How To Prepare and Paint Kitchen Cupboards in 5 Simple Steps

TM Interiors Guide to:
Painting Kitchen Cupboards

How To Paint Kitchen Cupboards in 5 Simple Steps

If you want to update your kitchen with a new look, one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to do that is by painting your kitchen cupboards. Painting cupboard doors and drawers can take an old outdated kitchen and make it look like new again! That said, there are a few things you need to know before you dive in and start painting. Here are five simple steps to get started.

1. Cleaning & Preparation

When you're painting your kitchen cabinets, it's important to take the time to clean them thoroughly. This will ensure that paint will adhere to the surface and won't peel off or flake over time.

Remove your kitchen handles. If possible, remove the whole door from the hinge.
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down any dirt or dust from the cupboards.
Scrub any stubborn areas with a sponge and dish detergent (or other household cleaner).
Allow all surfaces to dry fully before proceeding with painting for best results.

2. Tape off the surface to be painted

It's important to cover the surfaces on your door or drawer that will not be painted with masking tape. This is because the paint may seep through and mark surrounding areas that you do not want to cover. You can use masking tape or painter's tape to cover any surface that will not be painted.

3. Sand and Prime the Surface

For best results it is best to prepare the wood, sanding and sealing it, before applying a coat of paint.

If you are painting over previously painted doors you will need to sand them first to remove any loose or flaking paint and to ensure an even finish. Make sure to wipe the surface after sanding to remove any dust.
If you are painting on new or bare wood, seal any resinous knots with a knotting compound. Once this is dry you will need to apply a wood primer.
If you are painting vinyl or MDF cupboard doors you should apply an all-surface primer to help the paint adhere to the surface.

4. Prime the Surface

There are a few ways to apply the paint, but for best results you'll want to use a brush or roller.

When painting wood, use a brush painting in smooth even strokes following the grain of the wood.
When painting smooth surfaces, consider using a paint roller with a short pile, paint in smooth even strokes.
Most paints will require a minimum of two coats of paint for best results.
Paint will typically be touch dry within 2-4 hours but you may have to wait up to 24 hours before applying the second-coat. Check your tin of paint to find out the re-coat time. Don"t be tempted to rush this stage, painting over paint which has not completely dried can cause the paint to peel off, wrinkle and warp.

5. Finish Up

Finally, once you've finished your painting job, its time to reattach the cupboard doors and to clean up.

Make sure to carefully remove any tape, make sure the paint is completely dry. If the tape is stuck, you can try wiping it with a damp cloth to make it easier to remove but don"t use too much water or you may start wiping off some of the paint.

Then simply re-attach the handles before re-attaching the cupboard doors to the cupboards.