How to Paint a Kitchen - Kitchen Cabinets

Painting your kitchen is one of the quickest and easiest ways to give it an affordable facelift. With some preparation, high-quality paint and tools, and good technique, you can transform the look and feel of your kitchen in just a weekend. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to paint a kitchen from start to finish.

Plan Your Kitchen Paint Project

Before breaking out the paint brushes, take time to plan your kitchen painting project. Proper planning will ensure you get the results you want with minimal frustration.

Choose a Paint Color

One of the most exciting parts of any paint project is selecting the color! When choosing a paint color for your kitchen, consider the following:

Undertones: Kitchen walls get a lot of wear and tear. Cool undertones like blues and grays hide flaws better than warm earth tones.
Lighting: Is your kitchen brightly lit with natural light or more dim? Darker colors work better in bright spaces, while lighter colors help brighten dim kitchens.
Cabinets and countertops: Your cabinetry and counters should complement your wall color, not compete with it. Neutral wall colors are ideal for bold cabinet colors.
Personal taste: Trends come and go, so choose a timeless color you’ll love for years. If you’re unsure, stick to neutral palettes of white, gray, beige, or blue.

Once you’ve narrowed down your preferences, get color swatches to test paint samples on your walls. View them at different times of day before making a final decision.

Choose a Paint Finish

Kitchen walls require durable paint that can withstand moisture, grease splatters, and frequent cleaning. Consider these factors when choosing a paint finish:

Flat paint has no sheen and stains easily but hides flaws well. It’s ideal for ceilings and low-traffic walls.
Eggshell has a soft sheen and stands up to minor stains and washing. It’s ideal for most kitchen walls.
Satin resists stains better with a subtle sheen. It’s ideal for trim, cabinets, and bathrooms.
Semi-gloss has a glossy surface that resists stains and splatters best but shows flaws. Use it for trim and backsplashes only.

For kitchens, eggshell or satin paint provides the right balance of durability and stain resistance.

Calculate How Much Paint You Need

Measure each wall section and use an online paint calculator to estimate how many gallons of paint you’ll need. Buy one extra gallon for touch-ups and mistakes. For standard 8 foot walls, one gallon covers 350-400 square feet.

Choose High-Quality Paint

Invest in premium quality paint for a smooth application and long-lasting finish. Look for:

100% acrylic formula or latex paint. These resist grease and moisture.
Paint and primer in one. Combination formulas save time and provide better coverage.
Brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, or Behr. Their paints provide professional quality results.

Buy Paint Supplies

Gather all the necessary painting supplies before starting:

Paint in your chosen color and finish
Paint trays, rollers, and brushes in multiple sizes
Painter’s tape for edges and trim
Tarps to cover floors and furniture
Drop cloths, rags, buckets, and paint thinner
Sandpaper, spackle, caulk, and patching compound to prep walls
Painters mask, gloves, safety goggles, and clothing you don’t mind staining

Clean and Declutter

Clear your kitchen of unnecessary items and clean all surfaces prior to painting. Here are some tips:

Empty cabinets and drawers. Remove everything from walls.
Clean surfaces with sugar soap or TSP to remove grease and dirt.
Fill any holes or cracks wider than a hairline with spackle. Allow to dry fully.
Lightly sand glossy areas for better paint adhesion. Wipe away dust.
Wash and dry walls, cabinets, and trim thoroughly before painting.

Proper cleaning helps new paint adhere smoothly and evenly.

Protect Floors and Furnishings

Use tarps, drop cloths, plastic sheeting, or old sheets to protect floors, countertops, and cabinets from splatters and spills. Other tips:

Remove doors and hardware to paint separately.
Cover appliances and electronics.
Seal vents to prevent paint odor from spreading.
Place painters tape along edges and trim.

Taking protective measures keeps your kitchen clean during painting.

Paint Prep Steps

Taking time to properly prepare your kitchen surfaces ensures a smooth, professional paint job.

