How to Paint your Kitchen Cabinets

The global COVID-19 pandemic has had many terrible downsides that are Known well enough that we do not need to discuss them here. However, some good things have come out of the enforced lockdown. People have to spend more time with their families, with their pets and doing something they enjoy, such as reading, walking or jigsaws.

Many people have also discovered practical ways to fill the long hours from breakfast to bedtime; they have found DIY.

Whether you're now a seasoned DIY expert or have half an idea that you'd like to try something new, we hope this article will teach you how to paint your kitchen cabinets.

We've included all the practical, need-to-know information and some helpful inspiration for why painting your kitchen cabinets is a great idea (we know some of you may be teetering on the fence, wondering if it's really for you).

So, without further ado, here is your ultimate guide to painting kitchen cabinets.

Why You Should Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Before painting most surfaces, you need to apply a primer layer to help the subsequent layers of paint stick. And as painting all your kitchen cupboards may seem daunting, we thought we would provide some words of encouragement and inspiration to act as a primer to make tackling the task stick.

It Saves You Money

Hiring professional painters is often very expensive as they charge a considerable amount. This is fair enough as they (mostly) do a grand job, but if you want to save a fair chunk of cash, DIY is the way to go.

It's Something to be Proud Of

After the job has been completed and you take a step back to admire your handy work, you will feel a real sense of pride in having planned a project, put in the graft, and seen it through to completion. Plus, you're lying to yourself if you say you won't enjoy dropping it into conversation with your friends the next time they're around for a cuppa.

It's Therapeutic

There's something about painting that is just so relaxing and therapeutic. Seeing the fruits of your labour as you go is satisfying, and the work requires just enough thinking to help you zone out and forget your usual thoughts and worries.

The 9 Steps to Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

Presuming you're sold on painting your cabinets, you'll need guidance on achieving that. This step-by-step guide will give you just that.

The Preparation Stage

"Step one, crack the paint open and start firing it on."… If only it were that easy. Before any paint job, there are several preparation steps, and it cannot be stressed enough that these steps are just as necessary as applying the paint. The old maxim, "fail to prepare, prepare to fail", sums it up nicely.

Step 1. Cleaning

Even if you clean your kitchen regularly, one area that often gets overlooked is the cabinets, so a thin layer of grime and grease builds up over time. You must apply a reputable kitchen cleaner and give your cabinets a good old scrub. Leave them to dry properly before step 2.

Step 2. Sanding

The next step involves sanding your kitchen cabinets' surface to create a rough surface for the paint to stick to. Sanding paper is given a "grit" grading according to how coarse it is. Take a piece of fine or coarse sanding paper (150–250 grit) and gently rub all areas to be painted. Always sand in the same direction as the grain of the wood. While doing so will produce a fair bit of dust, so you might like to use a mask while working.

Once you've sanded everywhere, wipe away all the accumulated dust with a damp cloth and leave it to dry completely.

Step 3. Taping

Now you need to apply masking tape to all the areas you want to stop the painting from reaching, including door handles, panes of glass and metalwork. Remove any door handles you can; if not, tape them. It's also a great idea to cover your floor in painter's sheets or newspaper to stop any stray drips from hitting your floor coverings.

Step 4. Priming

Now we're getting to the good stuff. Ideally, it would be best if you went for a primer designed specifically for the surface you're painting. However, to keep the job simple, you can't go wrong with some Ronseal One Coat All-surface Primer and Undercoat found in any hardware or paint store. Steer clear of wood primer is required only on wood that hasn't received paint.

Apply just one layer of primer, then allow to dry for 2–4 hours. Critically the area has to be completely dry, so patience is key here.

The Painting Stage

An important note is required here on what paint to use. Paint stores are the best place for advice on this, but as a general rule of thumb, if you're painting laminates, opt for a paint specially designed for that surface. If you're painting wood, most interior paint will work well.

Step 5. First Coat

Having acquired the appropriate paint, it's time to get started. Give the paint tin a good shake, as it can sometimes settle at the bottom. A chisel or screwdriver may be required to prise open the container, then give it a good stir around with a piece of wood.

Make sure your paintbrush is loaded with a fair bit of paint, but you don't want it dripping everywhere. Apply the paint in the same direction as the wood's grain, usually up and down. Then, work your way around all your cabinets. We recommend some good music and a willing and able partner to lend a hand.

Step 6. The Waiting Game

Now, between coats, you'll generally need to leave around 24 hours of drying time. This will feel like ages, and you'll be sorely tempted to ignore or alter this step and crack on.

However, it would be best if you didn't succumb to temptation as you must let each coat dry properly before applying the next one. Failure to do so risks ruining all your efforts by producing a patchy job. If you start too soon, you'll leave big streaks where your brush pulls the still-wet paint out of position.

It's worth noting that this step will necessarily extend your project time depending on how many coats you plan on applying. Make sure to consider this when planning your project.

Step 7. Subsequent Coats

You'll need at least two coats for most paint jobs like this. Ensure a nice solid colour and hide any wood knots from peeking through. However, you may need 3 or 4 coats if changing the colour scheme dramatically. 

The Final Stage

Step 8. Any Waxing or Sealing That Needs to be done

An extra stage may be required depending on your chosen paint type. Some colours need a layer of sealant or wax to be painted over them. Helping to ensure the paint repels water and other substances and ensuring your paint job will last a long time.

In particular, this is necessary for chalk paints. However, it is always best to carefully read the instructions with your chosen colour. Alternatively, paint or hardware stores will be happy to advise on the specific requirements of each painting. 

Step 9. Removing the Tape

You are going to enjoy this step as it is incredibly satisfying. After all your paint and any wax or sealant layers are dry, slowly and carefully remove each piece of tape from any metal or other surfaces you have covered.

You mustn't yank or rip at the tape, as a small amount of paint will have overlapped the tape and your cabinets, meaning if you pull at the colour, you risk big chunks of paint coming off your cabinets. 

The Final Say

Having completed all these steps, the last stage is to make a cup of tea, take a step back, and thoroughly enjoy the satisfaction of your completed paint job.

We hope this guide will be helpful information for your next DIY adventure. All that remains to be said is good luck!