Spraying Alkyd Paint For Cabinet Doors: A Step-By-Step Guide (2024)

Spray painting cabinet doors is a great way to give your kitchen a sparkling, fresh look at a dramatically lower cost than purchasing new ones. Alkyd paint is a great option for cabinet doors as it dries to a tough finish, and you don't need to add a topcoat. However, it is important to note that alkyd paint can be more expensive than other options and may require more preparation time. When spray painting cabinet doors, it is essential to remove all hardware and place drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect the surrounding area. It is also crucial to wear protective gear, such as a respirator, goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing, as the paint particles can be harmful if inhaled. With the right tools and preparation, you can achieve a smooth and durable finish for your cabinet doors.

Preparation: Remove doors, mask areas, and clean surfaces

The first step in preparing to spray paint your cabinet doors is to remove the cabinet doors, drawers, and shelves from the cabinet boxes. Place the removed items in an area where you can easily use the sprayer without worrying about getting paint on other things. This might be a large workshop, a garage, or a covered patio.

Next, you'll need to mask off any areas that you don't want to get painted. In the kitchen, mask all areas—walls, countertops, flooring, appliances, etc.—that you do not want to paint with sheet plastic and painter's tape. A cloth drop cloth works better for flooring than plastic sheeting because it is not as slippery.

Once you have removed the cabinet doors and masked off the surrounding areas, it's time to clean the surfaces you'll be painting. Kitchen cabinets can be particularly greasy, so it's important to use a degreaser or a strong chemical cleaner like TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) to cut through the grease and grime. Be sure to wear chemical-resistant clothing, goggles, and gloves when using TSP. After cleaning, lightly sand the surfaces to dull any existing sheen and create a more suitable surface for painting. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth and let the cabinets dry before taping off any unpaintable areas.

Now that you have removed the cabinet doors, masked off the surrounding areas, and cleaned and sanded the surfaces, you're ready to start spraying your alkyd paint!

Sanding: Lightly sand to dull sheen, not remove coatings

Sanding is an essential step in the process of painting cabinet doors. It helps to create a smooth and suitable surface for painting and ensures proper adhesion of the paint. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for the sanding process:

• Use the right sandpaper grit: Start with 120-grit sandpaper to level out any imperfections and then finish with 220-grit for a smooth surface. The goal is to dull the sheen of the surface without removing all the existing coatings.
• Sand lightly: You only need to sand enough to dull the sheen, so be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure. Over-sanding can damage the surface and remove too much of the existing finish.
• Clean the surface after sanding: Use a vacuum and a tack cloth to remove any debris and dust created during the sanding process. This will ensure that the surface is ready for the next step, such as priming or painting.
• Pay attention to the type of cabinets: If you have Thermofoil-coated cabinets, be extra careful as the coating can shred off if you sand too hard.
• Sand between coats: After applying a coat of primer or paint, lightly sand the surface again with 220-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to create an even smoother surface for the next coat.
• Protect yourself: Sanding can create dust and debris, so wear a mask, goggles, and gloves to protect yourself during the process.
• Take your time: Sanding is a crucial step in the painting process, so don't rush it. Take your time to ensure that the surface is properly prepared for the best results.

Priming: Use a primer to cover imperfections

Priming is an essential step in the process of spraying alkyd paint on cabinet doors to ensure a smooth and durable finish. Here are some detailed instructions for priming to cover imperfections:

Before priming, it is crucial to prepare the cabinet doors properly. Start by sanding down the surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper, such as 120-grit or 220-grit sandpaper, to level out any imperfections and create a smooth base. Use a random orbital sander for larger areas and a sanding block for detailed areas. The goal is to remove the sheen and create a uniform surface without removing all the coatings and paint layers. After sanding, use a damp cloth or a tack cloth to remove dust and debris thoroughly.

