How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets White

Your kitchen cabinets see a lot of wear and tear. These surfaces are subject to both hot and cool conditions, as well as steam and moisture. Not to mention the grubby hands that often open and close the cabinets while cooking or eating. A fresh coat of paint can be just the thing to give your kitchen a clean, fresh look. Whether your cabinets are already painted or have a wood finish, painting them white is a relatively easy process; and the results will brighten the room immediately.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver Resealable plastic bags Sponge Multi-purpose cleaner 120-grit sandpaper Mini paint roller 3-inch paintbrush Airless paint sprayer (optional) Primer White paint

Instructions

Painting Your Cabinets

1. Empty your drawers and cabinets. If you are painting the inside as well as the outside of the cabinets, you will need to store your dishes and other items in another room for at least two days to allow time for the paint to dry.

2. Remove all drawers, cabinet doors, and hardware. This includes handles, knobs, and hinges. You should have a clear surface to paint on, with few areas that need to be painted around. Keep all your hardware in resealable plastic bags and label these as needed to ensure easy installation when your project is completed.

3. Clean all surfaces. Using a sponge and multi-purpose cleaner, clean every surface that you will be painting.

4. Sand down all surfaces. Lightly sand the cabinet doors, drawers, and any other surface that will be painted.

5. Apply primer. Make sure you have selected a primer that is compatible with the paint you are using. Use an oil-based primer with an oil-based paint, or a shellac-based primer with a latex paint. Let the primer dry completely before applying paint.

6. Apply the first coat of paint. You can use a mini-roller on the cabinet face and interior of the cabinets, but will probably want to use a paintbrush or paint sprayer for the cabinet doors, especially if they have ridges or grooves. Allow the first coat to dry completely.

7. Apply a second coat of paint. This should leave you with a clean, white finish. If you are painting over a very dark wood, you may need to apply a third coat after the first two have dried.

8. Reinstall your cabinet drawers, doors, and any other hardware.

Tips & Warnings

• You may find a surprising variety of white paints. Consider using a shade that's just a little off white, or that is tinted with another color that blends with your kitchen decor.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Kitchen Design Ideas, Tips, and Pictures