How to paint kitchen cabinets

Kim Hall
by Kim Hall
I bought a foreclosure with nice cabinets but they are filthy and I don't care for the natural wood look. Painting is not my thing as it requires attention to detail and the like :) so clean, sand, prime then paint? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
  10 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Aug 02, 2013
    Cleaning will be the biggest task...I would start with a good "degreaser" then follow that up with some TSP and few good rinses....then lightly sand, prime and paint.
  • Kimberly Barney Kimberly Barney on Aug 02, 2013
    It will be easier to paint, if you remove the doors and hardware first. I suggest that you label the doors before removing for easier replacement. My husband and I own an income property business so we come across cabinet issues almost every time we purchase a property. There is a paint that contains a primer which you may find quicker. Brush marks are your enemy when painting anything so you may wish to spray the cabinet doors if not the boxes as well.
  • Kim Hall Kim Hall on Aug 02, 2013
    thanks for the tips! I appreciate all of them :)
  • Use the good Zinsser or other primer specifically made for painting cabinets. It is a bit more expensive but is worth it. Paint very light coats each time~and let dry for a couple hours each time. Good paint, brushes and rollers are the key. Good luck!
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Aug 03, 2013
    I know most people don't sand anymore. But I would lightly sand it before to rough up the wood a bit. Then I use a greenie to lightly sand over each coat I paint after it's dry. It looks professional and finished.
  • Kim Hall Kim Hall on Aug 03, 2013
    great advice, Sherrie thank you!
  • Kim Hall Kim Hall on Aug 03, 2013
    C Renee, thank you, so much! I have zero confidence that I can do this so it should be interesting! hopefully Black is more forgiving of mistakes !
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Aug 03, 2013
    i also forgot to add that I let each coat of anything I paint to dry and cure for at least 24 hours.
  • Check out my site for what can be done by just painting cabinets! However, you have to do it right or it will be a real heartache. Clean very well - sand very well - any crud left on the cabinets will show (I guarantee that!)...I would suggest oil based primer. I know, it's gross, but it will give you the best long-term seal. Next, 2 coats of the best paint you can buy - I love satin sheen as it gives a nice, rich finish. It can transform your kitchen if done correctly - and save you a lot of money in buying new cabinetry! Good luck!
  • Kim Hall Kim Hall on Aug 05, 2013
    Thank you Sherrie and Patricia! Those are great tips! Luckily, my friend is a fearless painter so she will be an invaluable help with this task!