Painting Kitchen Cabinets White: Achieving A Smooth Finish (2024)

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a new look without breaking the bank. However, it's important to note that the task is time-consuming and requires careful preparation. The first step is to assess the condition of your cabinets and determine if they need to be replaced or can be painted. If you decide to paint them, choose the appropriate paint for your cabinet type – solid wood, laminate, or metal. The next steps include emptying the cabinets, removing doors and hardware, cleaning and repairing the surfaces, priming, and then painting. It is crucial to follow the correct painting techniques to achieve a smooth finish without brush strokes. Allow adequate drying time between coats and consider applying a second or third coat for full coverage. Finally, reassemble your cabinets and enjoy your refreshed kitchen!

Choose the right paint for your cabinets

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a new look without the cost of installing new cabinets. When choosing the right paint for your cabinets, there are several factors to consider, from the type of surface you'll be painting to the finish and colour you want to achieve. Here's a guide to help you select the best paint for the job.

Choose the Right Type of Paint

The first step is to select a paint that is suitable for the surface of your cabinets. Are your cabinets made of solid wood, laminate, or metal? Each surface has different requirements when it comes to paint.

• Solid wood cabinets are ideal for painting and can be easily scuffed with sandpaper to create a paint-ready surface.
• Laminate cabinets require a special bonding primer. Make sure the laminate is in good condition before starting.
• Metal cabinets should be assessed for their condition. If they are already painted, you can repaint them if the existing paint is in good shape.

Select a High-Quality Paint

It's important to choose a high-quality paint for your kitchen cabinets. Special cabinet paints are available that provide a smooth finish, but any high-quality paint should work. Here are some specific types of paint to consider:

• Acrylic latex-based paint is durable and easy to clean up. It's a good option for kitchen cabinets as it can withstand the wear and tear of a busy kitchen.
• Alkyd paint is a water-based paint with an enamel finish similar to oil paint but without the oil. It leaves a hard, semi-gloss finish that is durable and self-levelling, meaning it dries smoothly and evenly.
• Oil-based paint is known for its resilient finish and ease of cleaning. However, it has some drawbacks, including long drying times between coats (up to 16 hours) and the release of higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Latex paint is a good choice for kitchen cabinets as it offers lower VOC levels and quicker drying times than oil-based paint. Advances in water-based paint formulas have improved their durability, making them more suitable for kitchens.

Consider the Finish

The finish you choose for your kitchen cabinets will impact their durability and overall appearance. Here are some options to consider:

• Semi-gloss or satin finish is commonly used for kitchen cabinets. It provides a washable and scrubbable surface that is more resilient to cleaning. It also reflects light well, making it a good choice for a kitchen environment.
• Gloss paint is the shiniest option and is very durable due to its high resin and binder content. However, it may show more imperfections and mistakes.
• Flat finish paint should be avoided for kitchen cabinets as it is not as washable as semi-gloss or gloss finishes.

Pick the Right Colour

When it comes to colour, white is a classic choice for kitchen cabinets as it creates a crisp, clean look. However, other colours such as grey, blue, red, yellow, and green can also work well and create a warm and welcoming space. Consider the backsplash and countertop colours in your kitchen when selecting a cabinet colour. You can either match or complement these elements to create a cohesive look.

Prepare your space

Before you start painting your kitchen cabinets, you'll need to prepare your space. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