Repair Holes and Imperfections

Inspect walls and use these steps to fix flaws:

Lightly sand areas with chipped or peeling paint.
Fill small holes with spackle compound and allow to fully dry.
Disguise uneven areas with spackle or joint compound. Sand smooth when dry.
Use caulk to seal gaps along trim, edges, and joints.

Proper patching creates an evenly smooth surface for painting.

Clean Surfaces Thoroughly

Use TSP or degreaser and a scrub brush to clean kitchen walls, cabinets, and trim prior to priming and painting. Pay special attention to areas around:

Stovetops and ovens where grease accumulates
Sinks and dishwashers that generate moisture
Dining areas exposed to food splatters
Switch plates and handles with built-up grime

Remove all grease, dirt, and soap residue that could interfere with paint adhesion.

Sand Glossy Surfaces

Use 100-150 grit sandpaper to scuff up any slick or glossy surfaces, like:

Tile backsplashes
Laminate cabinets
Oil-based trim and doors

Roughing up glossy areas helps the new paint grip better for maximum durability. Wipe sanded surfaces with a dry cloth.

Prime Bare Wood and Drywall

Applying primer ensures even coverage and prevents the need for extra paint coats. Use oil-based primer on:

Unpainted wood cabinets, doors, and trim
Bare drywall that was patched or repaired
Chalky surfaces where old paint was removed

For painting over glossy tile or laminate backsplashes, use a bonding primer like Stix. Allow primer to dry fully before painting.

Paint Application Tips

Use proper painting technique for a smooth, flawless finish. Follow these tips:

Use High-Quality Brushes and Rollers

Invest in specialized angled brushes to easily paint trim and edges. Use high-density mini foam rollers for smooth coverage on walls and cabinets. Purchase quality materials that don’t shed.

Use Painter’s Tape for Clean Lines

Apply painter’s tape along all edges, trim, moldings, and where walls meet ceilings for super sharp paint lines. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint dries.

Work Top to Bottom

Paint ceilings first, then walls from top to bottom. Finish with trimwork like baseboards last. This prevents dripping paint from messing up freshly painted areas beneath.

Apply Paint Evenly in Layers

Roll paint on in sections using a crisscross, ‘M’ or ‘W’ motion to ensure even coverage. Spread paint further with downward brush strokes. Allow each layer to dry before adding another.

Work In Sections

Paint one wall fully from corner to corner before moving to the next. For large walls, apply paint in 3-4 foot wide vertical sections. Maintain wet edges so sections blend seamlessly.

Inspect Between Coats

Verify that primer and paint coats are smooth without gaps or missed spots. Apply additional layers as needed to achieve full coverage before moving to the next section.

Allow Proper Drying Time

Leave at least 2-4 hours between paint coats and 24 hours for the final coat to fully cure. Open windows to circulate air and reduce paint odors.

How to Paint Kitchen Walls

Use the following steps to achieve flawlessly painted kitchen walls:

Remove switch plates, vents, light fixtures, and cabinet hardware.
Prepare walls by patching imperfections and priming as needed.
Use painter’s tape to mask off trim, edges, ceilings, and cabinets.
Apply two coats of paint using rollers and angled brushes, allowing proper dry time between layers.
Use a small brush to paint corners and edges around ceilings and trim.
Remove all masking and reattach wall plates and hardware.
Touch up any final spots and enjoy your freshly painted walls!

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Give dated cabinets an affordable makeover by painting them yourself. Follow these steps for professional results:

Remove cabinet doors and hardware for easier painting access.
Clean cabinets thoroughly and fill any holes or flaws. Lightly sand glossy surfaces.
Apply 1-2 coats of oil-based primer to cabinet boxes and doors. Allow to dry fully.
Paint cabinet boxes and doors with 2-3 thin coats of cabinet enamel, allowing drying time between layers.
Reattach hardware and doors once paint is fully cured, at least 24 hours later.
Seal painted surfaces with water-based polyurethane for added durability and washability.

With good prep and paint specially formulated for cabinets, you can easily transform the look of your kitchen for a fraction of replacement cost.

