Kitchen cabinets play a major functional and aesthetic role in any kitchen design. Yet over time, even the best quality cabinets can start to show sign of wear and tear or simply go out of style. Instead of investing in brand new cabinetry, one of the most dramatic and cost-effective ways to give your kitchen a fresh new look is with a strategic coat of primer and paint.
Choosing the right primer and paint pairing and application process attuned to your specific cabinet materials and desired finish can fully transform the look, feel and durability of your cabinets. Read on to learn insider tips on how to use primer and paint to bring dull, dated kitchen cabinets back to life.
Assessing Your Existing Cabinets and Goals
Before selecting your primer and paint products and process, take time to fully evaluate your existing cabinetry situation and overall goals. This will help inform the best products and practices to meet your needs. Consider the following:
Cabinet Materials
- Wood – Most commonly used material, can be painted or stained
- Thermofoil – Wood substrate with plastic laminate, paintable
- Laminate -Cannot be painted, consider cabinet liner
- Metal – Clean well and use bonding primer
- Veneer – Difficult to paint without bleed through
Take note of all materials used throughout your cabinets. If multiple materials such as wood door fronts and laminate boxes, select primer and paint suitable for each surface.
Condition Assessment
Carefully inspect current condition of cabinets. Note any:
- Peeling/cracking paint or laminate
- Grease buildup
- Water damage or swelling
- Drawer/door alignment issues
- Missing hardware or hinges
Any underlying issues should be addressed prior to painting to ensure the best finished results.
Color Scheme and Style
Consider the overall look you want to achieve. Do you want to match existing décor or go in a completely new direction? Cool modern tones or warm traditional? Matte, glossy or somewhere in between? Establishing an overall goal for the finished style and look will help guide your color selection.
Cleaning and Prepping Kitchen Cabinets
Proper prep work is crucial to achieve a smooth, long-lasting finish. Ensure cabinets are thoroughly cleaned and prepped:
Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers
Detaching cabinet components allows for easiest access to all surfaces for cleaning, repairs, priming and painting. Place hardware in labeled bags for reinstallation.
Clean Inside and Out
Use a degreasing cleaner/detergent to remove built-up grease, oil and grime from both interior and exterior surfaces. For metal cabinets, a tsp/water solution helps cut through grime.
Sand Away Imperfections
Lightly sand surfaces to rough up the existing finish. This helps the primer/paint better adhere. Pay special attention to any damaged or peeled areas.
Fill Holes and Repair Defects
Use wood filler, spackle or caulk to patch any holes, cracks or imperfections for a smooth finish. Sand again once dry.
Remove Doors/Drawers Hardware
Protect hardware by fully removing prior to painting. This also allows painting cabinet interiors.
With cabinets cleaned, repaired and ready for renewal, it’s time to focus on selecting the ideal primer and paint combination.
Choosing the Right Primer
Primer is essential in providing the ideal foundation for your paint to excel both in application and performance. Not all primers are created equal. Consider what primer qualities are most important for your cabinet materials and project goals:
Adhesion
The primer must form a tight bond to your cabinets existing finish to avoid future peeling or chipping of the paint.
Stain-Blocking
For covering over wood surfaces or significant color changes, pick a primer formulated to block stains, tannins and colors from causing bleed-through.
Surface Coverage
High-hiding primers help ensure fully covering existing surfaces, particularly darker finishes switching to light paint colors.
Corrosion Resistance
For metal cabinets, use primers made specifically to combat future rust and corrosion.
Ease of Application
Spray-on primer formulas provide the most smooth, seamless finish on cabinets.
Some top primer options to consider:
- Zinsser® Bulls Eye 1-2-3 – Stick-to-anything adhesion and stain blocking
- KILZ General Purpose – Excellent adhesion and stain blocking
- Zinsser BIN Shellac-Base – Superior stain blocking and adhesion
- Rust-Oleum® Automotive 2-in-1 – Combats future rust on metal cabinets
- Valspar® Cabinet Enamel Bonding Primer – Formulated for cabinets with excellent adhesion
- Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Enamel Underbody Primer – Water-based option great for cabinets
Be sure to select primers approved for the cabinet materials you are coating to get the best bonding and blocking performance.
