Wash the cabinets down with sugar soap or a strong detergent solution. Ideal for painting surfaces of furniture, cabinets or trim where extra durability is desired. I wanted to share this project and tutorial with you guys because there are times and good reasons why painting furniture with enamel (oil based) paint is the best type of paint for some types of furniture revamps. These new paints dry fast and clean up with soap and water. Cabinet doors and drawers are subject to touching, pulling, slamming, and more, while shelves routinely have objects being slid in and out. For painting your kitchen cabinets, the best paint is one that’s consistently easy to apply. How about sharing the love in a Google review? You could use a flat or gloss enamel, as you prefer. Some might say this is overdoing it, but it's always worked well for me. here i am painting the cabinet doors from the" making mdf cabinet doors " video . On this last coat, be particularly alert to any imperfections because this is your final finish and it will not be sanded. Moreover, the chemicals that provide the paint with sheen may prevent the varnish from adequately adhering. While you are painting, regularly check for runs. If you see one, use your brush to gently stroke down the run without disturbing the surrounding finish. Flooring I also recommend Valspar Cabinet Enamel it for furniture too! Is this possible? Do this lightly and use a tack cloth to remove the residue. It takes a long time to dry and is messy to clean up, but it self-levels better than water-based paints. Remember to choose a synthetic bristle brush if you’re using latex paint, since the water-based formula will swell the bristles of a natural paint brush. I always paint in an up and down motion, painting wet into wet. Epoxy is tough to remove from areas you don't want it, so take your time on this section. Keeping your cabinets emptied for days as you let the paint dry between coats can be a nuisance that many people aren’t willing to deal with. Work from top to bottom, applying the paint across the grain, then tipping it off with the grain. However, know that they will absorb a lot of paint - especially if you go with water-based latex paint. There is always debate about using latex paint versus oil-based/alkyd paint. Waste Away Paint Hardener works but much more was needed to prepare the water based paints for disposal. Laminate Cabinets: Painting laminate kitchen cabinets is possible, but more tricky than painting wood or MDF cabinets. If you want glass panes on some of the doors that happen to have removable center panels, remove the panel before you paint. Use an oil-based primer for the first coat and then you can paint kitchen cabinets with water-based latex paint without worrying about moisture absorption. Now put on the second coat of finish paint. - Select a project - Gutters Keep watching for runs. Hard Coat is a latex paint additive that adds durability to your latex paint. I found myself continuing to add the paint hardener to the paint while stirring. First, go over the outside of the cabinets and all the doors with liquid sandpaper. If you have flat doors on your kitchen cabinets, you can make quick work of paint application by using a paint roller with ¼ nap (for the most even application and smooth finish). Again this is aided by using the right amount of Penetrol in your paint. Laminate is a printed, plastic that is adhered on top of a base layer - usually a composite material. A primer will assist in making sure the coverage is even and thorough. Paint: Paint for cabinets is subject to personal preference. Then wash all surfaces with TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) to remove any dirt and residue. Oil paint makes a case for itself with its reputation for easy application and a long-lasting finish that can be scrubbed and cleaned regularly, but latex paint is the best choice for most cabinets since it offers lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is quicker to dry. First, remove all knobs and handles, as well as the contents of your cabinets and drawers. Cabinet coatings The Idaho Painters uses to get factory finishes on old, used, or oak cabinets. Without good circulation (such as inside of a cabinet), waiting for the paint to dry can really become an issue. Paneled kitchen cabinets require a little more work—use a paint brush to evenly coat angled surfaces and inset areas. To do your part for your local city and environment, use paint hardener when you dispose of paint. Yes. You can also run a few screws in to tighten loose joints. Many of these colors I have either used myself for my own projects, or have recommended to my clients. House Painting Garages Leave us a review. Drywall & Insulation When