How To Paint Kitchen Cabinet Interiors?

Renovating a kitchen can be a costly endeavor, with replacing cabinets accounting for nearly 40% of the cost. For a 10-by 12-foot kitchen, the cost can be up to $5,000, and the new cabinets may be of lower quality than the ones being replaced. To give your cabinetry a fresh coat of paint, follow these step-by-step instructions. Two main design approaches for painting interior cabinetry include adding a softer color to contrast the outside cabinet paint color or using a bold pop of color.

Cabinets made of wood, wood laminate, veneer, fiberboard, and metal are good candidates for repainting. However, if your cabinets are made of plastic laminate or PVC, they may not be suitable for repainting. With the right primer and paint, painting kitchen cabinets is an easy, affordable DIY project. Learn how to pick the best colors and get high-quality results.

To paint the inside of cabinets, wipe them down with a damp rag or microfiber cloth to remove any dust. Cabinet interiors visible through door glass should always be painted the same color as the outside. A step-by-step DIY guide on how to paint kitchen units and cabinets with a professional, chip-proof finish is provided.

A helpful rule of thumb when deciding whether to paint the insides of your cabinets is to start at the back and work toward the front, using a brush to get into corners and detailed areas.

Can I paint directly over kitchen cabinets?

To paint over existing cabinets, follow these steps: scrape away any peeling paint, wash and dry the surface thoroughly, and ensure it is free of oils and food. Sanding is necessary to remove imperfections and create a smooth surface, as well as to develop small, rough ridges that create adhesion for the paint to stick to. Once all doors, drawers, and boxes have been prepared, start with the first coat of paint, followed by a second if necessary, after the first coat is completely dry. This ensures a smooth and even finish for the paint to adhere properly.

What is the best color to paint inside kitchen cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets can be painted in various timeless colors, such as white, off-white, light grays, soft greens, and wood tones. Darker colors like navy blue and dark black add drama and richness to the kitchen. Aegean Teal 2136-40, a former Benjamin Moore Color of the Year, is a popular choice. Dark paint colors like forest green, charcoal gray, dark brown, and black are better at hiding dirt than lighter hues. High-quality paint products like Advance ® Interior paint offer a furniture-like finish that withstands wear and tear.

Color choice for cabinets is a matter of personal taste. Some homeowners prefer the minimalist envelope of white countertops and matching white cabinets, while others prefer the contrast of a timeless white countertop with a deeper hue on cabinets and islands. Sleek black countertops act as a neutral and pair elegantly with kitchen cabinets in various hues, including cool light grays, airy light blues, organic greens, and classic white cabinets.

Can interior paint be used on cabinets?

Cabinet paints are the best choice for high-touch areas due to their higher levels of resins and resistance to scratches, staining, and fading. These paints generally fall into three categories: acrylic-based latex paints, water-based alkyd paints, and oil-based paints. Acrylic-based latex paints have a sturdier finish, making them easier to wipe clean than traditional wall paint. Water-based alkyd paints, a hybrid between oil and acrylic, are growing in popularity due to their quality, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

These paints level better than acrylic, dry harder, and achieve a more vibrant color. Cleanup involves soap and water, making them a popular choice for DIYers. Popular formulas include Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams ProClassic, and Behr Alkyd Enamel. While CR hasn’t tested paints specifically designed for cabinets, they offer options in their comprehensive paint ratings.

How to make the inside of kitchen cabinets look better?

Painting old wood, wood laminate, or metal cabinets is a simple task that can be done in five steps: remove doors and drawers, clean surfaces thoroughly, lightly sand each surface, paint, paint, paint, and replace new hardware. A kitchen cabinet “facelift” can elevate and revitalize an outdated space, especially when the layout works, storage is ample, and appliances are in good condition. Cabinetry sets the tone for the most dynamic room in a home, and a well-executed cabinet makeover is an easy and effective way to update your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of installing new cabinets. Simple techniques can breathe new life into old cabinets and make your kitchen feel fresh and welcoming.

Is there a difference between interior paint and cabinet paint?

Cabinet paints are a superior choice for kitchen cabinets and other surfaces due to their superior adhesion properties and thicker consistency. They are more resistant to scratches, staining, and fading due to their higher content of resins and special pigments. They also provide a high-quality finish by camouflaging imperfections. Despite their higher cost, the added durability and beauty of cabinet paints make them a worthwhile investment.