Once the surfaces are smooth and clean, it's time to apply a primer. Choose a primer suitable for the surface you're working with, such as a stain-blocking primer for heavily stained cabinets or an oil-based primer if you plan to use latex paint over oil-based paint. You can use a brush or a roller to apply the primer, ensuring you get into all the corners and tight spots. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

After priming, inspect the surfaces for any imperfections, such as brush marks or drips. If necessary, sand these areas again with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe away the dust with a tack cloth. This step will help you achieve a smooth and even finish.

If you're working with a previously painted surface, it's essential to determine if the existing paint is oil-based or latex. This is crucial because applying water-based latex paint over oil-based paint will cause peeling. To avoid this, use an oil-based primer as a base before applying latex paint.

Additionally, consider tinting your primer to match your final paint color. This adds depth to your chosen paint color and enhances its richness. Consult your local paint store professional to find the right primer and tint for your project.

Remember, proper preparation, including priming, is key to achieving a flawless finish when spraying alkyd paint on cabinet doors. Take your time with each step, and don't be afraid to seek advice from experts at your local paint store if needed.

Spraying: Spray paint evenly, including corners

When it comes to spraying alkyd paint for cabinet doors, it's important to work carefully and methodically to achieve an even and smooth finish. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Spraying Technique:

• Wear protective gear, including a respirator and eye protection, and clothing that covers your body.
• Ensure the paint sprayer is set up correctly and you've practised on a test surface to get a feel for the spray pattern and pressure.
• Hold the sprayer about 6-12 inches away from the cabinet door's surface.
• Start spraying before you reach the cabinet door, and continue spraying for a brief moment after you've passed over it. This ensures an even coat without heavy spots.
• Use slow and steady movements, working your way from left to right or right to left, ensuring you slightly overlap each previous spray pass.
• Pay close attention to corners and edges. Spray from different angles to ensure these areas are adequately coated without buildup.
• Take your time and work in thin, even coats. It's better to apply several light coats than one heavy coat, which could lead to drips and an uneven finish.
• Allow the recommended drying time between coats, and lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper if needed to smooth the surface before the next coat.

Tips for Spray Painting Cabinet Doors:

• Remove all hardware, including hinges and handles, and place them in labelled bags for easy reassembly.
• Disassemble the cabinet doors and place them on a flat surface or hang them up using hooks to make spraying easier.
• Mask off any areas you don't want to paint, such as walls, countertops, and appliances, using plastic sheeting and painter's tape.
• Ensure proper ventilation during the spraying process, and use a fan to help diffuse fumes.
• Clean and sand the cabinet doors before painting to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.
• Prime the surfaces before painting, allowing ample drying time, to ensure better paint adhesion and a richer colour.
• Clean your paint sprayer thoroughly between coats and when you're finished painting to prevent paint buildup and clogs.

Drying: Allow ample time for drying before reassembling

When it comes to drying and reassembling, patience is key. You don't want to ruin all your hard work by rushing this final stage. It is recommended that you allow the paint to dry for a full day before replacing the cabinet doors and drawers. If you can wait even longer, that's better—up to three days is ideal. This will ensure that the paint is completely dry and won't stick to itself or leave marks when you put your cabinets back together.

If you're in a humid environment, you may need to wait even longer than a day. Humidity can slow down the drying process, so it's important to factor that in. If you're in a hurry, there is a faster method, but it's not recommended. You can use nails to hang the doors and paint the backs first, but this will leave little dots and matte overspray on the backs of your doors.

Once you've allowed the paint to dry, you can start reassembling your cabinets. Begin by attaching the cabinet doors and drawers. Make sure to put all the hardware, such as knobs and handles, back in place. It's a good idea to label each piece of hardware with its location before removing it, so you know exactly where everything goes.

After you've put everything back together, it's important to let the paint cure completely. This can take a few days to a week, depending on the type of paint you used. During this time, avoid using the cabinets heavily or placing anything on the freshly painted surfaces. This will ensure that your new paint job lasts and looks its best.

Frequently asked questions