• Empty your cabinets and clear your counters: Remove everything from your cabinets, including freestanding appliances and furniture, to create a clear workspace.
• Cover your countertops and floors: Use rosin or brown builder's paper, painter's tape, kraft paper, drop cloths, or plastic tarps to protect your countertops, backsplash, floors, appliances, windows, and doorways from paint splatters.
• Set up a worktable: Create a dedicated space for painting doors, drawers, and shelves. You can use a worktable or create a DIY drying rack with two small ladders and two 2x4s.
• Remove doors, drawers, and hardware: Take off all the hinges, hardware, doors, screws, and drawers from your cabinets. Label each piece with a number and its corresponding location to ensure you reinstall them correctly.
• Clean the surfaces: Scrub your cabinets with a grease-cutting solution, such as a mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water, or a dedicated grease remover like TSP substitute. Rinse and wipe them dry. This step is crucial, as paint won't adhere well to greasy cabinets.
• Sand the cabinets: Lightly sand the cabinets to give the paint a good surface to grip. You don't need to sand them down to the bare wood. Use 120-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge for factory finishes, and 100-grit paper for rough surfaces.
• Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth: Remove all the sanding dust from the doors, drawer fronts, and cabinet frames using a vacuum with a soft-bristle brush attachment. Follow up with a tack cloth to pick up any remaining dust.

Now that your space is prepared, you can move on to the next steps of priming and painting your kitchen cabinets.

Clean your cabinets

Before painting your kitchen cabinets, it is crucial to clean them thoroughly to ensure a successful and long-lasting paint job. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your cabinets like a pro:

• Prepare in advance: Wear safety gear, such as gloves and a respirator, to protect yourself from chemicals and dust. Clear the work area and cover the floor with a leak-proof protector. Assess the condition of the old paint. If it is in good condition, you can move to the next step. Otherwise, use a stripping product to remove the old paint and prepare the surface for a new finish.
• Empty and detach the cabinet doors and drawers: Remove all items from the cabinets and detach the doors and drawers. Bag and label all the hardware, including hinges and knobs, for later use. You can also tag the drawers and doors with painter's tape to ensure proper placement during reassembly.
• Clean and degrease the cabinets: Choose an appropriate degreaser or cleaner to remove layers of grime and grease from the cabinet surfaces. Natural and commercial cleaners can be used for this purpose. Apply the cleaner directly to the cabinets and scrub with a drill brush attachment, or apply it to a soft cloth or sponge to control the amount of cleaner used. If using a drill brush is not an option, opt for a soft-bristle brush and scrub by hand. Finally, wipe down the cabinets with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining grease and dirt. Allow the cabinets to air dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
• Test your chosen cleaner in an inconspicuous area: Before applying any cleaner to the entire cabinet surface, test it on a small, hidden area to ensure it does not cause damage or discolouration.
• Sand the cabinet doors and drawers: Sanding improves the adhesion of primer and paint, resulting in a smoother finish. Use sandpaper with a grit of 150 to 220 to even out the cabinet surface before painting. Ensure the cabinets are thoroughly cleaned before sanding to avoid an uneven finish.

Some recommended cleaning products include:

• Trisodium phosphate (TSP): An efficient cleanser that can remove old paint bits. However, it can irritate the skin and eyes, so safety wear is crucial.
• Krud Kutter: A potent and inexpensive cleaner that can quickly cut through grease and dirt.
• Baking soda and water: A natural and effective product for cleaning kitchen cabinets. Mix one part baking soda with two parts water and add lemon. Spray the solution onto the cabinets and wait for 3 to 5 minutes before cleaning with a wet soft towel.
• Vinegar and lemon: Mix equal parts vinegar and hot water, apply for 3 to 4 minutes, then clean with a damp microfiber towel.
• Dish soap: Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of water and soak a sponge or cloth. Rub the solution onto the cabinets to eliminate stains and dirt, then clean and dry with a soft microfiber towel.
• Commercial cabinet cleaners: There are various commercial cleaners available that may be suitable for your specific cabinet material and condition.

Prime your cabinets

To achieve a smooth, brush-stroke-free finish when painting your kitchen cabinets white, priming is a crucial step. Here's a detailed guide on how to prime your cabinets effectively:

Clean and Prepare the Cabinets:

Start by emptying your cabinets and removing the doors, drawers, and hardware. Label each door and drawer to ensure you know where to reinstall them. Clean all surfaces with a degreaser or a TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution to remove any grease and dirt. If there are any dents or holes, fill them with wood filler and let it dry. Lightly sand the cabinets to create a good surface for the primer to adhere to. Use a medium grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge, and remember to sand in the direction of the wood grain. Vacuum and wipe the surfaces with a tack cloth to ensure they are dust-free.

