Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Painting kitchen cabinets is a great way to update a kitchen. Even if your kitchen cabinets are really old and outdated, painting kitchen cabinets will bring new life to your kitchen.
Most people think of white cabinets when they think about painting kitchen cabinets, but your cabinets don’t need to be painted white. I chose white because of the style of my home, but you can choose any color that you’d like.
Since I receive this question the most, I thought today I would talk about the two ways of painting kitchen cabinets. Both take just as much work in my opinion, although I didn’t realize it when I first decided to paint my cabinets.
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Chalk painted cabinets
Chalk painted cabinets are the big thing in painting kitchen cabinets. The great thing about chalk paint is that you can easily distress your cabinets. So, if you looking to add a aged and chippy patina to your kitchen cabinets, then chalk paint is the answer.
(White Lace from Heirloom Traditions Paint)
(Use code WHITELACE to receive 10% off your order)
If you’re going to apply chalk paint you’ll need to make sure you clean your surface well. Meaning if there’s grease or wax on your cabinets, they must be cleaned off before painting. But, with chalk paint you don’t have to apply a primer or sand before painting. That’s the great thing about chalk paint.
You will need to either wax your kitchen cabinets or use a clear coat sealer. I waxed my kitchen cabinets because I really like that hand buffed look. But, it is a little more work, especially if you have lots of cabinets, so keep that in mind.
If you’re looking for a perfectly smooth look on your cabinets, without distressing or brush strokes than chalk paint is not for you.
Latex Paint/Primer method
This method does take a little more prep and work. But as I said, if you’re not into brush stokes on your cabinets and you don’t want a shabby or distressed look, than this method is for you. I would use a semi-gloss or gloss latex paint.
Before painting your cabinets using chalk or latex paint, make sure that prep well and clean your cabinets off. Don’t skip this step, it’s super important if you want your primer and paint to adhere. You’ll also need to sand your cabinets, then clean off all that debris.
This is a great product for prepping your cabinets, make sure you fully read the directions before using Lift Off.
Next take your cabinet doors off, and label them. I’m going to admit, I did not take my kitchen doors off, and I didn’t paint the inside of my doors. But I used chalk paint and it wasn’t an issue for me. If I had been using latex, I would have taken my door off.
Once your cabinets have been cleaned and sanded, taken off and labeled, you’re ready to add your primer. You’ll need at least two coats of primer, letting it dry in between. Again, make sure the primer is fulled dried before going on to the next step. I’ve been told for better results that you must sand in between each coat of primer.
This primer Zinsser states that no sanding is required, I’ve used this brand myself and haven’t had issues, so use your own discretion.
Next, you’re ready to paint your cabinets, again after each coat is completely dry. If you don’t allow the paint to fully dry in between each coat it will result in sticky cabinets. Since you primed first, this should only take two coats of paint.
With either method you can also use a sprayer, which would eliminate any brush strokes. But it will be messy when you think of using a sprayer in your home. I’m not sure that I would personally do that, but you can if you choose. Just use common sense and caution. Cover up all areas that you don’t want painted.
They recommend using a foam roller. I’ve used this method on my dining room table, and it’s not smooth, it has a slight texture from the foam roller.
This product Flood is supposed to eliminate brush strokes, and gives you a bit more time to work with the paint before it dries. I haven’t used this myself. But I know friends that have and swear that this really works.
Either way, painting cabinets is a big job. Believe me I learned this when I painted mine using chalk type paint. But, even though it was a ton of work, I absolutely love my cabinets, and I would do it all over again.
So, how are my white cabinets holding up? Well, I do cook in my kitchen, and yes I do get splatters sometimes. But they wipe up well.
If you’re thinking of painting kitchen cabinets keep these tips in mind.
- Decide whether you want a distressed look or a smoother look
- Choose a color that fits your lifestyle and home design
- Remember that when painting kitchen cabinets there is no real easy way.
I’ve got lots of projects to share soon, can’t wait to share! But, it’s summer break, so I’m moving at a snails pace.
Just wondering what has happened to the best way to paint cabinets, woodwork, furniture using the
Very best OIL enamel available……I’m a professional painter only use Porter’s Glyptex Oil enamel . Only need I coat primer and 1 coat finish …..outstanding paint, outstanding job…..
What a great tutorial on the differences between latex and chalk paints. Thank you for this and for all the great tips and for the wonderful product tips. I do a lot of painting (it’s my fave thing to do!) and some of these products will really come in handy. I use both latex and chalk paints, depending on the project, so your post is definitely appreciated. By the way, I also painted my kitchen cabinets. I used high gloss latex paint and just LOVE them! I keep thinking I’ll get tired of the color (heirloom white cabinets with medium green doors) but I’m still in love with them! it was a lot of work. Yes, I’d do it all over again. Thanks once again!
Hi Anne! Hope you are enjoying this long holiday weekend. Thank you so much for all of the great tips! As a matter of fact, we ARE getting ready to paint our kitchen cabinets. I would love to have a distessed look, but our kitchen is mid-century modern with mint custom cabinets that would not lend themselves to a distressed look. Therefore, latex paint is going to be the logical choice. We thought about spraying them in an enclosed area in the garage, but our last attempt at spraying some furniture in the garage did not produce a good look…at all. I have been concerned about brush marks, mush more concerned than my husband. I’ve seen them on so many painted cabinets that required a very smooth finish, not a good look. I am interested in the ‘FLOOD’ product., particularly since you’ve had friends who say they’ve had good results with it. I’m game, we’ll see about the hubs. THANK YOU! You have no idea what a wealth of creativity, inspiration and information you are!
BTW, your kitchen is beautiful and so welcoming! The mix of lighting fixtures is genius and looks fabulous. I LOVE the combination of the white and blue is light and lovely. Your island and eating space look perfect partnered with all of your great vintage decor (love the scale) and other chippy white pieces. Your kitchen says, “Anne’s Kitchen”!
What color of blue did you use. I live in an 1800’s farm house in Texas. Want to paint my kitchen white and use a pretty color on the island. It will be green or blue then the other cabinets will be white. Should I use chalk or latex in this old of a house?Only have lower ones. Your kitchen is beautiful. I love your site. Lots of helpful ideas.
Hi Anne!, thank you for your great tips. Just 1 question regardingthe flood product. Can you add this to the chalk paint as well as latex? Thanks. ?