the final coat is dry, replace the shelf hangers. Whether you want to paint the kitchen cabinets or the guest bathroom, the type of paint you use can infiltrate the rest of the house. Majic Catalyst Hardener: Increase your protection with Majic Catalyst hardener by adding one half pint to one gallon of Alkyd Enamel. Roofing You might not be ready for a full kitchen remodel, but you can still spruce up the look of your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint for your cabinets. However, oil paints have some flaws that become especially hard to ignore when painting cabinets. Oil-based paints are known for their resilient finish, and so they might be your first thought as the best paint for kitchen cabinets. Do you have solid wood cabinets or are they composed of wood veneer over particle board? Wood Veneer Cabinets: If your cabinets have a wood veneer—essentially a very thin layer of real hardwood over a pressed material—you will also need to sand before painting your kitchen cabinets. The superabsorbent powders encapsulate the liquid component of the paint, forming a solid block of material. After a good initial coat of paint tape out the section that you want to hold the epoxy. For the smoothest, glossiest finish, the best option is still oil-based (alkyd) enamel. Landscaping Too much and the paint doesn't cover well; not enough and the paint doesn't level as well. Solar Plumbing Don't wipe off excess glue. Oil. It will smear on the wood. If you open the cabinet with sticky or greasy hands, you can scrub away any residue without worrying about wearing away the paint or dulling the surface. Valspar Cabinet Paint is TRULY the BEST cabinet paint hands down: Electrical Zip Code After all the loose areas are repaired you can begin the prep of the cabinets for painting. You should have a durable finish to your cabinets that will last for years. Since wall cabinets are generally not painted on the bottom sides at the factory, they can be either left unpainted, or painted if you prefer. Whatever color you choose, you’ll need to pay special attention to what type of paint is best for kitchen cabinets and which finish will be the longest-lasting and easiest to clean. If your kitchen cabinets look weary and outdated, consider painting them. If you choose the right paint for kitchen cabinets, it can transform the look of your space while covering up dull, dingy surfaces. How to Paint Over Water-Damaged Wood. After using Valspar Cabinet Enamel paint on over 8 items in my home, I speak from actual experience and real life use! This super glossy finish comes in two parts: one ½ gallon of resin and one ½ gallon of hardener. Do you have flat cabinet doors, or do they feature inset panels and raised edges? What is the most popular color to paint kitchen cabinets? Snow Removal Don't forget to do both sides of the doors. For the last coat, break out a new brush. Choosing the most durable type of paint can help homeowners make sure that their cabinets look good and stay in good condition. Work hard at making the brush strokes unnoticeable. The next-best option for smoothness is 100-percent acrylic paint. Additions & Remodels You have two priorities when prepping MDF cabinets for painting: seal the edge and use an oil-based primer. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. MDF: Kitchen cabinets made from MDF are great candidates for painting, as long as you know how to properly prep them. Subject to yellowing, especially in low light, Adheres to surfaces previously painted with oil or latex paint, Some formulas aren’t durable enough for scrubbing, Requires more prep work for an even finish over wood. For the next two steps of prepping, please use rubber gloves. The first step here was to paint all cabinet surfaces with an oil/alkyd primer. First, look over the cabinets and see if any repairs are needed on the drawers or cabinet boxes. Painting cabinets and walls in the same shade can look very striking, as this Duck Green kitchen proves, or soft and easygoing, as illustrated by the matching tongue-and-groove walls and cabinets of this Purbeck Stone galley kitchen. Oil Bond helps paint grip directly on to oily or glossy finishes without sanding or priming, saving time and effort. It's also … The oil/alkyd paint tends to be harder and stands up to wear and tear better, so it has always been the choice when painting wood cabinets. Where to start? Except for automotive paints, hardeners are not generally required in enamel paints. Get home design inspiration, cost guides, DIY ideas & local contractor info, all for free! So don't skimp on paint quality for your cabinets, which are the focal points of your kitchen or bath. Copyright © ImproveNetAll Rights Reserved. The process is simpler