Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets: How and in What Color?

In this article, we're going to explain the colors you can paint your kitchen cabinets and we'll give you a step-by-step guide to do it yourself.
Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets: How and in What Color?

Last update: 28 September, 2021

Painting your kitchen cabinets is something that you can do yourself–and in this article, we’re going to tell you how. This is a simple and less expensive way to completely renovate your kitchen. That’s right! You’ll also be surprised by the dramatic change in appearance that this small update will make to your entire kitchen.

What color should you paint your kitchen cabinets?

Metal paint.

Before we begin, it’s important to point out that you have the option of painting your kitchen cabinets in their original color–particularly if time has worn them down and you want them to look like new. Of course, it’s also possible to use other colors to make it appear as if you’ve changed these elements completely. Next, we’ll reveal the colors that you can opt for and why they’ll look so good in your kitchen.

White

White is a color that’ll always be in fashion and it goes very well in the kitchen because it adds a feeling of cleanliness and elegance. In addition to moving your kitchen towards a classic and timeless style, white can also become the basis for other, stronger colors.

Beige

Beige is a color that has properties similar to white, but it adds a different touch. It’s ideal if your kitchen doesn’t have a lot of natural light, as it brings its own light and will make your kitchen look a little larger than it really is.

Wine

The wine color is a charming, vibrant, and elegant tone. It goes very well with white and, without a doubt, it’ll transform your kitchen. It also goes very well with dark wood accessories and makes for a very sophisticated combination. Although it’s a very valid option, it won’t work as well in dark or small kitchens.

Blue

The electric blue color is for those wanting to make a statement and take a risk, as it’ll create a radical change. Together with white, it gives a modern and fun look that’ll also add light and shine to any kitchen.

How do you paint your kitchen cabinets?

Paint an antique piece of furniture.

Now you’ve chosen the color with which you’re going to paint your kitchen cabinets, it’s time to learn how to do the job. Before starting you should know what material your cabinets are made from, as the type of paint you’ll need will depend on it.

In addition to the paint, this is what you’ll need:

  • Sandpaper
  • Screwdrivers
  • Brush, roller, or sprayer
  • Newsprint and tape
  • Gloves, goggles, and a protective face mask

Step-by-step

With all your tools and supplies ready, you can now start the hard work. Try to start early in the day if you have a lot of cabinets to paint. This way everything can dry overnight and it’ll be ready for you to reinstall the next day.

  • Use the screwdriver to remove the handles from cabinets, doors, and drawers.
  • You should also remove the latches and hardware, (whatever the cabinets have), to achieve a smooth finish.
  • Put all the pieces together in a plastic bag so you don’t lose any.
  • Mark or identify the doors. This can be with letters or numbers so that you’ll easily remember where they go when they’re ready to put back together.
  • Clean surfaces to remove traces of grease or dust.
  • Put on your mask, goggles, gloves and start sanding the doors and drawers on all sides. The idea is to get a smooth surface.
  • Tape the tiles or walls when sanding interiors.
  • If the new paint is very adherent, it’s unnecessary to sand until all the old paint is removed. It’ll be enough to just scratch the surface.
Sanding wood.
  • Use the vacuum to remove any remaining wood particles after sanding. Then, use a cloth to remove any additional residue.
  • Use newspaper to protect and avoid staining the floor or other surfaces.
  • Apply a coat of primer to seal your kitchen cabinet ready for painting.
  • With your kitchen cabinet surfaces ready, it’s time to start painting. Start with the inside edges and openings.
  • Once you finish with that part, you can start painting the doors and drawers. The idea is to cover the surface well with thin layers, as they dry faster.
  • Each layer you apply should dry for at least four hours. Apply a minimum of two to three coats of paint.
  • When all the pieces are dry, begin to reattach the hardware and handles.

Go ahead and paint your kitchen cabinets in your favorite color!

Painting your kitchen cabinets will take time and patience, but it’ll pay off. Try to do this when you have a clear few days in your schedule, as you’ll be working all day on it. What’s certain is that you’ll have kitchen cabinets like new…renovated and unique, ready to enjoy.