How to Paint Wood & Veneer Kitchen Cupboards

Painting cabinets is a simple, cost-effective home improvement.

If you are looking for a kitchen face-lift without a huge price tag than painting the outside of veneer or wood cabinets is a great solution. This project is inexpensive in terms of supplies needed, and can be done within a day or two. The options for paint colors are vast, allowing the finished result to be exactly what you're looking for. Instead of ending up with a huge bill and having strangers in your house, paint your own cabinets and feel a sense of do-it-yourself satisfaction.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Drop cloth
• Painter's tape
• Caulk
• Paint rollers

Instructions

1. Choose the type and color of paint that you will be using on the cabinets. Lay a drop cloth on top of counters and on the floor for protection from drips. Any type of enamel paint will work for the job, but a water based paint is easier to clean up at the end of the project.

2. Remove all cabinet drawers, cabinet doors, knobs and cabinet hardware. Set all of these to the side to be painted later. Look closely at all of the cabinets and caulk in any gaps or joints, and apply painter's tape all along the walls and edges of the cabinets to protect them from unintended paint strokes.

3. Use a gentle grease-removing cleaner on all of the cabinet, door, and drawer surfaces to remove all grease, dirt and dust. Use a sponge or a clean cloth to do this.

4. Sand the cabinets, doors and drawers with the 220- grit sandpaper, either by hand or with a small sander. After the sanding is completed wipe down all of the surfaces with a wet cloth or sponge to remove the sanding dust. This will allow the paint to fully adhere.

5. Paint the surfaces with the first coat, which will act as a priner. Always paint with the grain of the wood, using long, smooth roller strokes. Allow the first coat to dry for at least an hour then sand it again with the sandpaper. Again, wipe down the surfaces afterwards to remove the sanding dust.

6. Apply the second and final coat of paint. This will not be altered afterwards so be sure to use smooth strokes and get even coverage. Allow the paint to dry for several hours; the longer it dries the more durable it will be.

7. Re-attach all of the cabinet doors, drawers and hardware once the paint is completely dry. As with the cabinets, make sure that the doors and drawers are fully dry before re-attaching so that nothing gets nicked or chipped.

Tips & Warnings

• Wearing gloves while cleaning the cabinets will protect your hands from the cleaning chemicals.

• If possible, sanding the cabinet doors and drawers in a garage or outdoor space will limit the amount of dust created inside the house.

References

• Hometips.com: How to Paint Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinets