Painting kitchen cabinets can boost a kitchen’s value and help to update its look. Learn how to use the right techniques to create a kitchen that lasts.

I've launched a podcast! The idea of having a podcast has been rolling around in my brain for quite some time, and I've finally decided to go for it. The podcast is called "Dear DIY Mommy", and I'll be answering questions about DIY & home decor from YOU, my fantastic readers!

This week's question:

What is the best way to paint kitchen cabinets? Also, I’ve heard some white paint yellows over time. Can you address this?  - Alecia M., YouTube

Over the years, I've painted a LOT of cabinetry! Some I've painted correctly, and some I have NOT, so today I want to share with you how to paint kitchen cabinets so they actually last. This is my tried-and-true method that helps prevent chipping and paint peeling.

Watch my YouTube video for visual examples on how to paint kitchen cabinets:

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Can you paint kitchen cabinets?

You sure can. I've painted wooden cabinetry, melamine cabinets and MDF pieces with good results. Painting is a fantastic option when brand new cabinets aren't in the budget.

How much does painting cabinets cost?

The cost will vary dependent on the type of paint you use and what supplies you have on hand. If you don't have any painting supplies at all, you may have to spend a few hundred dollars to buy all of your trays, rollers, a sander primer and paint. If you have painting supplies, it might only be around a hundred dollars for the paint only.

Can I paint kitchen cabinets without taking them down?

I recommend taking the doors and hardware off of all your cabinetry for the best result. You can paint the cabinet boxes on the wall, and paint the doors separately.

Tip: label all your doors and drawers before taking them down so you know where they go!

Do you have to sand cabinets before painting?

If your cabinetry has a glossy finish, I think you definitely should sand them before painting. Paint has a hard time sticking to glossy finishes, so the rougher you can get your cabinets, the better. Even if you're priming (which you should!), sanding even a little will help create a lasting finish.

Should I prime before painting?

Yes, I definitely recommend using a primer before painting cabinetry. A nice, sticky primer will adhere well to wood, melamine or MDF and it will help prevent your paint from peeling or chipping. I like to use BEHR® Kitchen, Bath & Trim Stain-Blocking Primer & Sealer for cabinetry. Make sure you let your primer dry and cure completely as per the directions on the can.

What's the best paint to use for kitchen cabinets?

I've experimented with lots of paint from chalk style paint to enamel. My favourite paint out of all of them is BEHR PREMIUM® Cabinet & Trim Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel. From experience, this one cures to the hardest, most durable finish out of all the paints I've tried. You don't need any sort of top coat after painting with this enamel, and it looks great. It comes in a semi-gloss and a satin finish.

Is it better to brush, roll or spray cabinets?

If you can, I think using a paint sprayer is the best choice for the smoothest finish. I like my Wagner FlexiO 5000. If you don't want to buy a sprayer, my next favourite tool is a foam brush. A really good quality paint brush can be used for nooks & crannies in your cabinetry.

How do you get a smooth finish on cabinets?

To get the smoothest finish on your kitchen cabinetry, a thorough sanding before painting and using a paint sprayer is your best bet. The next best thing is to use a very fine sanding sponge in between coats of primer and paint to smooth out your rolled or brushed surface for the ultimate smooth look.

Does white paint yellow over time?

I've never experienced white paint yellowing after a while, however I've seen clear poly top coats yellow. Oil-based (alkyd) white paint can yellow, but most latex or enamel white paints should keep their colour over time. Also be careful of excess moisture, smoke or grease in your kitchen that may cause white paint to yellow.

How I paint kitchen cabinets step-by-step

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How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Here's how I paint kitchen cabinetry so they actually last with minimal chipping or peeling.

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Materials

• paint tray
• foam brush or paint sprayer
• paint brush
• sanding sponge
• primer
• enamel paint
• painter's dropcloth

Instructions

1. Remove all of the doors from your kitchen cabinets, and remove any hardware like hinges and knobs.
2. Clean all of your cabinetry and doors with a degreasing cleaner like Krud Kutter.
3. Sand all of the cabinetry and doors with a battery operated sander or sanding sponge. If the cabinets are matte, it can be a light sanding. If they are glossy, give them a heavy sand.
4. Clean the cabinetry and doors again to remove any dust.
5. Prime the cabinet boxes and doors with a high-quality primer like Behr Kitchen & Bath primer. Use a paint sprayer (recommended) or foam brush and paint any details with a small paint brush.
6. Wait the recommended amount of time for the primer to dry before flipping any doors or painting another coat. I place my doors on scrap pieces of wood or cans to elevate them as they dry.
7. After the primer has completely dried and cured, paint the cabinetry with an enamel like Behr Kitchen & Bath enamel. Use a paint sprayer (recommended) or foam brush and paint any details with a small paint brush.
8. Paint more coats of enamel as needed, ensuring you let each coat dry and cure properly before painting the next coat. This is essential!
9. Once your cabinets are completely dried and cured, place the hardware back on the doors, and install the doors back on the cabinetry.
10. Add plastic bumpers to the bottom corners of the doors to help prevent any paint scratches.

Notes

Noting and following the drying and curing times on your primer and paint cans is essential to DIYing a long lasting paint finish.

This week's challenge:

This week, I challenge you to paint something. It doesn't have to be kitchen cabinets, but how about a small piece of furniture or a thrifted accessory? Play with sanding the piece, priming it and using different brushes and rollers to practice your painting technique. Let me know what you're going to paint in the comments below!

Happy DIYing!

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