When remodeling a kitchen on a budget, you’re naturally looking for ways to save wherever you can. Since replacing cabinets can be quite pricey (Angie’s List reports in 2024 that the cost of installing cabinets yourself is anywhere from $2,000 to upwards of $20,000), the more cost-effective route can be to give them a fresh coat of paint.
Painting cabinets is a great option if you’re looking to make over a dated kitchen with an on-trend hue or if you don’t care for the wood color of your cabinets and would like to cover that up with the color of your choice. To save even more money, you can paint the cabinets yourself. We asked two professionals to lend their advice so you can discover the tips and tricks to paint your own kitchen cabinets.
Can I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets Myself?
Jared Robinson, owner of custom cabinet-making company Robinson Trim, says that you can absolutely paint your kitchen cabinets yourself, but it’s important to think through what types of products you’re using.
He says, “Some paint products are complicated and can only be used by the pros. Lacquer paint is complicated to use, and you have to have a high-quality mask to use it. Many products produce fumes, so you want paints with a low VOC if you are going to do it yourself.”
Kelly Mardis, owner of the residential painting company Marcel Painting, agrees that it can be done, but points out that painting your own cabinets requires “a lot of patience” and “a fair amount of skill for a good result.”
“Cabinets need to have an even coat and be durable,” he adds.
If painting your own kitchen cabinets sounds daunting, you can always bring in a professional.
“At the end of the day, a skilled cabinet maker or painter is going to have more experience than you, and you can hold them accountable if they screw up your stuff. You can’t do that with yourself,” Robinson says.
To find the right pro, Mardis says that it’s important to confirm that they’re licensed, insured and bonded.
“Thoroughly vet them by checking reviews and calling references,” he says. “Always get at least two quotes.”
Related: 41 Kitchen Color Ideas To Elevate the Heart of Your Home
How Much Will It Cost to Paint My Cabinets?
As Forbes reported earlier this year, it can cost between $200 and $600 to paint your own kitchen cabinets, with $400 as the average.
From a professional standpoint, Mardis says that his company charges $75 per door and drawer that opens, and this includes the facings of the cabinets.
Related: The 25 Best Grey Paint Colors, Ranked and Reviewed by an Interior Designer
Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
Robinson says that in general, lacquer paint tends to be the best finish for cabinets “because it is the most durable.” But, there’s a caveat: it’s not very DIY-friendly.
“I do not recommend applying this paint yourself because it has a high VOC that requires a high-quality mask to apply, and you can’t be in the house while it dries,” he explains.
If you are planning to paint your own cabinets, Mardis recommends acrylic urethane paint, because it’s durable, resistant to stains and moisture and it’s easy to clean.
Related: Home Designers Are Losing It Over Moody Green Shade of Sherwin Williams Pain
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets The Right Way
First, our experts shared a list of the materials you’ll need in order to paint your kitchen cabinets. Then, they shared a step-by-step guide for getting the best results.
Materials List
Steps to Paint Kitchen Cabinets So They Last
Our experts detail the specific steps to paint your own kitchen cabinets, with a focus on durability.
1. Clean any oil, dried food and other dirt and debris from the cabinets with a degreaser and wipe the cabinets down with a clean, damp cloth to remove any detergent residue.
2. Remove the doors, drawer fronts and hardware, which will expose the frames and faces that need to be painted.
3. Tape and mask the areas with low-tack tape (which will prevent your wall paint from being removed) where you are doing the finishing: around the walls, floors, ceilings and the inside of your cabinet box in case you don’t want to paint that. Cover the hinges with masking tape, being careful to only mask off the metal. Tape off anything that isn’t getting painted. You’ll also want to pull appliances out or put paper around them.
4. Additionally, cover the countertops and floor with drop cloths or plastic sheeting, which can be purchased at a home improvement store.
5. Sand the cabinets. You’ll need to hand or machine sand all the wood surfaces to be painted. 80 grit is a good choice, and this sanding will allow the paint to adhere properly.
6. Apply two coats of shellac primer. Get a high-quality brush and a small roller with a smooth lambswool nap. Use a brush in all the crevices and edges. Use a roller on the large areas, being careful not to go too fast, which will create drips. Do a second touchup to fill any new holes or gaps, since the primer exposes new areas that need to be touched up. Let the primer dry according to the label instructions. Then, you’ll lightly sand the primer down with a fine sanding pad.
7. After this, it’s important to wipe down the cabinets, since the sandpaper dust will show through the paint if this isn’t done.
8. To paint the topcoats, use an acrylic urethane paint or paint specifically designed for cabinet painting. Your paint store can give you direction on this. Semi-gloss or satin finish is the best sheen level.
9. Finishing means it’s time to apply the final coat. It needs to be applied in thin layers. It can be applied in multiple coats, but you don’t want to apply too thick. Spray it on. It will give your cabinets the best look. Do touchups with a rattle can and not a brush, since a brush leaves strokes.
10. When you are done finishing your cabinets, the best thing you can do is upgrade your hardware. New hardware makes that fresh paint job feel even newer, and really changes the whole vibe of your kitchen for the better.
Next up, discover 37 green kitchen cabinet ideas.
Sources
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Jared Robinson, owner of custom cabinet-making company Robinson Trim.
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Kelly Mardis, owner of the residential painting company Marcel Painting.
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Angie’s List: “How Much Does Cabinet Installation Cost? [2024 Data]”
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Forbes: “How Much Does it Cost To Paint Kitchen Cabinets In 2024?”