Painting for kitchen cabinets: Best Paint for Cabinets, 2023 (24 Brands Blind-Tested & Reviewed)
Can kitchen cabinets be painted? Experts discuss the pros and pitfalls |
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It’s likely you’re wondering if kitchen cabinets can be painted if the finish of your cabinets is looking tired and overdue for a makeover. And you might be wondering, too, if it’s a project you can undertake yourself, or one that’s better to call in a pro for.
The answer is that kitchen cabinets can be painted to give the room a remodel without major disruption, though of course, it’s vital to know how to paint kitchen cabinets properly to get a perfect finish. What is important is that the kitchen cabinets themselves still work in terms of their layout and style. If that’s the case, it can be simple to swap to a different color, or an alternative paint finish, or revamp doors and drawers that are scuffed.
We asked the experts to share their knowhow on whether kitchen cabinets can be painted, including both the benefits of doing so, and the snags it’s essential to be aware of.
Can kitchen cabinets be painted?
Yes, kitchen cabinets can be painted. ‘Everything can be painted, it just depends on what the work involved will be to get the paint to adhere to the substrate,’ says David Steckel, Thumbtack’s home expert.
Cabinets are made from a variety of materials, and changing kitchen cabinet colors involves a different process depending on the material: in other words, it’s essential to be aware of the type of surface onto which you are painting.
Here’s what the experts told us in answer to the question of whether kitchen cabinets can be painted, along with the pitfalls you should bear in mind if you are considering painted kitchen cabinet ideas.
The pros of painting kitchen cabinets
(Image credit: Harvey Jones)
We have lots of tips for painting kitchen cabinets, but these are the most important benefits:
Avoids waste
One of the most important benefits of painting kitchen cabinets is that it avoids waste. ‘I hate throwing perfectly good cabinets into the dumpster,’ says Kathy Corbet of Kathy Corbet Interiors in Richmond, Va. ‘Painting kitchen cabinets is not only sustainable, but it’s also a quick and fabulous way to update a room.’
Good sales strategy
David Steckel agrees, and adds that it can be a good strategy if you plan to sell your home soon. ‘This upgrade can reboot your kitchen in a big way, and a kitchen update like this can improve your home’s resale value and yield a staggering 72 per cent return on your investment,’ he says.
Easier to change pulls
Painting kitchen cabinets makes an additional style upgrade you may want to do simpler, says Heather Mastrangeli, principal designer of Innovatus Design.
‘Another benefit of painting cabinets is that you can change the pull types more easily because you don’t have to maintain the same drill holes as before,’ she explains. ‘They can be filled and redrilled for the new hardware easily, providing flexibility for hardware styles.’
Saves money
Consider, too, the cost to paint kitchen cabinets versus shopping for new ones. ‘Painting your kitchen cabinets can cost a lot less than buying new ones and having them installed,’ says Kerry Sherin, consumer advocate at Ownerly. ‘Because painting is typically cheaper than buying and installing new, you should have more money to spend elsewhere if you go this route,’ she continues. ‘New cabinets plus installation can cost almost half of your kitchen renovation budget. By cutting costs there, you can upgrade your flooring, countertops, or even get the high-end appliances you really want in your remodeling project.’
Protects cabinets
A painted kitchen finish can also enhance the durability of the cabinets.
‘Painting kitchen cabinets protects them from the everyday wear and tear associated with regular use in the kitchen,’ says Matt Teifke, founder and CEO of Teifke Real Estate. ‘The paint acts as an extra layer of protection, keeping the cabinets looking good and lasting longer.’
Personalizes the kitchen
‘Painting kitchen cabinets allows you to personalize your space in a unique way,’ says Alex Capozzolo, co-founder of SD House Guys. ‘You can choose colors and finishes that fit your style, making the kitchen more of an extension of yourself rather than just another room in your house.’
Looks like new
And painting cabinets really can be transformative. ‘You might think it would take a miracle to fix your old cabinets,’ says Kerry Sherin. ‘You might find the miracle you’re looking for in paint. Painted cabinets can look brand new when done right.’
Possible pitfalls when painting kitchen cabinets
(Image credit: Dan Duchars)
To reap the benefits listed above, it is, of course, vital to know how to paint kitchen cabinets.
These are the traps for the unwary, say the experts.
Not using the right paint and primer
The right paint is crucial to success when painting kitchen cabinets. ‘Make sure to use durable paints that can withstand the harsh environment of a kitchen,’ says carpenter Matt Hagens, founder and CEO of Obsessed Woodworking. ‘If you’re using an oil-based paint, apply it in a well-ventilated area and allow time to dry thoroughly before moving any items around,’ he adds.
Kerry Sherin says it’s worth the extra cost for quality paint. ‘You will have better coverage, the paint will last longer, and it will look better,’ she says.
Make sure, too, you have the right products for the material from which the cabinets are made. ‘Typically cabinets are either solid wood; “good one side” plywood; wood veneer on plywood or MDF or HDF; thermofoil; or melamine,’ explains David Steckel.
‘For wood, you have to simply sand down to get to a clean and even surface, apply primer and then a top coat.
For thermofoil, laminate or melamine, you should either peel it off or sand down, prime it and apply your top coats. For veneer, you sand down, replace any damaged areas, prime and apply your top coats.’
Not preparing the doors
If you are going to paint kitchen cabinets yourself (and we’ll get to the pros and cons of this below), as with all DIY tasks, good preparation is key. ‘Most people skip cleaning and sanding and just paint the cabinet doors,’ says Kerry Sherin. ‘For a high-quality finish, clean, sand, and then wash the doors again before painting. Clean the doors with warm water and soap to remove grease, rust, and food debris. Be sure to dry with a lint-free rag and make sure the doors are completely dry before sanding if they are very greasy.’
Not taking the doors off
DIYers take note. Doors should not be left in place for good results. ‘To have a smooth paint job, you should remove all cabinet doors from their hinges,’ explains Alexandra Arcand, a home improvement expert with Expert Insurance Reviews.
‘By leaving them on, you risk an incomplete paint job or ruining your paint by bumping into them while wet.’
Not keeping track of what goes where
It’s also vital to be able to put the doors back in the right place. ‘A common mistake that many make is removing doors and handles to paint outside, then forgetting which piece goes where,’ says Ben Kuhl, professional kitchen remodeler and CEO at Shelf Expression. ‘Be sure to organize and number each door, drawer and handle so you don’t forget where they go after painting them.’
Not factoring in drying time
Again, if painting kitchen cabinets yourself, bear in mind that they can only be painted successfully if you allow sufficient drying time. ‘I would wait at least 48 hours for the cabinets to dry, so work two extra days into your timeline,’ says David Steckel.
Be aware that drying times can vary, though. ‘Depending on the type of paint you used and the conditions in your home, this could take anywhere from 24 hours to a week,’ says Phi Dang, director of home services company Sidepost.
Not calling in a pro when you need one
Kitchen cabinets can be painted as a DIY job, but sometimes it may be better to call in a professional. ‘If you don’t feel comfortable, always reach out to a professional to have your project completed safely and properly,’ says interior designer Kathy Corbet.
Perfectionists should call in a pro, agrees owner of Hometown Painting Matt Stone. ‘If you want the absolute best finish on your cabinets (mirror-like or butter smooth) hire a professional,’ he recommends. ‘They will have the equipment and expertise to get it done to the highest quality.’
Another reason you might want to call in a pro is when you don’t know what the cabinets are made from. If you ‘aren’t sure what material you’re working with, it’s usually best to involve a professional’, says Andre Kazimierski, CEO, Improovy Painters St Louis
Is painting kitchen cabinets a good idea?
Painting kitchen cabinets is a good idea. ‘Painting kitchen cabinets is a great way to extend the life of a good cabinet case where the finish has become dated and the homeowner would like a refresh, but without replacing the whole unit,’ says Heather Mastrangeli, principal designer of Innovatus Design.
‘Painting cabinets is often completed in the field by a professional, but with the right tools and knowledge could be done as a DIY project,’ she adds. ‘You should expect to touch up the paint finish every few years to maintain the appearance.’
What kind of paint do you use to paint over kitchen cabinets?
It’s important to get your paint finishes right. Either oil or water-based paints can be used to paint over kitchen cabinets. ‘Some argue that oil-based paint can have a smoother finish and durability,’ says chartered architectural technologist June Grinstead. Water-based acrylic paint, on the other hand, has no odor so might be preferable to work with.
Think paint finish, too. Gloss or semi-gloss finishes are easy to clean, so can be better in order to make keeping your kitchen looking its best a less demanding task.
Always choose a primer and paint suitable for the cabinet material.
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: 10 Things Nobody Tells You
Ready to make a change in your kitchen, without the expense and hassle of sourcing and installing all-new everything? A new coat of paint on kitchen cabinets, when done well, can completely change the look of your kitchen—on a minimal budget.
(If you need proof, just see 6 Kitchen Cabinets Transformed with Paint.)
Ready to get started? Here are 10 things to know:
1. Wood is best.
Above: After consulting with an interior designer, Meredith found a paint shade for her unsightly wood cabinets that balances out the dark-colored tile backsplash and transforms the space. Read more about how she did it in Before & After: A Remodelista Editor’s Dated California Kitchen Gets a Refresh.
When it comes to painting cabinets, any kind of wood will do. “Unfinished, painted, and stained wood all work well, as does MDF, compressed/faux wood,” says painter Albert Ridge in How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: 5 Tips from a Master Painter. But painting is pretty forgiving: “In truth, any material that you can scuff up with sandpaper so that paint adheres is viable. That’s why laminates aren’t a good choice—you can paint them, but it won’t be long-lasting. Note that stained wood and glossy finishes have to first be de-glossed; I use a liquid sander, Wil-Bond, that’s applied with a rag.
”
2. You’ll need to label each cabinet panel.
Above: Photograph from Ikea Upgrade: The SemiHandmade Kitchen Remodel.
When taking cabinet doors off of their hinges and drawers out of their slots, you’ll need to come up with a system to remember where everything goes. Draw a small diagram and label each piece accordingly so you can easily put them back in the correct places once they’re dry.
And, you’ll need tape: carefully cover hinges, hardware, and edges with painter’s tape, and countertops with rosin paper or brown builder’s paper. As with any paint job, the more thorough the prep, the better the result.
3. Now is the time to deep-clean.
Above: For pantry-organizing tips, see Blisshaus: Bringing Back the Old World Pantry, One Kitchen at a Time plus The Organized Pantry: 8 Rules for Decanting Dried Goods and 7 Favorites: Classic Glass Pantry Storage Jars, both on The Organized Home.
No, you can’t keep food in your cabinets while you paint the exteriors.
But never fear: now is also a perfect time to organize what you have. Remove everything, lay it out (Marie Kondo style), and weed out unused items. You’ll also need to take the time to clean your cabinets thoroughly, inside and out, with a grease-cutting cleanser, to remove any residue or spills that have occurred over the years. Store foodstuffs in a separate room, if possible, during the painting process, then return them, newly organized, once your cabinets are finished and completely dry.
4. You can come back from black.
Above: A kitchen in Philadelphia hotel Lokal by Jersey Ice Cream Co., with cabinets painted in Sherwin Williams’s Seaworthy. See more in Trend Alert: The Cult of the Blue Kitchen.
Of course you can easily paint your white- or light-colored cabinets in a darker, trendy shade. But if you’ve grown tired of dark gray (or the deep blue that was on trend a couple of years ago; see: Trend Alert: The Cult of the Blue Kitchen), never fear: you can, with some effort, return your cabinets to a lighter shade.