However, there are significant differences between wall paint and cabinet paint in terms of drying time. Cabinet paint takes significantly longer to dry than regular wall paint, often taking several hours or even days. This makes it a more suitable choice for surfaces that receive significant wear and tear.

Do I need to use primer before painting kitchen cabinets?

New cabinets should be primed before painting to ensure even application and prevent uneven paint absorption. Primer fills the grains in wood, creating a smooth base for even paint application. For metal cabinets, a corrosion-resistant primer is essential to prevent rust and ensure proper paint adhesion. Primer also acts as a protective layer, shielding the underlying material from moisture and contaminants, especially in kitchens with frequent humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Is it OK to paint cabinets without sanding?

Sanding is a time-consuming and messy process that can lead to a messy and dusty finish. Painting cabinets without sanding can save time and create a professional-looking look, especially for laminate cabinets. However, this method does not compromise the end result. With the right preparation and materials, you can achieve a smooth and durable finish.

The benefits of painting cabinets without sanding include being time-efficient, beginner-friendly, minimizing mess, simplifying the process, saving on equipment costs, and preserving the existing finish. Sanding can be necessary for some kitchen refreshing projects, but it is not necessary for all projects.

Some situations where sanding might be necessary include:

1. For a clean and organized kitchen: Sanding can help remove dust and debris from the cabinets, making it easier to clean and maintain.

2. For a more polished look: Sanding can help create a polished look by removing any imperfections or scratches.

3. For a more durable finish: Sanding can help preserve the existing finish of the cabinets, which can extend their lifespan.

In conclusion, painting cabinets without sanding offers several benefits, including time efficiency, affordability, and the preservation of the existing finish.

Should walls be lighter or darker than kitchen cabinets?

The size and space of your kitchen are crucial factors in designing a cozy and functional space. Lighter cabinets and walls in smaller kitchens can create an illusion of space, while darker cabinets in larger kitchens anchor the space and prevent it from feeling too expansive. The kitchen serves multiple purposes, from preparing meals to chatting with friends and family. When choosing a color scheme, consider the proportions of cabinets and walls, as they take up most of the space.

Achieving a balance between light and dark elements in your kitchen can create visual interest and depth, but it’s essential to strike the right contrast that complements your style and enhances the overall ambiance. Both dark cabinets and light walls have merits, but the choice depends on your preferences and the specifics of your space.

Does cabinet paint need primer?

Prime new cabinets is essential for proper preparation for paint, as wood surfaces can absorb paint unevenly. A corrosion-resistant primer is crucial for metal cabinets to prevent rust and ensure proper paint adhesion. Primer also acts as a protective layer, shielding the underlying material from moisture and contaminants, especially in kitchens with frequent humidity and temperature fluctuations. It is also crucial for effectively changing colors, especially from dark to light, as without it, multiple coats may be needed to cover the old color and prevent the original hue from peeking through.

Should I paint my kitchen cabinets the same color as my walls?

To create a light and bright kitchen, avoid sharp contrasts between walls and cabinets. The shade of the walls should be similar to the cabinets, creating a visual boundary and making the kitchen appear smaller. A lighter color scheme is recommended for smaller and less open kitchens. If the cabinets are already bright white, consider painting the walls a different shade or a pale blue-grey to add contrast.

Add back elements of color throughout the kitchen, such as window sills or decor pieces, to add depth and make the space more visually appealing. Striking a balance between sharp hues in accent pieces and bright white walls will make the room appear more spacious.

How to spray the inside of cabinets?

To paint cabinets, start by spraying the larger flat surfaces, starting with the corners and filling in the center area. Angle the gun for the outside areas with edges, allowing two-to-three spray passes to blend in the center. After the primer is dry, lightly sand the surfaces to ensure a smoother finish. Vacuum all surfaces and wipe them down with a tack cloth. Flush the old paint/coating material out of the sprayer with mineral spirits, or water before adding the water-based topcoat material.

Strain and load the topcoat material into the sprayer, spray the first topcoat onto all surfaces, and allow it to dry before spraying a second coat. Fine sanding, vacuuming, and wiping with a tack cloth are recommended to ensure the topcoat adheres stronger to the surface.