How to Paint a Kitchen Green

The color green comes in a variety of shades.

You can paint a kitchen green to create a relaxing atmosphere. Darker shades of green provide a conservative ambiance while lighter shades of green are calming. Lighter hues of green used in small kitchens will give the appearance of a larger kitchen. Darker hues of green should be used in larger kitchens, as the darker color will absorb light and the room will appear smaller. Kitchen cabinets with a red undertone contrast well with green paint as the two are complementary colors.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic sheeting
• Painter's tape
• Screwdriver
• Painter's drop cloth
• Bucket
• Lint-free cloth
• White vinegar
• Water
• Dish detergent
• Primer
• Angled paintbrush
• Paint tray
• Paint roller
• Green paint

Instructions

1. Research paint colors online to find the perfect shade of green. Most paint manufacturers have a website for you to research all paint color shades available. Go to a paint store or a home improvement store to look at color chips for all the available paint color shades. Narrow your choices down to a few colors. Purchase small containers of sample paint in your favorite colors.

2. Take the samples home and apply test patches for each shade of green to your kitchen wall. Lighting will influence color, so check the test patches in the daylight and at night while using artificial lights. Make your final decision and purchase the paint color of your choice.

3. Prepare the area. Remove objects from the countertops. Cover the kitchen cabinets and appliances with plastic sheeting and tape. Use a painter's drop cloth to protect flooring. Remove window treatments and outlet covers, turning off the electric supply at the circuit box before handling outlets. Apply painter's tape over everything you do no want painted, such as baseboards, window seals and the border of the ceiling.

4. Clean the walls before painting. Mix hot water with two cups of white vinegar and a tablespoon of detergent. Use a lint-free cloth and wipe the mixture onto the walls. This mixture will not leave a residue and does not require rinsing.

5. Apply primer to the walls. This will give you a fresh palette and help provide a long-lasting color. If your walls are already clean and white, primer isn't necessary. Use an angled paintbrush to apply a three inch line of primer along the top, bottom and sides of the walls you are priming. This will create a border and highlight the room in primer. This process is called "cutting in". Apply the primer in areas that the paint roller will not reach such as in corners and around window seals.

6. Apply primer to the walls with a paint roller. Work in small sections at a time. Apply the primer by making a "W" motion. Use long, even strokes. Allow the primer to dry two to three hours.

7. Cut in green paint with an angled brush by repeating the application method you used for the primer in Step 5.

8. Apply green paint to the walls with a paint roller. Follow the application method in Step 6. The first coat of paint should be thin.

9. Allow the paint to dry. Latex paint takes approximately four to six hours to dry. Oil-based paint takes 24 hours. Apply a second coat of green paint, if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a bucket of water in the middle of the room to absorb paint odor while the walls are drying.

• Satin-finished paint has a smooth shine and holds up well to numerous cleanings.

• Semi-gloss reflects light more than any other type of paint and is the most durable when it comes to cleaning.

• Read and follow all manufacturers' warnings and instructions.

• Use paint and primer in a well-ventilated room.

• Wear old clothes, gloves and a respirator.

References

• Bob Vila: Paint Color Selection
• Dream Home Decorating: Psychological Effects Of The Color Green
• The Amateur Gourmet: How To Paint Your Kitchen
• Color Matters: COLOR THEORY