How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in Color

Kitchen cabinets are often the focal point of the room. In fact, cabinets usually are among the first things you notice when you walk into a kitchen. Whether your cabinets are outdated, the paint is chipping or you just want to spruce up the room, you can paint kitchen cabinets in color to brighten up the space. Give your kitchen a whole new look by adding some color to the cabinets with a fresh coat of paint. You don't need to hire a professional to do the job. You can paint kitchen cabinets yourself, and achieve the same results.

Things You'll Need

• ¼ cup trisodium phosphate
• 1 gallon warm water
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Rags
• 120-grit sandpaper
• Painter's tape
• Primer
• Mini paint roller
• Large paint roller
• Paintbrush
• 400-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Empty out the cabinets, and clear the countertops. Remove the drawers from the cabinets, and take the doors off. Take out any detachable shelves from the inside of the cabinets. Remove the hardware from the doors and drawers. Lay the cabinet doors, drawers and shelves on a solid surface covered with plastic.

2. Mix a solution of ¼ cup trisodium phosphate and 1 gallon warm water into a bucket. Use a sponge dipped in the solution to thoroughly clean the cabinets, doors and drawers to remove grease, dirt and grime. Go over the cabinets with a rag and plain water to remove the cleaning solution, and let the cabinets air dry completely.

3. Sand all cabinet surfaces lightly with a 120-grit sanding block or sandpaper. A light sanding is all that is necessary to strengthen the bond of the primer.

4. Stick painters tape to walls and other surface edges that you do not want the paint to get on. The box that holds the cabinet drawers also should be taped off to avoid unwanted paint.

5. Apply primer to the cabinets. Use a mini-roller, large roller and/or paintbrush to apply the primer to the inside and outside of the cabinets, as well as to the doors, drawers and shelves. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Mix the can of paint thoroughly using a paint stirrer. Start applying the paint to the interior of the cabinets first, using a mini-roller. Saturate the roller with paint, and slowly roll onto the surface. Brush away any paint drips with a paintbrush.

7. Use a paintbrush to paint the inside of the drawers. Paint broad surfaces, such as shelves or cabinet doors, with a large paint roller. Use a paintbrush for any small spaces that need to be touched up. Paint the cabinet frames, both inside and out, with a trim brush. When using a paintbrush, apply a few thin coats to the area being painted, rather than drenching the area with paint.

8. Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely according to the paint manufacturer's instructions. Lightly sand the cabinets with a 400-grit sandpaper or sanding block. This will help the first and second coats bond strongly with one another.

9. Apply a second coat of paint just as you did the first coat. Two coats generally will suffice, especially if you are painting a darker color over a lighter one. If the paint looks thin on the cabinets or the previous color is still showing through, apply a third coat of paint once the second coat has completely dried.

10. Replace doors, drawers, shelves and cabinet hardware once all surfaces have dried completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear rubber gloves and protective eye wear when cleaning with trisodium phosphate. This product can cause skin and/or eye irritation.

• Open windows and doors, and turn on any fans nearby, to reduce exposure to fumes from paint and primer.

References

• Popular Mechanics
• House Painting Info