Ditch the credit card for new cabinets and refurbish them instead! Cabinet paint tips 101:

A bird’s eye overview for painting kitchen cabinets:

Clean and sand the surface to ensure a smooth finish.
Apply primer to promote adhesion of the paint.
Use a paintbrush and roller for a smooth, even coat.
Apply 2-3 thin coats of paint, letting each dry completely before applying the next.
Finish with a clear polyurethane coat for protection.

Note: Consider using a paint specifically made for cabinetry for best results.

A detailed steps:

Clean and sand the surface: Clean the cabinets thoroughly to remove any grease, dirt, and grime. Sand the surface lightly to rough up the surface and make it easier for the primer and paint to adhere.
Apply primer: Primer helps to promote adhesion and provide a smooth base for the paint. Apply a thin, even coat with a paintbrush or roller and let it dry completely before proceeding.
Use a paintbrush and roller: Using a paintbrush to get into tight spaces and corners, and a roller to cover larger surfaces, will give a smooth, even finish. Paint in the direction of the grain and be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
Apply 2-3 thin coats of paint: Thin coats dry faster and are less likely to develop drips or bubbles. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next, usually about 24 hours.
Finish with a clear polyurethane coat: A clear polyurethane coat provides extra protection and gives a glossy finish. Apply a thin, even coat with a brush or roller and let it dry completely.

Note: If you’re unsure about which paint or primer to use, check the product label or ask a specialist at the paint store for recommendations.

What are the best cleaning products for cabinet prep?

When prepping kitchen cabinets for painting, it is important to use a cleaner that will remove grease, dirt, and grime. Here are a few cleaning products that are commonly used:

TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate): A heavy-duty cleaner that effectively removes grease and grime.
Degreaser: A commercial cleaner specifically designed to remove grease and oil.
Vinegar and water solution: A mild and inexpensive alternative to commercial cleaners. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar to make a cleaning solution.
Liquid sandpaper (deglosser): A liquid solution that helps to rough up the surface of the cabinets, making it easier for primer and paint to adhere.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t harm the surface of the cabinets. After cleaning, rinse the cabinets thoroughly and let them dry completely before sanding and priming.

TSP

TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate) is a heavy-duty cleaner commonly used for preparing surfaces for painting. Here’s how to use TSP for cleaning kitchen cabinets:

Wear gloves and protective eyewear to protect your skin and eyes.
Mix TSP according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 1/4 cup TSP per gallon of water.
Apply the solution to the cabinets with a sponge or cloth, working in small sections.
Scrub the cabinets thoroughly, paying extra attention to areas with heavy grease or grime build-up.
Rinse the cabinets thoroughly with water to remove all traces of TSP.
Let the cabinets dry completely before sanding and priming.

Note: TSP is a strong cleaner and can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. Make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions listed on the product label.

Degreaser

Degreaser is a commercial cleaning product specifically designed to remove grease and oil from surfaces. It is commonly used for cleaning kitchen cabinets before painting. Here’s how to use degreaser:

Read the product label and follow all safety precautions.
Mix the degreaser according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply the degreaser to the cabinets with a cloth or brush, working in small sections.
Let the degreaser sit on the surface for the amount of time recommended on the label.
Scrub the cabinets thoroughly, paying extra attention to areas with heavy grease or grime build-up.
Rinse the cabinets thoroughly with water to remove all traces of degreaser.
Let the cabinets dry completely before sanding and priming.

Note: Different degreasers may have different directions for use and safety precautions, so be sure to follow the instructions on the product label. Test the degreaser in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t harm the surface of the cabinets.

A vinegar and water solution

A vinegar and water solution is a mild and inexpensive alternative to commercial cleaners. It is often used to clean kitchen cabinets before painting. Here’s how to use vinegar and water to clean cabinets:

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the cabinets and let it sit for a few minutes.
Scrub the cabinets thoroughly with a sponge or cloth, paying extra attention to areas with heavy grease or grime build-up.
Rinse the cabinets thoroughly with water to remove all traces of vinegar.
Let the cabinets dry completely before sanding and priming.

Note: Vinegar is a mild cleaner and is safe to use, but it may not be as effective as heavy-duty cleaners like TSP or degreaser in removing heavy grease or grime. If the cabinets are extremely dirty, it may be necessary to use a stronger cleaner or a combination of vinegar and a degreaser for best results.

