Are you looking for a simple, cost-effective way to upgrade your kitchen? Painting your kitchen cupboard doors is the easiest way to give your kitchen a quick and easy makeover, without the hefty price tag. Instead of replacing your units entirely, a fresh coat of cupboard paint can completely transform your kitchen, efficiently bringing in a new style and personality to your space.
Whether you’re in the market for a home refresh or updating your cabinets for resale, our step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to paint kitchen cupboards and create a kitchen to be proud of.
Why Should I Paint My Kitchen Cabinet Doors?
Finding cost-effective solutions to everyday life is the easiest way to create a home you love, without breaking the bank. Instead of replacing your kitchen units completely, keep the carcasses in place and transform your cabinet doors to fit every aesthetic.
Here are just a few ways painting your kitchen cabinet doors is the way to go for a home refresh:
- Saving Money: It’s simple, but it’s true. Painting your kitchen doors costs a fraction of the price of a brand-new kitchen.
- Modern Updates: Styles change, aesthetics differ. With just a few hours of your time, your kitchen can be transformed from dated to modern with these few easy steps.
- Minimal Disruption: There’s no need for major building work or long installation; with just a paintbrush and some patience, you will be showing off your kitchen in no time.
- Eco-Friendly Upgrade: Reduce your waste and make your project more sustainable for the planet by reusing your existing cabinets.
Which Tools and Materials Will I Need?
Before you get started on creating your brand new kitchen, ensure you have the essentials to make each step as easy as possible.
Tools:
- Screwdriver/Drill (for removing cabinet doors and handles)
- Sandpaper (preferably 120-220 grit)
- Brushes
- Mini-Rollers
- Masking Tape
Materials:
- Primer
- Paint (either satin, semi-gloss, or specialist cabinet paint)
- Degreaser or sugar soap
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinet Doors
Now that you have all your tools and materials ready, it’s time to take the plunge and start building your perfect kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare Your Space
The easiest way to begin any project is to lay out the basics. Here are some top tips before you get started:
- Take each cabinet door one at a time to avoid confusion for a smooth finish.
- Label each cupboard and hinge once removed to make sure reassembly is easy and you don’t misplace anything!
- Declutter and cover the surrounding areas with a dust cover to protect from dust and paint spillages.
- Use your masking tape to protect tiles, walls and backsplashes from drips.
Step 2: Clean and Degrease your Cupboard Doors
Kitchens are notorious for grease buildup, especially around the trickiest areas such as hobs and handles. To ensure proper adhesion of your cabinets, degreasing your doors is essential.
Wipe down each surface – both inside and out – using either a degreaser or simple sugar soap. Pay extra attention to the edges of the doors, where build-up is most likely. Ensure that the doors are completely dry before moving on to our next step.
Although this may seem time-consuming, skipping this step will prevent the paint from properly adhering to the surfaces, leading to unnecessary extra steps later on.
Step 3: Sand the Surfaces
Sanding your cabinets will help remove any existing gloss, providing your primer with the perfect surface to grip. Make sure to use a light grip when sanding, and focus on the cupboard door fronts, drawer fronts and cabinet frames.
Starting with a piece of 120-grit sandpaper will help to remove the sheen on the cabinet, before finishing with a 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth and even texture. Using a sanding block or electric sander will save you some time and be useful for larger surface areas, though this is not essential. Make sure to fold the sandpaper to reach into any grooves and corners for intricate cupboard doors.
After sanding, wipe away any existing dust with a damp micro-fibre cloth, and get your tools ready to begin priming.
Step 4: Apply your Primer
Using a primer is an essential step in making sure your hard work stands the test of time. Primers are perfect at preventing stains from bleeding through and making your paint stick evenly.
Apply a thin, even layer of primer using a roller-brush for flatter areas and a small brush for edges and detailed moulding. Let the primer dry for the allotted time according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, lightly sand the cupboard doors again to smooth out any brush marks and uneven textures before you begin painting your final colour.
Step 5: Paint your Cupboards
Now that you have completed the mundane essential steps, it’s time for the fun part – bringing colour to your kitchen.
High-quality satins or semi-gloss paints are the durable choice for your paint, as they create a smooth finish that is easy to wipe clean. Specialist cabinet paints are also available if you desire excellent adhesion and coverage. Ensure you read the guides on each of your paint choices before starting, as each company will have their own opinion on the number of coats needed.
It’s now time for the first coat! Stir the paint well and apply the first layer with long, even strokes, using a foam roller for large sections and a small brush for the edges and intricate corner details if necessary. Try to avoid heavy coats by applying thin layers, which will allow for quicker drying times and prevent drips.
Allow the first coat to dry evenly before applying the second, and if necessary, a third layer for a deeper colour and increased durability.
The key to any renovation project is patience – make sure to allow enough time for each layer to set for the smoothest finish.
Step 6: Reassembly
Once you are satisfied with your finish, it’s time to reassemble your kitchen and get it ready to shine.
Carefully reattach the doors, hinges, and handles. Once everything is cured, wipe away any dust or fingerprints for a clean finish. Whilst you’re at it, why not upgrade your kitchen hardware with brand new knobs and handles to complement your brand new kitchen?
Now all that’s left to do is stand back and admire your hard work.
Learning how to paint kitchen cupboards is one of the most rewarding and satisfying DIY projects you can do. With just the right preparation, tools and patience, you can transform your kitchen into a space that you could only dream of – and at a fraction of the price for a complete renovation. A stylish DIY kitchen makeover is only a few coats of paint away. Need help choosing the perfect fitted kitchen for your space? Contact us, we’re always happy to help.