The key is in the primer: “Consider tinting the primer to match the final color,” suggests painter Albert Ridge in How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: 5 Tips from a Master Painter. “If your color transition is extreme, you might instead add a coat of underbody, such as Fresh Start, a thicker, less transparent primer that hides more (and can also be tinted). You can have the tinting done in the paint store; I request 75 percent of the final color, so it’s lighter but close.”
(Meredith painted her bathroom black, then back to white again; her tips apply to the kitchen as well. Read on in Back from Black: Repainting the Bath from Dark to Light.)
5. Use the hard stuff.
For cabinets, forget matte and eggshell finishes, and opt for semigloss, gloss, or satin instead—hardy finishes that are easy to clean. “You want a surface that’s durable and wipeable, so you won’t be painting again for at least a few years,” says Ridge.
6. The magic number? 2 to 2.5.
Above: An arsenal of tools and brushes in DIY Paint: Designer Michaela Scherrer Mixes Her Own Shades of White.
Photograph by Matthew Williams.
Drop the roller: to get the best finish on painted cabinets, use a two- to two-and-a-half-inch fine bristle brush instead, which can get in the small corners and details. Or, if you must use a roller, find a mini one that will fit handily on smaller surfaces, then go over with a brush to eliminate roller marks and get into any tiny spaces.
For more foolproof painting tips, see Remodeling 101: 12 Essential Tips for the Perfect Paint Job.
7. For a clean, bright look, you can’t go wrong with white.
Above: White cabinets meet white walls and a white backsplash in Reader Rehab: A Boston Kitchen Embraces the Light.
Advises Berkeley, California-based interior designer Gustave Carlson (a member of our Remodelista Architect and Designer Directory): “I like my cabinets to blend with the room color.” White (his preference is Benjamin Moore’s Linen White) “creates a quiet backdrop for the room’s activities” (and brings light in as well). Opting for a fresh coat of white paint? See more architects’ picks in 10 Easy Pieces: Architects’ White Paint Picks for Kitchen Cabinets.
8. Have glass-fronted or open cabinets? Be sure to paint the interiors, too.
Above: A glass cabinet in Rehab Diary: A Hardworking Brooklyn Kitchen by Architect Annabelle Selldorf.
The beauty of glass-fronted cabinets and open shelving is that it allows you to display what’s inside. But don’t forget that this puts the interiors of your cabinet boxes on display, too. These will need a careful coat of paint—or, opt for a different shade on the interiors, for intrigue. (For more on the pros and cons of glass, and other types of cabinets, see Remodeling 101: A Guide to the Only 6 Kitchen Cabinet Styles You Need to Know.)
9. Tired of blue? Try yellow.
Above: Photograph courtesy of British Standard, from Kitchen of the Week: Stardust in Northwest London.
Blue cabinets and green cabinets have had their moments (see Architects’ 12 Favorite Blue Paints for Kitchen Cabinets). What’s set to take off in 2019, according to the Pinterest 100: Top Trends for 2019? Yellow. Give it a try if you’re feeling bold.
10. Feeling impatient? There’s spray paint for that.
If painting by hand sounds tiresome, it is possible to spray-paint your cabinets. Follow all of the same prep steps with care, then take your cabinet fronts and drawers outside (or meticulously cover everything else in the room) before spraying. Source a professional-quality sprayer and remember this mantra: multiple thin coats, not one thick one.
More tips and tricks to know before you remodel:
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Marble Countertops
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Painting a Room White
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Shiplap
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Frequently asked questions
What are the tips for painting kitchen cabinets?
The tips for painting kitchen cabinets are preparing the surface of the cabinets, removing the doors and hardware, sanding the cabinets, priming the cabinets, using a roller and brush for painting, allowing ample time for drying and giving two coats of paint.
What are the steps to prepare the surface of the cabinets for painting?
The steps to prepare the surface of the cabinets for painting are removing the hardware, scrubbing and cleaning the cabinets, sanding down the cabinets, fixing any dents or scratches with wood filler, and cleaning the cabinets again.
What kind of paint should be used for painting kitchen cabinets?
