Have you been looking for a simple way to update an older kitchen and freshen up your space? Painting your kitchen cabinets can be a relatively inexpensive and simple weekend project that could make a huge impact on the look of the area. This is especially beneficial if you are trying to sell a home- most buyers are looking for a kitchen that appears bright and clean. If you are planning to do it yourself, here is a breakdown of the step-by-step process for tackling the project.
To start, choose a paint color that complements the area. I would highly recommend something bright and white, and if you have any off-white colors already in the kitchen make sure the one you’ve chosen doesn’t clash with any existing materials. If you are looking to save money, you may want to check the discounted paint section at your local home improvement store to see what they have already prepared.
One simple way to streamline the process is to select a paint and primer combo. This will likely require an extra coat of paint but will eliminate that extra step of priming everything beforehand. Also be aware of the finish on the paint you are purchasing. Some will be very shiny like trim paint, and others will have more flat finish. It all comes down to personal preference, and the look and style you are aiming for will determine what type of finish you choose.
The next step would be to gather your materials. Decide if you should use a roller or just brush paint – there will probably be certain areas that need to be brushed so it might be a good idea to have one on hand just in case. You will also want to pick up some drop cloth to cover any surfaces that you wouldn’t want paint spilled on, and some tape to keep paint off the walls and counter tops. Once you have finished prepping the area, you will want to lightly sand the cabinets to rough up the surface and give the paint something to adhere to. I would recommend something with a light grit so that you don’t scratch the cabinets.
The final step for prepping the cabinets is to remove the handles with a drill or screwdriver and put them in a bag or box somewhere safe so the screws don’t get lost. It would also be beneficial to have some paper towels and water on hand to clean up any spilled paint before it dries. At this point, the next step is to start painting! Follow the grain of the wood and apply as many coats as necessary to fully cover the old color, leaving about an hour or so of drying time in between each coat. Be sure to leave the cabinets open as the paint is drying so you don’t accidentally paint them shut.
Finally, if your cabinet handles are old and outdated this could be a relatively inexpensive update to finish off the project. Some hardware stores sell these in bulk if you want to save a few dollars and keep the updates within your budget. For more tips on how to update your house and other helpful information check out some of the other articles on the blog.
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I really like the way those lighter colored kitchen cabinets makes the room look bigger. My wife and I are considering getting our kitchen remodeled and can’t decide between resurfacing our existing cabinetry or buying new kitchen cabinets. This post is helpful – thanks for sharing 🙂