves before starting.
7.Do not buy sandpaper that is too coarse or skip the light manual sanding between each coat of paint to save time. Otherwise, the contrast effect can be seen below, with the left image being 80-grit sanding without slight leveling between each layer, and the right image being 220-grit sanding with leveling between each layer.
Do you have any better suggestions？
Now that you know how to refresh the color of kitchen cabinets, this project, although time and effort-consuming, will be worth it when you see the results. Good luck!
If you want to buy kitchen cabinets directly, you can click here to find the right kitchen cabinets for your home.
FAQs about Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Q: Can I use a spray gun to paint cabinets? (From Reddit)
A: Yes, using a spray gun can result in a more even coat of paint. However, it is important to note that spray guns may produce mist, so they should be used in well-ventilated conditions.
Q: Do I need to sand between each coat of paint? (From YouTube)
A: It is not necessary, but sanding between applying primer and the first coat of paint can help the paint adhere better.