Refinishing cabinetry with new colors is an inexpensive way to freshen up a kitchen, yet painting already painted kitchen cabinets requires extra sanding and drying time.
Tip: For optimal results, using a brush is much simpler and allows you to access even the tiniest corners and details more efficiently.
Sanding
Repainting cabinets requires that you sand the surface first to ensure proper adhesion of primer and paint, for best results use a light touch with 120-grit sandpaper or sponge; for heavy grain patterns on doors use coarser 100-grit paper before proceeding with painting.
Before applying the first coat of paint, be sure to vacuum or use a damp cloth to clear away dust and debris from sanding. Any leftover particles could cling onto a freshly-coated surface and compromise its integrity if not eliminated properly.
Cover countertops and floors with tarps or drop cloths to protect them from drips and splatter. Once done, move cabinet doors and drawers into an organized staging area such as your garage or another separate workspace; be sure to number each door and drawer so you know their final placement when you are finished!
Primer
Apply a coat of high-quality primer using both a brush for edges and tight spots, and a roller for large flat surfaces. Choose an oil-based primer if the original finish was varnish or an acrylic latex one for paint finishes.
Kitchens are busy workspaces, and cabinets take a beating over time. Both natural wood finishes and manmade finishes may become dulled from moisture intrusion and food debris accumulation, fading or chipping over time. To preserve their finish from further degradation and avoid future paint fading or chipping, lightly sand all surfaces before painting over them again.
If the cabinet finishes are composed of laminate or veneer, take extra caution when sanding to avoid stripping away too much material. After sanding, wipe down surfaces using a clean cloth and tack cloth to collect loose dust before vacuuming thoroughly to make sure there is no remaining dust that has not yet settled before moving to step two.
Paint
Paint can transform cabinets back to life, so it’s crucial that you use high-quality latex. Choose a color that complements the rest of your kitchen and make sure to test a small area before going all-in on painting them all over.
Once the primer has been set, it is time to apply your chosen cabinet paint. While spraying may be faster and more convenient than rolling or brushing, many professionals favor spraying as their preferred method.
If you’re using a roller, test out various types of sleeves until you find the ones that give the best results. Mohair and microfiber are generally best at providing smooth finishes; foam sleeves can also provide great value and ease of use.
To prevent drips and globs, it’s wise to keep a brush handy to quickly address issues when they arise. Also, be prepared with a damp rag to wipe away excess paint before it dries; this will reduce touch-up needs later on.
Finish
Once your cabinets have been completely painted and given ample time to dry, applying a clear top coat will protect their finish for extended durability. Without this step in place, paint colors could fade over time or chip and peel prematurely.
To apply a top coat with professional results, use thin, even coats that cover adequately. This will reduce visible brush strokes and make for a sleek and professional finish. When selecting a roller model to use, look for one with smooth surfaces in order to avoid leaving orange-peel textures behind.
Some types of wood contain pores that become visible with paint applications and can be quite noticeable on cabinets made of these wood types. If this is an issue in your cabinetry, spackling may help fill these pores effectively.
Before beginning a painting, mark all doors and drawers with numbers for easier reinstallation later. Also lay down a tarp to protect countertops, stovetop, and floor. Additionally, it would be wise to cover anything else you wish to remain neat while working as well.