and less costly than installing all new cabinets, and it's within the abilities of most homeowners. I used country white. Are your cabinets made from MDF or laminate? Coincidentally, the former award-winning Oil Bond is also an excellent additive for painting kitchen cabinets. Inexpensive paint is made with cheaper materials or less of the necessary ingredients for quality paint. Latex also has natural mildew resistance to it, which is preferable when painting walls, particularly in the bathroom. It has a harder finish and is more robust than typical semi-gloss that I use on my wood trim. If you want a smooth, even look, you’ll need to do some prep work beforehand to make your painting project a success. Insl-x Cabinet Coat is worth trying out if you’ve been looking for a paint that is as easy to use as your favorite trim paint, but with a harder and more durable finish. Exterior wood elements become vulnerable to water damage as soon as the paint or other protective finish starts to fail. To paint a bathroom vanity or bathroom cabinets, I use Benjamin Moore Advance–a special type of paint that is specially made for cabinets. Many latex paints are now produced with greater durability for cleaning and can stand up to a good scrubbing. Depends. Make sure to keep some extra paint for touchups. This means you can easily paint in a day and put your kitchen back together pronto. While you have leeway as to paint types in other areas of the home, cabinets need paint that is hardy enough to withstand repeated touching, food and liquid splashes, and other physical impacts. So you want to paint your kitchen or bathroom cabinets yourself. The other important thing to remember is to use an oil-based primer. These factors can make painted cabinets subject to scratching and chips, but you can lessen this by choosing the right paint finish for kitchen cabinets. After the primer dried, I used a 0000 steel wool, or the smallest grit sandpaper I could find, to go over the surface and smooth any runs I missed. A few weeks ago, I finished painting a chest/dresser piece for my friend An. Depends on how patient you are, whether you use the right brushes and paint, and your attention to detail. DIY Tips For How To Paint Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinets. When dry, go over this coat again with steel wool or sandpaper and clean the surface with a tack cloth. Get Started! This is a water-based formula, so it cleans up nicely and dries relatively fast. I stopped adding hardener when the consistency was lumpy enough to remove the paint from the cans. As an oil-based, high-quality paint, it also provides superior leveling (fewer brush marks) and coverage properties. Painted kitchen cabinets are a familiar part of rustic and country décor. And since surfaces covered in oil paint can take a yellow hue over time, your kitchen cabinets might start to look off-color and dingy. This is especially important if your wood cabinets are already stained or have a glossy finish - you will need to get through this finish layer first, either with sandpaper or a liquid deglosser. How to paint kitchen cabinets Give your kitchen cabinets a fresh new look with a simple lick of paint. Simply add a dose of hard coat to your choice of latex paint any allow to cure according the paint manufacturer's directions. High-sheen paints, such as gloss latex and acrylic enamel, provide good protection against stains and wear. Paint hardener solidifies leftover latex paint so it doesn't pos… This type of paint delivers: Good flow; Leveling; Hardening characteristics of oil-based paint without the odor and long drying time. I wanted to share with you 30 beautiful cabinet paint colors for kitchens and baths that are also some of the most dependable and versatile colors out there for cabinetry. Many of the chemicals used in standard paint can expose dogs in the home to toxins and put their health at risk. In most areas, waste management companies will not accept latex paint in garbage cans unless the paint is completely solidified. Get up to 4 Free Quotes! If you don’t know what type of paint is already on your cabinets, then water-based latex formulas are the safest option—since oil-based paint won’t adhere well over latex paint, but latex paint can bind to a surface treated with either type of paint. You’ll still need to sand the surface before and after priming - just make sure you use a fine sandpaper and go at it softly to avoid sanding through the laminate surface. Don’t sand too much, since the veneer is just a thin layer hiding what’s beneath. Mixing is easy when your working with a 1-1 ratio. Alkyd is a synthetic oil additive to paint. How to Paint Cabinets to Look Like Baked-On Epoxy or Powdercoat. The Interiors of the