Choose the Right Primer:

Select a primer suitable for the type of cabinets you have. For laminate cabinets, use a special bonding primer, and consider sanding the laminate lightly before priming. If your cabinets are heavily stained, opt for a stain-blocking primer. Otherwise, an oil-based or 100% acrylic latex primer will work well. For a quick project, choose a fast-drying primer.

Prime the Cabinet Frames:

When priming the cabinet frames, work from the inside out. Use a brush to get into corners and detailed areas, and use even brushstrokes. Finish by brushing in the direction of the grain. For larger, flat surfaces, use a mini roller. Cover the cabinet, doors, and drawer fronts with a coat of primer.

Prime the Doors and Drawers:

Remove the tape labels and start priming the doors and drawers. Begin with the backside, applying a smooth, even coat. Once the primer is dry, flip the door or drawer and prime the front, paying extra attention to detailed areas and ensuring the primer doesn't pool in the corners. Use a foam roller for larger, flat surfaces. You can use painter's tripods to lift the doors and drawers, making it easier to paint the edges.

Let the Primer Dry:

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time. Some primers may require light sanding before proceeding to the next step. Make sure the primer is completely dry before moving on to painting.

Paint your cabinets

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank. It is a time-consuming process, so make sure you have the time and patience to complete it. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you paint your kitchen cabinets:

Step 1: Assess your cabinets

Before starting the painting process, examine your cabinets to ensure they are suitable for painting. Check if they have peeling paint, deep scratches, or a very glossy finish. If your cabinets are in good condition and have smooth, non-glossy surfaces, you can proceed with painting.

Step 2: Choose the right paint

Select the appropriate paint for your cabinets based on the material. If your cabinets are made of solid wood, laminate, or metal, you can repaint them. For laminate cabinets, use a special bonding primer, ensuring the laminate is in good condition. Choose a high-quality paint, such as special cabinet paints, which provide a smooth finish. Select an acrylic latex-based paint as it is durable and easy to clean up. Consider the finish you want to achieve – a semi-gloss or satin finish is typically used for kitchens.

Step 3: Prepare the work area

Before starting to paint, protect your countertops, appliances, and floors with drop cloths or rosin paper. Tape plastic tarps over the backsplash, windows, fixed appliances, and doorways to avoid accidental paint splatters. Remove all items from your countertops and clear out your cabinets.

Step 4: Clean the cabinet surfaces

Thoroughly clean all cabinet surfaces to remove any grease, grime, or food residue that could interfere with paint adhesion. Use a degreaser solution or a mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water. For stubborn spots, use a microfiber sponge or magic eraser. Rinse the cabinets with water and allow them to dry.

Step 5: Apply a deglosser or liquid sandpaper (optional)

If your cabinets have a glossy finish or light scratches, you can apply a deglosser or liquid sandpaper to help the paint adhere better. Make sure to wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation during this process.

Step 6: Prime the cabinets

Apply a primer to the cabinets, using a brush or a small roller. Work in the direction of the wood grain and smooth out any drips. Allow the primer to dry completely, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 7: Paint the cabinets

Use a high-quality brush or foam roller to apply the paint, working in smooth, even strokes. Start with a thin coat and allow it to dry before applying a second coat. You may need two or three coats, depending on the paint colour and quality. Use a brush to cut in along the edges and a roller for larger, flat surfaces.

Step 8: Reassemble the cabinets

Once the paint is completely dry, reassemble your cabinets. Reattach the doors and drawer fronts, and reinstall the hardware. If desired, you can update your cabinet hardware with new knobs or pulls to complement the new paint colour.

Frequently asked questions