How to Paint a Tile Backsplash

Painting over outdated tile instantly provides an affordable, updated look. Follow these steps for best results:

Clean the tile thoroughly and fill any damaged grout lines with silicone caulk.
Lightly scuff up the glossy tile surface with 100 grit sandpaper. Wipe away debris.
Apply a bonding primer designed for glossy surfaces, like Stix. Allow to fully dry.
Use painter’s tape to mask off edges and adjacent surfaces. Apply two coats of acrylic latex paint, letting each layer dry fully before adding the next.
Carefully remove all masking before the paint dries. Allow paint to cure 48-72 hours before cleaning the surface.
Seal painted tile with water-based polyurethane for washability and added protection.

With proper prep and application, you can successfully paint over tile for a custom backsplash on a budget.

Tips for Painting Kitchen Trim

Trimwork frames your kitchen beautifully while also hiding imperfections where walls meet. Follow these tips for painting trim and moldings:

Use painter’s tape to mask areas near walls and ceilings for super sharp edges.
Apply oil-based primer first on bare wood for maximum adherence and durability.
Use angled trim brushes to easily paint inside corners and edges.
When painting over stained wood, apply wood grain filler before priming for an ultra smooth finish.
Choose bright white or crisp shades that contrast with your wall color for trim that really pops.

Freshly painted trim can make your entire kitchen look brand new again.

Common Painting Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these common painting errors for the best results:

Don’t start painting without proper cleaning and prep. Rushing these steps can ruin the finished look.
Choosing colors in trendy shades you’ll tire of quickly. Opt for versatile, timeless hues instead.
Neglecting to use painter’s tape on trim and edges. Taping off prevents messy touch ups later.
Applying paint too thickly in one coat. Multiple thin layers provide the smoothest finish.
Forgetting to caulk gaps before priming and painting. Caulking creates a seamless canvas.
Not allowing proper drying time between coats. Paint requires ample drying to cure fully.
Overlooking spots that need touch ups. Inspect closely and fix issues before moving furniture back in.

With careful prep and avoiding rookie mistakes, you can achieve beautiful, professional-looking painted kitchen surfaces.

FAQs About Painting a Kitchen

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about painting kitchens:

How long does it take to paint a kitchen?

Plan on at least 2-3 full days for a full kitchen paint job:

Day 1: Clean, prep surfaces, spackle, caulk, prime
Day 2: Paint walls, ceilings, trim
Day 3: Second wall coat, paint cabinets, touch ups

What kind of paint should I use?

For walls and ceilings, use interior latex acrylic paint in eggshell or satin finish. For cabinets and trim, use enamel, acrylic, or cabinet paints that resist moisture, grease, and wear.

Do I need to prime before painting kitchen walls?

Primer is essential for new drywall, patched areas, oak cabinets, and glossy surfaces to ensure paint adheres properly. For painting over existing satin or flat paint, priming is optional.

Should I paint cabinets or replace them?

Painting cabinets costs a fraction of full replacement. Unless cabinets are structurally damaged, painting provides an affordable facelift.

How do I paint kitchen cabinets professionally?

Remove doors and hardware
Clean, sand, and fill flaws
Apply oil-based primer
Paint with thin coats of cabinet enamel
Reinstall doors and hardware after paint has cured

Can I paint over kitchen tile?

Yes, with proper prep and primer. Clean tile, scuff glossy areas, apply bonding primer, then use latex paint. Add water-based polyurethane for washability.

How do I paint trim and moldings?

Prep bare wood with oil-based primer first. Use angled trim brushes for cutting in and lining edges neatly. Tape off adjacent walls for super sharp edges.

Conclusion

Painting your kitchen is an easy, affordable way to give it a fresh new look and feel. With high-quality paint, proper color selection, adequate prep, and attention to detail, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results. Carefully following each step will help your kitchen painting project go as smoothly as possible. In just a weekend, you can enjoy a completely refreshed kitchen space!