Choosing the Right Paint
While primer sets the stage, the cabinet paint you choose will determine the finished look and durability achieved. Key paint considerations include:
Sheen Level
Matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss? Sheen impacts overall aesthetic and depth perception. Higher sheen adds vibrancy and can make small kitchens feel larger. Lower sheens hide imperfections. Consider your goals and lighting.
Color Options
With numerous brand offerings, the possibilities are endless. Have color swatches or samples made up to view choices in your space before fully committing.
Durability
Look for cabinet paints offering maximum scratch, chip, peel and yellowing resistance to maintain your new look. Enamel, epoxy and polyurethane paints provide added protection.
Application Method
Brush, roll or spray? Spray application allows reaching hard to access areas and minimizes brush marks. But does require tenting off your work area for overspray.
Some top-rated cabinet paint options include:
- Benjamin Moore Advance – Water-based alkyd enamel; smooth, durable finish
- PPG Break-Through – Fast-drying; resists yellowing and gloss loss
- Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Waterbased – Acrylic-alkyd formula resists moisture and stains
- Rust-Oleum Transformations – Designed for smooth, chip-resistant cabinet finish
- Behr Alkyd Semi-Gloss – Combines durability, ease of application and affordability
- Valspar Reserve Satin – Provides a silky smooth finish; resistant to staining, chipping and fading
Select cabinet paint endorsed for use on your specific cabinet materials to ensure compatibility and maximum performance.
Applying Primer and Paint to Cabinets
Following proper application techniques for your selected primer and paint products will help achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish:
1. Prep the Space
Clear countertops and cover floors. Set up drop cloths and masking/painter’s tape to protect surrounding surfaces. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows.
2. Apply Primer
Using a high quality brush, mini roller or paint sprayer, apply primer in thin, even coats following manufacturer spread rate directions. Fully coat inside cabinet boxes and all exterior frame, door and drawer front surfaces.
3. Allow Primer to Dry
Let primer fully dry and cure according to manufacturer guidelines before applying paint. This helps prevent imperfections from occurring in the top paint coat.
4. Lightly Sand Primer
For the smoothest finish, gently sand primed surfaces with fine 220-400 grit sandpaper to remove any dust nibs, drips or uneven areas. Clean dust with tack cloth.
5. Paint Cabinet Interiors First
Painting the inside of cabinets and undersides of shelves first allows resting doors flat to dry versus sticking to cabinet frames if painted last.
6. Apply Paint in Thin, Even Coats
Use a quality brush or mini roller to apply thin coats of paint using short, uniform strokes. For sprayers, hold nozzle 6-10 inches from surface using side to side motions.
7. Allow Proper Dry Time Between Coats
Follow manufacturer specified dry times to allow paint to fully cure between coats. Typically 2-4 hours for acrylic paints and up to 24 hours for oils, alkyds and urethanes. Lightly sand again if any dust particles or imperfections occur between coats.
8. Reinstall Hardware and Doors/Drawers
Once fully cured, attach freshly painted doors, drawers and hardware to complete your kitchen’s transformation.
Maintaining Your Painted Cabinets
Now that you have invested ample time into creating your picture-perfect painted cabinets, be sure to care for them properly to keep them looking like new for years to come:
- Avoid excessive moisture and steam from damaging the paint finish. Turn on vents or crack a window when cooking or dishwashing.
- Quickly clean up any spills or splatters on cabinet exteriors using a soft cloth and mild soap and water to prevent stains.
- Use a soft cloth to gently dust painted surfaces. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes which can wear down the paint over time.
- For deeper cleaning, use a mild ammonia-free cleanser and soft microfiber cloths to gently wash cabinet exteriors. Avoid excessive rubbing or pressure.
- Consider adding a protective top-coat like polyurethane every few years to refresh and add extra protection from wear and yellowing over time.