Liquid sandpaper

Liquid sandpaper or deglosser is a liquid solution that helps to rough up the surface of the cabinets, making it easier for primer and paint to adhere. Here’s how to use liquid sandpaper:

Read the product label and follow all safety precautions.
Apply the liquid sandpaper to the cabinets with a cloth, working in small sections.
Let the deglosser sit on the surface for the amount of time recommended on the label.
Wipe the surface with a clean, dry cloth to remove any residue.
Let the cabinets dry completely before sanding and priming.

Note: Different brands of deglosser may have different directions for use and safety precautions, so be sure to follow the instructions on the product label. Test the deglosser in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t harm the surface of the cabinets. The purpose of deglosser is to prepare the surface for primer and paint, so it is not necessary to sand the cabinets after using deglosser unless there are rough spots or rough edges.

A ‘primer’ on Primer

Primer is a base coat that is applied to kitchen cabinets before painting. It helps to create a uniform surface, improves paint adhesion, and prevents bleeding through of the original cabinet finish. Here are some key things to know about primer:

Choose the right primer for the job: There are different types of primer, including oil-based, water-based, shellac-based, and stain-blocking primer. Choose the right primer based on the type of paint and surface you will be painting.
Sand the surface: Before applying primer, sand the surface of the cabinets to create a smooth and even surface. Start with a medium-grit sandpaper and finish with a fine-grit sandpaper.
Clean the surface: Clean the surface of the cabinets thoroughly to remove all dust, grease, and grime.
Apply the primer: Apply the primer to the cabinets using a brush, roller, or sprayer. Work in small sections and apply the primer evenly, making sure to get into all the corners and crevices.
Let the primer dry: Let the primer dry completely before applying the paint. This usually takes several hours or overnight.
Sand between coats: Sand the surface lightly between coats of primer and paint to create an even smoother surface.

Note: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when using primer. Wear gloves, eye protection, and a mask to protect yourself from fumes and dust.

Paint brush and roller types:

There are different types of brushes and rollers that can be used to paint kitchen cabinets. Here is an overview of the most common types:

Brush Types:

Bristle brush: This is the traditional type of brush made of natural or synthetic bristles. It is ideal for oil-based paint and has good control for cutting in around corners and edges.
Foam brush: A foam brush is made of dense foam and is ideal for water-based paint. It is good for creating a smooth, even finish and is less likely to leave brush marks than a bristle brush.

Roller Types:

Microfiber roller: This type of roller is made of a dense, microfiber material and is ideal for water-based paint. It is good for covering large areas quickly and leaves a smooth, even finish.
Nap roller: This type of roller has a thick, looped material and is good for oil-based paint. It has good paint-holding capacity and can cover large areas quickly.
Mini roller: This type of roller has a small size and is good for painting small or tight areas. It can be used with either oil-based or water-based paint.

Note: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when using paint brushes and rollers. Make sure to clean the brushes and rollers thoroughly after use to maintain their performance and extend their lifespan.

Getting down to the grit of it: Sandpaper

Sandpaper is an essential tool for preparing kitchen cabinets for painting. Here is a brief overview of sandpaper:

Grit: Sandpaper comes in different grits, ranging from coarse to fine. Coarse sandpaper (lower grit number) is used for removing old paint or roughing up the surface. Fine sandpaper (higher grit number) is used for smoothing the surface before painting.
Type: Sandpaper can be made from natural minerals such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, or synthetic materials like ceramic. Choose the right type of sandpaper for the job based on the type of surface and material being sanded.
Sanding method: There are different methods for sanding kitchen cabinets, including hand sanding, sanding blocks, sanding sponges, and power sanders. Choose the right sanding method based on the size and shape of the cabinets and the amount of sanding needed.
Safety: Sanding creates dust, so it is important to wear a mask, eye protection, and hearing protection. Sand in a well-ventilated area and cover any nearby surfaces to protect them from dust.

Note: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when using sandpaper. Sand the surface of the cabinets evenly, making sure to remove all rough spots and rough edges. Sand the surface thoroughly between coats of primer and paint to ensure an even, smooth finish.

Be sure to check out this other general Kitchen renovation tips and tricks here.