A high-quality paint should be used for painting kitchen cabinets, such as Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams. It is best to use paint that is specifically designed for cabinets and that is durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean.
How can one ensure that the painted cabinets last for a long time?
To ensure that the painted cabinets last for a long time, one can use a high-quality paint, use a primer, let the coats of paint dry thoroughly before applying the next coat, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on them. Additionally, one can also hire a professional to paint the cabinets for better results.
What should be the ideal time gap between drying two coats of paint?
The ideal time gap between drying two coats of paint is around 4 hours. However, it is best to check the instructions on the label of the paint to know the exact drying time and duration for applying the next coat.
Can one paint laminated cabinets with ease?
One can paint laminated cabinets with ease, but it needs to be done carefully. One should start by lightly sanding and then cleaning the laminated surface. Then, apply a bonding primer that is specifically designed for laminates and let it dry. Finally, one can apply two coats of high-quality paint and let them dry thoroughly.
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The second life of old things. Suitcase, door, picture – WikiStroy
Armchair from an old suitcase
It would seem that here is an old suitcase, who needs it? It is old and unfashionable, but strong enough that with a little effort, you can get an original vintage chair.
For work you will need:
Let’s get to work. First you need to put your suitcase in order. Wash it well and dry it.
While the suitcase dries, take care of the legs. Polish them with sandpaper and paint with spray paint.
Measure the dimensions of the bottom of the suitcase and cut a rectangle out of the plywood sheet exactly to size. Put it on the bottom of the suitcase and screw it with screws.
Attach the leg mounts from the outside to the bottom of the suitcase and screw them with screws to the plywood inside the suitcase.
Now let’s move on to the pillows. The bottom of the suitcase is usually too deep, which is not very convenient, so we will raise it a little with the help of pieces of foam rubber. You can take a whole piece, or you can cut off, just make sure that they are on the same level. And it’s better to stick them with glue to avoid slipping.
We sew pillows. It is better to take a fabric that is sufficiently dense and dirt-repellent. If this is not available, then ordinary upholstery fabric will do. We sew a “bag” according to the size of the bottom of the suitcase and stuff it with the chosen filler, in our case it is a padding polyester. You need to stuff tightly, but do not overdo it, the pillow should still be flat.
Sew up the pillow and quilt with a long needle in a checkerboard pattern. Then, to secure the threads, put glue on the knots on the underside of the pillow and glue it to the bottom.
The pillow is sewn on the back of the chair in the same way.
And finally, the finale – turn the suitcase over and screw the legs. And now it is no longer just old junk, but quite an exclusive and vintage suitcase.
But in order to create your own style, chairs alone are not enough, they need the same unique table.
What to make it from? Yes, from anything, even from old doors. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the absence of serious defects.
Table from old doors
For work we need:
For a coffee table, it is better to take low and strong legs, since the wooden door leaf is quite heavy.
Unscrew all hinges, handles and all metal elements from the door.
Treat with a paint remover and start cleaning the doors.
Curly elements can bring a lot of trouble, but it’s worth it. Seal holes from screws, nails and small chips with a special putty for wood.
If there are few defects and the texture of the wood is quite interesting, then you can not paint the future countertop, but open it with a stain, and then varnish.
We attach the legs to the table in the same way as to the suitcase chair.
And now you have a whole set of unique things. But for the ultimate surprise for your guests, serve them tea on an equally unique tray made from a picture frame. Just try to match the style of the tray with the upholstery of the chairs.
Making a tray from an old picture frame
If you have found an old frame from a painting of the right size, then you can get to work.
It needs to be well treated with sandpaper so that there are no burrs, and then painted. After the paint is dry, you need to think about the handles for the tray. Look around, maybe somewhere nearby there is a rickety chest of drawers with suitable handles? Feel free to “expropriate” them.
Measure the inside dimensions of the frame and cut out the bottom for the tray from a piece of plywood. Find a piece of beautiful colored wallpaper or fabric, wrap plywood with it, insert it into the frame and secure with small screws.