- Touch up any nicks or damaged areas as they occur with matching paint to avoid moisture seeping in below the finish.
Achieving a Flawless DIY Finish
If the thought of taking on the primer and paint cabinet makeover yourself seems daunting, or if you simply want assurance your project will turn out perfectly, consider hiring professional painters. Experts have the skills and equipment to provide a seamless finish free of brushmarks, uneven coverage or mismatched colors. They can also properly prep and protect surrounding areas from overspray. The small added cost brings peace of mind your kitchen will look magazine-worthy.
Most Important Prime and Paint Prep Tips
To summarize, properly prepping and priming your cabinets provides the foundation to achieve a smooth, professional painted finish:
- Clean cabinets thoroughly prior to painting using a degreasing cleaner to remove built-up grease and grime that can cause paint failure.
- Lightly sand cabinet surface to roughen up the existing finish so primer and paint bond tightly.
- Repair any damaged areas, fill holes and remove old hardware and doors/drawers.
- Select quality primer suited for your cabinet materials that provides adhesion, stain blocking and/or corrosion resistance.
- Allow primer to fully dry before painting for an ultra-smooth finish.
- Use proper brushes, rollers or sprayers to apply paint in thin, even coats.
- Let paint cure fully between coats according to manufacturer specifications.
Proper prep work and using the right primer and paint specially formulated for cabinetry will allow you to completely transform your kitchen cabinets with a durable, beautiful finish that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of primer should I use on laminate cabinets?
For laminate cabinets, use a high-bonding primer specifically designed for slick surfaces like Zinsser® Bulls Eye® 123 or Rust-Oleum® Zinsser® Bondz. Abrade the laminate with 220-grit sandpaper before priming for better adhesion.
Do I need to sand cabinets before painting?
Lightly sanding cabinets before priming and painting allows for better adhesion of the new paint coats. Use 220-400 grit sandpaper to gently rough up the existing finish while being careful not to completely strip it down to bare wood.
Should I paint cabinet interiors?
It is recommended to paint cabinet interiors to protect all surfaces from moisture damage, provide full cohesive look and maximize your new kitchen’s visual appeal when opening drawers and doors.
How long does cabinet paint need to dry between coats?
Drying times between coats depends on paint type. Typical times are 2-4 hours for acrylic paints and up to 24 hours for alkyds, enamels and urethanes. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for full curing between coats.
What kind of paint provides the most durable finish?
Enamel, epoxy, and conversion paints provide the most durable, hardest finishes ideal for high-use kitchen cabinet exteriors. Polyurethanes also add extra protection.
Should I brush, roll or spray cabinet paint?
While brushing can provide good control on smaller surfaces, using a paint sprayer typically provides the smoothest, most seamless finish on cabinets. Mini foam rollers also work well for flat surfaces without fine detailing.
How do I get rid of brush marks in my cabinet paint?
To minimize visible brush marks, ensure you are using a high-quality, soft bristle brush. Apply paint in even strokes while maintaining a wet edge. Sand lightly between coats while paint is drying to remove any imperfections.
What sheen should I use on painted kitchen cabinets?
Popular sheen options for painted cabinets include:
- Matte – Provides a flat velvety finish that hides imperfections.
- Satin/Eggshell – Subtle sheen, resists marking and sticking.
- Semi-Gloss – Resists moisture, easy to clean. Provides some reflective shine.
- Gloss – High shine and depth. Draws attention and makes small kitchens appear larger.
How do I touch up damaged painted cabinets?
Lightly sand any damaged areas and wipe away dust. Use a small brush to touch up with original paint, feathering out from area to blend. Allow paint to fully dry before closing cabinets.
Conclusion
Renewing dated, worn kitchen cabinets with a fresh primer and coat of paint provides a satisfying facelift that transforms the entire kitchen. By selecting high-quality primer and paint designed specifically for cabinetry, combined with proper preparation and application, you can achieve a smooth, resilient finish that rejuvenates your space with style, functionality and longevity. With some strategic elbow grease and these insider tips, you can revive your kitchen cabinets to look their best for years to come.