How to Refinish Cabinets With Paint Enamel

Enamel paint can spruce up an old cabinet.

Choosing the right paint for your kitchen cabinets can be a little overwhelming. There are so many types of paint to choose from, and all have their own pros and cons. One good choice is enamel paint. It is highly durable, making it a perfect choice for kitchen cabinets. Enamel typically has a lot of gloss, so make sure you like this look before you choose enamel.

Things You'll Need

• Ammonia-based cleaner
• Sandpaper
• Screwdriver
• Low-tack painter's tape
• Primer
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Foam paint roller

Instructions

1. Clean the cabinets completely with ammonia-based cleaner. Oils and grease from hands or cooking will interfere with the paint's ability to bond to the cabinet. Wipe the cabinets clean with a cloth to remove all grease and oils. Let the cabinets dry completely.

2. Remove all the doors and drawers from the cabinet frames. Mark each with a piece of tape in an inconspicuous spot. Note the cabinet's original location on the tape. Remove the tape while sanding and painting, and set it beside the door. The tape will help you remember to which spot that door or drawer should be returned.

3. Sand the cabinets with fine-grit sandpaper. Sanding adds texture to the surface of the cabinet and allows the primer and paint to "grip" the cabinets, creating a more durable finish. Wipe away all of the sanding dust with a damp rag.

4. Prime the cabinets with a good primer. Apply primer in difficult-to-reach places with a trim brush, and follow with a foam paint roller to smooth out seams. Prime the larger, flatter portions of the cabinets with a foam roller. It will apply the primer in a smooth, even coat, creating a good base for paint. Allow the primer to dry.

5. Paint the cabinets with enamel paint. Use a brush in the corners and edges, following with a foam roller for the flat portions of the cabinet doors and drawers. Foam rollers are an especially good choice for enamel, which has a tendency to show brush strokes. A foam roller will reduce imperfections. Apply two or three thin coats of paint. Multiple thin coats are more durable than one thick coat.

6. Wait seven days before returning the cabinet doors and drawers to their original locations. Enamel paint typically takes seven days to cure.

References

• Hometips.com: Cabinet Painting
• Valspar.com: Enamel Paint