The kitchen is often referred to as "the heart of the home." It is where the family`s day starts, where homework is done and where evening meals and tales of the day are shared. But over time, even the nicest kitchens can start to look drab, run down and in need of a little remodeling.
When remodeling a kitchen, keep in mind that new cabinetry is by far the most expensive part of the job. The cost of new cabinets alone can cost far more than all other costs combined. So what can be done to add new life to an old kitchen without breaking the budget? Painting is a quick and inexpensive way to give old cabinets a face-lift.
Regardless of the style or original finish on your cabinets, they can be painted and completely transformed. Because painting cabinets is such an inexpensive makeover, splurge on a good, high-quality paint. Paint the ceiling and walls to freshen them up, lay new flooring or install a new counter top and voila - your painted cabinets have become the centerpiece of a very nice, yet inexpensive kitchen makeover.
Before Paint
What You Will Need
Materials
- 120 grit sandpaper
- Masking tape
- TSP (Trisodium phosphate)
- Spackling compound
- Paint
- Drop cloth
- Rubber or felt bumpers
- New hardware (optional)
Tools
- Paint roller and tray
- 2" paint brush
- Sand paper and sanding block
- Putty knife
- Screw drivers
Preparation
Before you begin the actual painting, set up a place that has little or no foot traffic where you can paint as many parts as possible without having to move them. Make a rough sketch of the kitchen and give each each cabinet/drawer front a number. Be sure to put the same number in an inconspicuous place on the piece that is to be painted. This will ensure that the hardware goes back exactly where it belongs.
Step #1: Remove Old Hardware, Doors and Drawer Fronts
Painting cabinets only involves painting any exposed parts such as doors, drawer fronts and the fronts of the frames, so the first step is to remove all hardware from the drawers and doors. Remove all handles, pulls and unscrew and remove all hinges. Remove the drawer front from the boxes. If drawers are one piece units, take out the entire drawer.
Step #2: Clean All Surfaces
Paint works best when applied to clean surfaces. Scrub them with soap and water with a little TSP added to rid them of any greasy build up. Rinse well and wipe dry.
Step #3: Fill Any Cracks and Holes.
Thoroughly examine the surfaces that are to be painted for any cracks, dents or other imperfections and fill them with spackling compound using a putty knife. If you will be using new hardware that is a different size, fill in the existing holes (new ones can be drilled later).
Step #4: Sanding
Paint adheres to wood best when it is abraded or "roughed up." Using sand paper or a block of wood wrapped with 120 grit sandpaper, sand all flat surfaces evenly making sure to slightly round the edges. For harder to reach places like the recessed spots on raised panel doors, use some sandpaper molded around your finger.
Step #5: Painting
Start by painting the backs of the doors and drawer fronts first, then when they are completely dry do the fronts. Flat doors can be done with a small roller. For doors with more detail, use a 2" paint brush for the detailing and a roller for the flat surfaces. Cabinets with a stained/varnished finish should be primed before painting.
Step #6: Reinstalling Hardware
Always make sure that all paint is completely dry before attempting to put the hardware back on. Screw the hinges to the doors first and then to the cabinet frames. Reattach all pulls and handles. Drill new holes for replacement hardware if necessary. Apply rubber of felt bumpers to the backs of doors and the drawer fronts to prevent the new paint from sticking.
After Paint
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