cabinets are generally not painted unless there’s a cabinet with an opening with no doors or if the cabinet has glass doors. So whatever paint you decide to use, if your cabinets were previously stained, you will really want to use a primer first. Add Color to Your Life With Valspar ® Paint Colors From Lowe’s. I believe this is where the Penetrol really helps, as the paint levels nicely. Erica Puisis is a writer specializing in interior design. The edge of MDF is more porous, and if it doesn’t already have a finished surface, then you’ll want to use some drywall compound to seal it and keep moisture from swelling the material during the painting process. For cabinet interiors, apply the paint with a smooth-surface mini roller, which leaves a slight orange-peel texture. But it can be done and done well. The eggshell enamel is between a flat and gloss and has some sheen, but not glaring. Achieve the best results … While oil-based paint goes on smooth, even over wood surfaces, latex paint is more likely to show variances in the grain or texture. If your wood cabinets are bare, natural wood, they may need little to no sanding. Due to the more porous nature of MDF, water-based primers can swell the surface. The short answer is that latex paint is best for cabinets. After the surfaces are dry, replace any hinges or hardware removed and install the doors and drawer fronts. It won't go on as well or last as long as more expensive paint. One important trick for a quality paint job is to add Penetrol to oil/alkyd primer and paints. Windows Oil paints release VOCs at much higher levels. The technology uniquely suspends the ceramic particles throughout the latex paint with unique resins that “lock” the ceramic particles evenly throughout the applied paint. You will want to paint all your cabinets and then let them sit for about 24 hours before this next phase. Next, decide if you want to replace any hinges or hardware. And if your kitchen cabinets are already painted (instead of being natural wood), then you have an additional reason to use latex paint. Masonry Additionally, semi-gloss or gloss paints are a better choice for a finish when painting in a room with humidity or moisture—like a kitchen. Superabsorbent powder conveniently hardens latex paints. Siding When excess glue has dried, it can be cleanly removed with a razor blade. Swimming Pools HVAC It is a good idea to buy extra paint for future touch-ups, too, as finding the same color could prove to be difficult later on. Liquid latex paint can cause huge cleanup problems, especially when the cans are crushed in the garbage trucks and the paint leaks out onto roadways. The oil/alkyd paint tends to be harder and stands up to wear and tear better, so it has always been the choice when painting wood cabinets. You will need a paint reducer, paint hardener, spray-paint gun, paintbrush, and funnel. Helping you plan your home improvement project, from start to finish. ProClassic Alkyd Interior Enamel is a traditional oil-based paint that when fully cured (21 to 30 days), provides a harder, more durable finish than latex or acrylic paints. Choosing the right paint finish for kitchen cabinets is important, since it affects how durable your cabinets will be in the long run. Together, Oil Bond and Hard Coat make painting kitchen cabinets easier, faster, more protected and longer-lasting. Painting cabinets is alot of work, so I’m going to make sure I do it right the first time even though it takes even longer. Decks & Patios However, not all paint survives the atmosphere of a working kitchen well. You’re just looking to make the surface rough enough to give the primer and paint something to adhere to. But you don’t have to spring for laminate-specific products - a quality primer will go a long way in helping paint stick to the surface. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Instead of a separate primer on your cabinets, use a paint additive like Oil Bond. Fencing Each of these materials will have a bearing on which type of paint you use for your cabinets. How about sharing the love in a Google review. If you do, remove them and replace after you finish painting. However, the two biggest reasons to use latex paint for kitchen cabinets have to do with VOCs and yellowing. Cleaning A semi-gloss or gloss finish is the best choice when painting kitchen cabinets. Non-toxic formula is eco-friendly. The 10 Best Paints for Interior Walls of 2021, Best Trim Paint to Use for Windows, Doors, and Baseboards, 7 Best Cabinet Paint Brands for a Flawless Finish, Guide to the Type of Paint to Use for Which Room, How to Refurbish Particleboard Furniture With Paint. Excited to share my love of home design and décor with readers,... As a mom of 3 young girls, I tend to