Revitalizing outdated kitchen cabinetry through painting offers a cost-effective home makeover solution.
Painting kitchen cabinets can be a rewarding DIY project, but it's important to prepare and choose the right materials for a long-lasting finish. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Preparation
Before you start painting, move furniture and cover appliances, remove everything from the cupboards, dust away loose dust or dirt, lay drop cloths over floors and surfaces, and apply tape around the perimeter of the cabinets to protect countertops, walls, and backsplash areas.
Choosing the Right Paint
Specialist kitchen cabinet paints with finishes like gloss, semi-gloss, or satin provide a durable and easy-to-clean surface. Regardless of the material of your kitchen units (solid wood, veneer, or laminate), a primer followed by the right type of paint is crucial for a long-lasting finish.
For a professional-looking, lasting finish, consider using water-based alkyd (hybrid) paints or urethane-modified acrylic paints. These paints combine the smooth, durable finish of oil-based paints with water-based cleanup and low odor. They self-level well, resist yellowing, and provide excellent adhesion and color retention. Examples include Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Waterborne.
Urethane-modified acrylic paints are very tough, scratch-resistant, and fast-drying, designed to withstand frequent cleaning and heavy kitchen use. They form a durable finish that holds up well to daily wear and messes. Recommended options are Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane and Benjamin Moore Cabinet Coat.
For the finish, a semi-gloss paint is recommended because it balances durability with being easy to clean, making it a top choice for kitchen cabinets.
Painting the Cabinets
Start with a primer to create a strong surface for the paint to adhere to, and use an oil-based primer for better hiding of brush strokes, although it takes longer to dry. After priming, gently rub down with fine-grit sandpaper, and wipe down with a damp cloth between coats for a dust-free surface.
When painting laminate kitchen cabinets, a water-based primer or a shellac-based primer like ZINSSER B-I-N can be used, followed by a paint designed for laminate surfaces.
Slab doors can be painted with a roller, going in all directions to cover, and touch-ups can be done with a brush. For Shaker style and raised panel doors/drawers, a brush and roller are required. Kickboards, which take more knocks than average cupboard doors, should be given an extra coat of paint.
Maintenance
Kitchen cabinets should be cleaned regularly with a clean cloth and warm water, or a mild detergent if needed. For more stubborn dirt and grease, a solution of one cup vinegar and two cups of warm water, or one cup vinegar, two cups of warm water, and a tablespoon of baking soda can be used.
Ronseal's Senior Brand Manager, Jimmy Englezos, suggests choosing a contemporary colour when designing a kitchen.
[1] Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Waterborne, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane, Benjamin Moore Cabinet Coat
[2] Sherwin-Williams Semi-Gloss Enamel
- For a rewarding DIY project, consider building a guide to paint kitchen cabinets, following preparation steps like moving furniture, covering appliances, and applying tape.
- When choosing the right paint, opt for specialist kitchen cabinet paints with finishes like gloss, semi-gloss, or satin, and ensure a primer is used for a long-lasting finish.
- For a professional-looking and lasting finish, consider using water-based alkyd (hybrid) paints or urethane-modified acrylic paints, such as Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Waterborne, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane, and Benjamin Moore Cabinet Coat.
- Semi-gloss paint is recommended as a finish for kitchen cabinets, as it balances durability with being easy to clean.
- In maintenance, clean kitchen cabinets regularly with warm water, or mild detergent if needed, and for stubborn dirt and grease, use a solution of vinegar, warm water, or baking soda.
- To enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle, design your kitchen with contemporary colours, following guidance from professionals like Ronseal's Senior Brand Manager, Jimmy Englezos.
