The Best Way To Paint Cabinets: Baked Enamel Perfection (2024)

Painting kitchen cabinets with baked enamel is a detailed process that requires patience and attention to detail, but it can give your kitchen a fresh, updated look. The process involves several steps, including preparing the cabinets, applying primer, painting with enamel, and reassembling the cabinets. Baked enamel provides a durable, easy-to-clean surface with a professional finish. The key to success is using high-quality materials and maintaining a consistent approach throughout the process.

Preparing the cabinets: empty, clean, disassemble, sand, and repair

The first step in preparing your cabinets for painting is to empty their contents. Remove everything from the cabinets, drawers, countertops, and shelves. It is a good opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need.

Once empty, the next step is to disassemble the cabinets. Remove the doors, drawers, and all hardware, such as hinges, knobs, and pulls. Keep track of where each piece belongs by labelling or numbering the parts and the corresponding cabinet.

After disassembling, it is important to clean the cabinet surfaces thoroughly. Use a grease-cutting solution, such as a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water, or a dedicated grease remover like TSP substitute. Pay special attention to areas with heavy grease accumulation, such as above and below the cooktop or stove. Use a scouring pad or sponge to scrub the cabinets gently, and then rinse with clean water and wipe them dry.

Before painting, it is crucial to repair any damage to the cabinet surfaces. Fill unwanted holes, dents, and dings with wood filler or spackling compound. Sand the filled areas with sandpaper to smooth them out and ensure the filler is flush with the surrounding surface.

After cleaning and repairing, lightly sand all the surfaces you plan to paint. Use fine-grit sandpaper, such as 120-grit or 220-grit, to smooth out the surfaces and create a good base for the paint to adhere to. Pay particular attention to any rough areas or previous paint jobs that may need extra sanding to create a uniform surface.

Primer: choose the right primer and apply two coats

When painting cabinets, it is important to prime them first. Priming helps to protect your cabinets and creates a smooth base for better paint adhesion and true colour. Kitchens are naturally exposed to high humidity and moisture, so it is important to choose a primer formula that offers exceptional coverage, excellent adhesion, and resistance to mould and mildew.

To choose the right primer, you must first identify the needs of your cabinets. The primer's finish is an important factor, as it determines the amount of shine it gives off even before adding paint. The three main finishes you will find when choosing a primer for kitchen cabinets are flat/matte, semi-gloss, and glossy. Flat/matte produces no shine and works best with most paints. Semi-gloss gives a fair amount of reflection and has characteristics of both flat and glossy primers. Glossy is incredibly shiny and helps create a super-smooth surface, enhancing the look of approved paints.

The type of primer you use will determine how it interacts with the surface and the paint. The most commonly used bases for primers are oil-based, latex, shellac-based, and water-based. Oil-based primers are versatile and resistant to stains and weather; they work best with enamel paints. Latex primers are healthier than oil-based primers and can be used with latex paints on wood, masonry, drywall, metal, and plaster. Shellac-based primers work great for interior projects; they dry fast and block stains. Water-based primers share characteristics of oil-based and latex primers and work best with acrylic and latex paints.

When priming cabinets, it is important to first remove the doors, drawers, and hardware. Sand the surfaces to create a smooth surface for priming, and then wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue. When applying the primer, move in the same direction as the wood grain for the best results. Allow each coat of primer to dry fully before applying a new coat.

Enamel paint: select the right paint and apply thin coats

Enamel paint is a durable, hard-drying paint with a glossy finish. It is an excellent choice for surfaces that are exposed to harsh weather conditions, heavy wear and tear, or that require regular cleaning. Enamel paint is often used on kitchen cabinets, as it is easy to wipe down and resistant to staining.

Selecting the Right Enamel Paint

Enamel paint is traditionally oil-based, but water-based options are now more common and easier to work with. Water-based enamel is ideal for basic projects, while oil-based enamel is better for surfaces that will be exposed to harsh conditions.

Applying the Paint

Before painting, it is important to prepare the surface. Remove any hardware, clear the area, and clean the cabinets thoroughly. Sand all surfaces to be painted with 220-grit paper, then apply a coat of primer. Oil-based primers are recommended for indoor surfaces, and BIN, Zinsser's shellac-based pigmented primer is a good option.

When applying the paint, use a high-quality brush. For oil-based enamel, a Chinese or ox-hair brush is ideal, while synthetic brushes are better for water-based enamel. You can also use a sprayer for even coats and to save time.

