How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets That Are Already Painted

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets That Are Already Painted

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A fresh coat of paint kitchen cabinets can completely transform your kitchen, but what if your cabinets are already painted? Don’t worry. Repainting is a straightforward and budget-friendly way to give your space a new lease on life. This guide will show you exactly how to paint kitchen cabinets that are already painted, giving you a professional-looking finish with ease.

Why Repaint Kitchen Cabinets?

Thinking about replacing your kitchen cabinets? You might want to reconsider. Repainting them is a fantastic alternative that saves both time and money. A full cabinet replacement can cost thousands of dollars and create weeks of disruption. In contrast, you can paint kitchen cabinets for a fraction of the cost, often in just a weekend.



 

Giving your cabinets a new look allows you to update your kitchen’s style without a major renovation. It’s a rewarding project that breathes new life into the heart of your home. If you’re a beginner, painting kitchen cabinets is an achievable and impactful DIY task.

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets That Are Already Painted: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get started? Follow these steps for a flawless finish. The key to a great paint job is all in the preparation.

1. Preparation is Key

Proper prep ensures the new paint kitchen cabinets will have strong adhesion and won’t chip or peel.

Clean the Surfaces

Your cabinets are likely covered in grease, oil, and dust, even if you can’t see it.

  • Mix a solution of warm water and a degreasing cleaner.
  • Use a sponge or cloth to scrub down all cabinet surfaces, including doors and drawer fronts.
  • Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and let everything dry completely.

Sand the Old Paint

You don’t need to strip the old paint completely. The goal is to scuff the surface to help the new primer and paint kitchen cabinets stick.

  • Use 120-grit sandpaper or a sanding block.
  • Lightly sand all surfaces you plan to paint kitchen cabinets. You’re just looking to take the shine off the old finish.
  • Painting over painted cabinets without sanding is not recommended, as the new paint kitchen cabinets won’t have a good surface to grip.

Fill and Repair

Inspect your cabinets for any dents, scratches, or holes.

  • Use a wood filler to patch any imperfections.
  • Once the filler is dry, sand it smooth so it’s flush with the cabinet surface.
  • Wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth or a damp rag. Dust is the enemy of a smooth paint kitchen cabinets finish.

Apply Primer

A quality primer is essential. It blocks stains, prevents the old color from bleeding through, and provides a perfect base for your new paint kitchen cabinets.

  • Choose a high-adhesion primer. Oil-based primers offer excellent durability, but water-based versions have less odor and are easier to clean up.
  • Apply a thin, even coat of primer to all surfaces.
  • Let the primer dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.



 

2. Choose the Right paint kitchen cabinets

The best paint for already painted kitchen cabinets is one designed for durability. Kitchen cabinets experience a lot of wear and tear, so you need a paint kitchen cabinets that can handle it.

  • Acrylic alkyd paint is a great choice. It offers the smooth, hard finish of an oil-based paint with the easy cleanup of a water-based acrylic paint.
  • Chalk paint kitchen cabinets is another option, known for its matte finish and minimal prep requirements, though it needs a topcoat for protection.
  • Look for paints labeled “for cabinets and trim.” These are formulated to withstand scratches, stains, and frequent cleaning.

3. Apply the Paint

Now for the fun part! You can use a brush, a roller, or a paint sprayer.

  • Brush and Roller: For painting kitchen cabinets for beginners, a combination of a high-quality 2-inch angled brush and a small foam roller is ideal. Use the brush for cutting in corners and detailed areas, and the roller for flat surfaces like door panels. This method gives you great control.
  • Paint Sprayer: If you want to paint kitchen cabinets professionally, a sprayer provides the smoothest, most flawless finish. It has a steeper learning curve and requires more prep to protect your kitchen from overspray, but the results can be stunning.

Apply two thin coats of paint, allowing ample drying time between each coat. Rushing this step can lead to a tacky, uneven finish.

4. Allow Proper Drying and Curing Time

paint kitchen cabinets needs time to not just dry, but also to cure.

  • Drying: The surface will feel dry to the touch within a few hours. Check the paint can for specific instructions.

Curing: Curing is when the paint kitchen cabinets hardens to its maximum durability. This can take several days or even a few weeks. Be gentle with your cabinets during this time to avoid scratches or chips.

Best Tools for Repainting Cabinets

Having the right tools will make your project much smoother.

  • paint kitchen cabinets: The best paint for kitchen cupboards is a durable, high-quality one.
  • Primer: A high-adhesion primer is a must.
  • Sanding Supplies: 120-grit sandpaper and sanding blocks.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Degreaser, sponges, and cloths.
  • Painter’s Tape: To protect walls, countertops, and backsplashes.
  • Drop Cloths: To protect your floors and appliances.
  • Application Tools: High-quality brushes, mini foam rollers, or a paint kitchen cabinets sprayer.
  • Safety Gear: Gloves and a dust mask for sanding.
Best Tools for Repainting Cabinets

Protecting Your Cabinets During the Project

To achieve a clean, professional result, you need to protect the parts of your kitchen you aren’t painting.

  • Remove Hardware: Take off all hinges, handles, and knobs. Place them in labeled bags so you know where they go when you reassemble everything.
  • Protect Countertops and Floors: Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to cover anything you don’t want paint kitchen cabinets on.
  • Remove Doors and Drawers: For the best results, you should remove cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Lay them flat on a drop cloth in a well-ventilated area, like a garage. This prevents drips and allows you to paint kitchen cabinets them more easily.



 

Give Your Cabinets a Second Life

painting your kitchen cabinets is a powerful way to update your home. By following these steps, you can achieve a durable, beautiful finish that looks like it was done by a professional. This project shows how a little effort can completely change the feel of your kitchen. So go ahead, pick your color, and get ready to fall in love with your kitchen all over again.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I paint kitchen cabinets over cabinets that have been painted multiple times?

Yes, you can. The key is proper preparation. As long as you thoroughly clean, sand, and prime the surface, you can successfully paint kitchen cabinetsover previous layers of paint.

Paint will typically be dry to the touch in a few hours, but it needs to cure for full durability. Curing can take anywhere from a few days to a month, depending on the paint kitchen cabinets and humidity. Avoid heavy use during this time.

Yes, for the best results, you should remove cabinet doors and drawers. This allows you to paint all surfaces evenly without worrying about drips or missed spots around hinges.

A high-quality acrylic alkyd paint kitchen cabinets is often recommended. It provides a durable, hard finish that is easy to clean, which is perfect for a high-traffic area like the kitchen.

The best way to ensure longevity is through meticulous prep work—cleaning, sanding, and priming. Using a high-quality paint kitchen cabinets and allowing it to fully cure will also make a huge difference in how well the finish holds up to wear and tear.

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