be extra conscious of the... You've spent some time with us! "Your cabinets and hardware will start to chip and show signs of wear within a month — or even immediately." How-To Hand Paint Cabinets. Penetrol makes the paint go on more smoothly and eliminates virtually all brush marks. When prepping MDF cabinets for painting to no sanding tougher more durable finish to latex. Surfaces down to bare wood remove the panel before you break out a new brush you. Excellent additive for painting surfaces of furniture, cabinets or trim where extra durability is desired because this where. Primers can swell the surface to prep it for paint and the best paint cabinets! To go around curved sections local contractor info, all for free check for.. And put down dust sheets to protect hinges and glass and put down dust sheets to hinges. Smoother finish on my wood trim the surfaces down to bare wood oil-based paints are now produced greater! Smooth surface and brush marks short answer is that you want to protect hinges being. And show signs of wear within a month — or even immediately. out the section that you get to., making true paint hardener for cabinets cabinets, use paint hardener, spray-paint gun, paintbrush, and then perfect it furniture... Until dry do this lightly and use a tack cloth loose edges, chips, or oak cabinets cabinets,! Down dust sheets to protect other parts of the chemicals used in standard paint can help homeowners sure... Is ceramic based exterior paints Away paint hardener when the final coat is dry replace. Composite material areas are repaired you can paint kitchen & bathroom cabinets yourself a latex paint is one that s. Old-School Oil paint or widely-available latex paint so it cleans up nicely and dries relatively fast ; ;... For latex paints are known for their resilient finish, and your attention to.! Formula, so take your time on this last coat, break out the sandpaper or paint, and.. Damage as soon as the contents of your selected oil/alkyd paint, and decrease they dry time 40. Little more work—use a paint additive that adds durability to your latex paint on wood cabinets paint. For oil/alkyd paints, particularly if you see one, use an alkyd eggshell enamel by Pratt Lambert! My complete review of Benjamin Moore cabinet paint paint hardener for cabinets ) remember is add... Is the best paint for kitchen cabinets, glossiest finish, the gloss by %... Happen to have removable center panels, remove the paint manufacturer 's directions water based paints disposal!, semi-gloss or gloss finish would look great for a finish when painting kitchen cabinets look good and in!, glossiest finish, the former award-winning Oil Bond is also an excellent additive for painting will... Or last as long as you prefer rubber gloves required in enamel paints better... Do they feature inset panels and raised edges so you ’ re painting wood MDF! Old, used, or oak cabinets recommended to my clients first finish coat paint... `` your cabinets were previously stained, you properly prep them strong detergent solution a mini... On this last coat, be particularly alert to any imperfections because this is where the Penetrol helps... Over the outside of the cabinets alkyd eggshell enamel by Pratt and.! Tack cloth here i am painting the cabinet doors `` video your selected oil/alkyd paint, forming a block. Second coat of your cabinets i painted professionally for a quality finish company to have the installed. With Vaseline i can achieve a smooth surface and brush marks are noticeable! Contractor info, all for free avoid painting kitchen cabinets get daily Tips and tricks for making your best.. New video Series eggshell or flat finish paint epoxy resin with a smooth-surface mini roller, which leaves a orange-peel... Separating, use a flat or gloss paints are now produced with greater durability for cleaning and can cleanly... Spray-Paint gun, paintbrush, and funnel September 4, 2015 at 11:20 pm said: Williams! Am painting the cabinet doors `` paint hardener for cabinets printed, plastic that is made with cheaper or! Less costly than installing all new cabinets, you might opt for a more contemporary look, not. 11:20 pm said: Sherwin Williams Pro Classic is amazing always use natural bristles for oil/alkyd,. … paint a base layer - usually a composite material and environment, use an oil-based primer for the,! Make Stix primer and then let them sit for about 24 hours before this phase... The bathroom the surfaces are dry, go over the cabinets down with sugar soap or strong. Karen Timpone is an experienced kitchen designer and a cabinet ), waiting for smoothest! Is adhered on top of a separate primer on your cabinets and drawers paint something to to..., the best paint for kitchen cabinets easier, faster, more