Apply two thin coats of paint, allowing the first to dry thoroughly before applying the second. Thin the paint according to the manufacturer's instructions, using a thinning agent or a product like Flotrol.

Drying and Maintenance

Oil-based enamel paint can take 8-24 hours to dry, while water-based paint dries much faster, usually in under two hours. Touch up worn areas with thin coats of paint, and clean with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent.

Application techniques: use the right brush and roller for a professional finish

Painting cabinets can be a daunting task, but choosing the right tools can make all the difference in achieving a professional-looking finish. Here are some tips to help you select the best brushes and rollers for the job:

Brush Type:

• Natural Bristle Brushes: These brushes, made from boar or hog hair, are great for spreading thick paint evenly. They are manoeuvrable and precise, making them suitable for small details and tight areas. Natural bristles work best with oil-based paints but can also be used with latex and acrylic paints.
• Synthetic Brushes: Synthetic brushes, made from nylon or polyester, are a cost-effective alternative. They provide a smooth finish with fewer brush strokes and are suitable for high-gloss finishes. Use them with latex paint for quick and efficient results.
• Hybrid Brushes: Combining natural and synthetic fibres, hybrid brushes offer the best of both worlds. They provide efficient paint distribution and a smooth finish with reduced brush strokes.
• Foam Brushes: Foam brushes are a cost-effective option that leaves minimal brush strokes. They are versatile and suitable for staining woods, but be sure to choose high-quality foam brushes for larger projects.

Roller vs. Brush:

When painting cabinets, you can use a roller, a brush, or a combination of both. Using a roller can provide a nice finish, especially if you opt for a small, white, spongy roller. If you prefer a brush, an angled brush will allow you to paint with a single top-to-bottom stroke, making it a good choice for kitchen cabinets.

Brush Firmness:

Softer bristles offer more manoeuvrability but may result in less even paint distribution. Stiff bristles, on the other hand, provide a broader and more even distribution of paint. For staining cabinets, softer bristles are recommended, while for painting, stiffer bristles are preferable.

Brush Size:

Match the brush size to the work surface. For cabinets, consider having two brushes—a medium-sized brush for broad surfaces and a smaller brush for narrow edges and details.

Comfort:

Painting can be a repetitive task, so choose a brush with a handle that feels comfortable in your hand. Consider the handle material (wood, plastic, or metal) and length, as shorter handles offer more precision.

Additional Tips:

• Thin your paint: For alkyd-based enamel paint, mix in a thinning agent as per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Painting technique: Paint with the grain, in the direction of the longest dimension.
• Avoid drips: Paint the backs of cabinet doors first to avoid drips on the front.
• Primer: Use a quality primer, such as a shellac-based pigmented primer, to ensure a smooth finish without brush marks.

By choosing the right tools and following these tips, you can achieve a professional-looking finish on your painted cabinets.

Drying and additional coats: allow each coat to dry and add more as needed

Drying times for painted cabinets vary depending on the type of paint used, the application method, and the temperature and humidity of the environment. It is crucial to allow each coat of paint to dry thoroughly before applying additional coats to achieve the desired finish.

For alkyd-based enamel paint, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing a thinning agent and applying the paint. After painting the backs of the cabinet doors and the recesses, allow the coat to dry completely before flipping the doors and painting the opposite sides.

Latex or water-based paints typically require at least four hours of drying time between coats. While they may feel dry to the touch within an hour, it is best to wait the full four hours or even longer for the best results. The flatter the paint sheen, the faster it will dry; so, flat or matte paints will be quicker.

Oil-based paints, on the other hand, have a longer drying time and require a minimum of 24 hours between coats. Even if it feels dry to the touch after a few hours, it is advisable to wait the full 24 hours or more to ensure the paint has thoroughly hardened.

The temperature and humidity of the room also play a role in drying times. For water-based paints, an optimal room temperature of around 72 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate humidity levels will facilitate faster drying. Oil-based paints perform best when the room temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit but below 90 degrees.

Additionally, the application method affects drying times. Spray-painted surfaces tend to dry faster, usually within 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the paint type and humidity. Rolled-on paint or paint applied with a brush will take longer to dry, so thicker coats of paint will require more extended drying times.

By allowing each coat of paint to dry completely and considering the environmental factors and application methods, you can ensure that your painted cabinets will have a smooth and uniform finish.

Frequently asked questions