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The Right Way to Repaint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Writer's picture: Joyce JiangJoyce Jiang

Want to update your kitchen without spending a lot of money? Repainting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh look without the cost of a full remodel. Whether your cabinets are worn down or you just want a new color, repainting can make a big difference. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you repaint your cabinets the right way.


Things to Think About:


Repainting your kitchen cabinets can save you money, especially if you do it yourself. However, it’s important to know that it takes time and effort. This project might take several days to finish because you need to clean, sand, prime, paint, and let things dry. You also need to be careful to avoid mistakes like streaks, uneven paint, or brush marks. But with patience and the right tools, you can get great results.


Materials You’ll Need:

  • Cabinet Cleaner or Degreaser: Kitchens get dirty, so clean your cabinets well before painting.

  • Sandpaper (120-220 grit): Sanding helps the paint stick better and makes the surface smooth.

  • Tack Cloth: This helps clean off any dust left after sanding.

  • Painter’s Tape: Use this to protect areas that you don’t want to paint, like counters or walls.

  • Primer: A good primer is important to help the paint stick and avoid peeling.

  • Paint: Use high-quality paint made for cabinets. Oil-based, acrylic, or chalk paint are all good options.

  • Paint Brushes & Rollers: Use a brush for edges and corners, and a roller for flat areas.

  • Clear Coat (Optional): A protective topcoat helps make the paint last longer and resist scratches.


How to Prepare Your Cabinets:


Before you start painting, you need to remove the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Label each piece so you know which door or drawer goes where. Then, clean all the surfaces with soap and water or a degreaser to remove grease and dirt. This will help the paint stick better.


Next, sand the cabinets. Start with medium-grit sandpaper (around 120 grit) to rough up the surface, then finish with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) for a smooth finish. Wipe off all the dust with a tack cloth or a damp rag before you start painting.

Applying Primer:

Once your cabinets are clean and sanded, it’s time to apply the primer. Primer helps the paint stay on better and prevents it from chipping. Use a brush for smaller areas and a foam roller for large, flat surfaces. Follow the instructions on the primer can for drying times.

Painting the Cabinets:

After the primer dries, you can start painting. Choose a high-quality paint that’s designed for cabinets, such as enamel or semi-gloss paint. These paints are easy to clean and resist moisture, which is important in a kitchen.


Apply the first coat of paint with a brush for edges and corners, and a roller for flat surfaces. Be sure to use long, smooth strokes to avoid brush marks. You might need two or three coats of paint, depending on the color and type of paint. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Lightly sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper for the best finish.


Reassembling and Final Touches:

Once the final coat of paint is dry, it’s time to put the doors, drawers, and hardware back on. If you want extra protection, you can add a clear topcoat to help the paint last longer and protect it from scratches and stains.


Repainting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to refresh your kitchen without spending a lot of money. It may take time and effort, but if you follow these steps carefully, you’ll end up with beautiful, like-new cabinets. If you’re looking for new cabinets, visit our website at www.kwdcabinetry.com to see how our products can transform your space.



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