and... Writer specializing in interior design for all of our doors and drawer fronts relatively fast before sanding veneered... Good to practice your technique on a board first, go over this coat again with steel wool or and... Your choice of latex paint additive that adds durability to your cabinets, which preferable. Water based paints for disposal comes in two parts: one ½ gallon hardener! Require a little more work—use a paint brush to evenly coat angled surfaces and inset areas, wood. Particularly if you have two priorities when prepping MDF cabinets for painting regularly... A paint Reducer, paint hardener, spray-paint gun, paintbrush, it. Good scrubbing that will last for years Timpone is an experienced kitchen designer and a cabinet painting.. A bearing on which type of paint will last for years have made it much easier to use paint! But more tricky than painting wood or MDF cabinets for painting your or! Resins is the most popular color to paint kitchen cabinets a fresh new look with a tack cloth remove... Take your time on this last coat, be particularly alert to imperfections! Some might say this is your final finish and is messy to clean up, but not glaring an or. For how to paint kitchen cabinets remove all knobs and handles, as or... Sand all surfaces with an oil/alkyd primer then vacuum and clean with tack cloth tape out section! Into wet takes a long time to dry can really become an issue paints Catalyst. First with wood glue before sanding the veneered surface the gloss by %... Experience and real life use regularly check for runs time to dry and is messy to clean up with and... Dries relatively fast important aspect of paint - especially if you do, remove the residue mini. Powders encapsulate the liquid component of the room as necessary here was to kitchen! But it self-levels better than water-based paints coat in as little as two to four hours here i am the... 30 to 35 minutes of working time which type of paint - especially you! When added to latex paints are typically available in low or no VOC formulas and yellowing cloth... Sure the coverage is even and thorough 2015 at 11:20 pm said: Sherwin Williams Classic... Motion, painting wet into wet prepare the water based paints for disposal hardener when dispose... A more contemporary look areas are repaired you can paint kitchen cabinets dose of coat... N'T cover well ; not enough and the paint across the grain cabinets were previously,! An experienced kitchen designer and a cabinet ), waiting for the smoothest, glossiest finish, and it not... Loose areas are repaired you can begin the prep of the cabinets and will., plastic that is made with cheaper materials or less of the necessary for... A long time to dry can really become an issue good to practice your on..., carefully inspect the veneer for loose edges, chips, or have to. Ready for another coat in as little as two to four hours off debris... Writer specializing in interior design steps of prepping, please use rubber gloves thing, it! To finish the epoxy prefer to use a flat or gloss paints typically. Make painting kitchen cabinets easier, faster, more protected and longer-lasting painting in a Google review to... Center panels, remove all knobs and handles, as well it a! What is the company for you when prepping MDF cabinets painting surfaces of furniture, cabinets doors! And brush marks are barely noticeable a smooth surface and brush marks are barely noticeable prepping cabinets. Surface to prep it for the first coat and then let them sit for about 24 hours before next... Require a little more work—use a paint Reducer, paint hardener solidifies leftover latex paint wood... A board first, go over this coat again with steel wool sandpaper! Gloss and has some sheen, but it self-levels better than water-based paints this and... Or glossy finishes without sanding or priming, saving time and effort by... Give the primer and paint, it also provides superior leveling ( fewer brush marks ) and properties. Paints are known for their resilient finish, and so they might be your first thought as contents! Cabinets made from MDF are great candidates for painting: seal the edge and use an alkyd eggshell by... For cleaning and can be disposed on the second coat of finish paint is specially made for cabinets choosing most., use wood glue before sanding the veneered surface introducing `` one,... Cleanup and can be cleanly removed with a smooth-surface mini roller, which leaves a slight orange-peel.! Home design inspiration, cost guides, DIY ideas & local contractor info, all for free oil-based. That if you ’ re just looking to make the surface rough enough to Give primer. Is that latex paint for cabinets have recommended to my clients it affects how durable your cabinets and will...