QA

Question: How To Refinish Kitchen Cabinets With Paint

Can I just paint over my kitchen cabinets?

Wood, wood-laminate and metal cabinets usually can be repainted without difficulty. Plastic laminate cabinets might not accept a topcoat of paint — those that can be refinished often require special paints and techniques, and results can vary.

Do I need to sand cabinets before painting?

You should sand cabinets before beginning your how to paint kitchen cabinet project to give the new paint a good surface to grip. But you don’t need to sand to bare wood. If your cabinets have a factory finish, sand lightly with 120-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge.

Do you have to strip paint before repainting cabinets?

When the existing finish is a clear coat, the best course of action is to strip the finish down to the bare wood before painting. This eliminates a potential adhesion problem between the old finish and the new paint. But while stripping may be the ideal for purists, it’s not always practical or absolutely necessary.

What kind of paint is best for kitchen cabinets?

While oil-based paints make a case for themselves with their reputation for easy application and a long-lasting finish that can be scrubbed and cleaned regularly, latex paint is widely regarded as the best choice for most kitchen cabinets, since it offers lower levels of VOCs and is quicker to dry.

How do you get professional finish on painted cabinets?

Apply a coat of high-quality primer to all surfaces of the cabinets. The point of using a primer is to ensure that the paint sticks to the surface better, which will result in a long-lasting finish. What is this? Let the primer dry overnight, then carefully flip the drawers and doors over an repeat the process.

What’s the average cost to paint kitchen cabinets?

It costs $3 to $10 per square foot to paint kitchen cabinets, or an average of $30 to $60 per linear foot, including labor, materials, and supplies. This does depend on the condition of the cabinets and how much work is needed to remove doors and hardware.

What do professionals use to paint cabinets?

Many professionals now use latex paint, citing the improvements to the formula and the as-good-as finish they can get on most surfaces. We actually prefer a third type of paint for cabinets, the hybrid enamel.

What happens if you don’t sand before painting?

If you don’t sand before painting you will likely end up with an uneven finish and a paint job that will likely end up peeling after a few months. You may also be able to see any lighter or darker patches of the book come through the paint which looks ugly and unprofessional.

How can I restore my kitchen cabinets without sanding and varnishing?

Easily Renew Wood Cabinets Without Actually Refinishing Step 1: Supplies. Ugly Cabinets. Step 2: Clean Cabinets. First clean the cabinets. Step 3: Go to Home Depot. Buy Restor-A-Finish, Super Fine (0000) Steel Wool and Howard Feed-N-Wax. Step 4: Apply Restor-A-Finish. Step 5: Apply Howard Feed-N-Wax. Step 6: You Are Done!.

Is it better to strip or sand kitchen cabinets?

It’s almost always better to strip than to sand. To begin with, except in cases where the old finish is flaking off, it’s a lot more work to sand than to strip using a paint-and-varnish remover.

What grit sandpaper should I use before painting cabinets?

Once your cabinets are clean and dry, use a 100 or 150-grit sandpaper to roughen up the surface of the cabinets. Cabinet paint won’t adhere properly to a smooth or shiny surface. You don’t need to completely remove the prior finish, just rough up the surface enough to give the primer something to stick to.

Is it better to spray or roll kitchen cabinets?

Ideally, spray painting cabinets is the most sought after method today. The quality of finish you get from using a spray gun is second to none, and it’s by far a faster and more efficient method. In fact, brush and roll finish projects will typically save you about 25% off the cost of spraying.

How can I paint my kitchen cabinets like a pro?

How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets Like A Pro In 9 Steps Assess the condition of your kitchen cabinets. Remove and label the doors and drawer faces. Put down drop cloths. Clean the cabinets. Lightly sand your cabinets. Prime your kitchen cabinets. Inspect the primer. Paint your kitchen cabinets like a pro.

How can I paint my kitchen cabinets without brush marks?

If your cabinets are stained, apply at least two coats of quality primer. For me, there’s nothing better than BIN, Zinsser’s shellac-based pigmented primer. It dries fast and flat, without brush marks (unlike most oil-based primers). You can buy it at home and hardware stores, as well as online (view on Amazon).

Why do my kitchen cabinets feel sticky after painting?

Paint becomes sticky and tacky when it isn’t able to dry thoroughly. Paint has trouble drying when the air is overly humid, or the weather is extremely hot or cold. Also, paint can have trouble drying if applied in thick coats.

How do I get a smooth finish with paint?

6 Secrets to Silky Smooth Paint Prep the Wood. Sand any bare wood to 120-grit and no finer. Sand Your Primer. Without a smooth base, you can’t get a smooth finish. Use Additives. Buy The Right Paint. Strain Your Paint. Put it On, Leave it Alone.

How many coats of paint do I need for cabinets?

Two coats of paint are essential for cabinets—you’re building a surface. By the way, to get the nicest finish, use a brush, a 2- to 2 1/2-inch fine bristle brush.