Painting kitchen cabinets does not have to be a big daunting overwhelming task.
I'm here to tell you it can be done in a weekend...or you can do it in phases...which is exactly what I'm currently doing!
I mean, let's get real....mom life, grandma life, running two businesses, and all the other things...I just don't have an entire weekend to devote to the project right now.
But the beloved red cabinets that have received so much attention over the years...are just not speaking to me anymore...it's time for a change.
Let me share the basics of cabinet painting "on the fly" without even removing the hinges!
**Professional Tip #1: choose the colors you are considering....and paint large swatches onto your cabinet door(s).... and study the way the sun and shadows shift the colors.....choosing your final color based on that.
**Professional Tip #2: Choosing quality paint makes all the difference! It truly will make or break the success of your project! I choose Dixie Belle products for their quality, coverage, pigmentation, durability, and ease of use. I have used them on every possible surface....painting projects weekly for the last 2 years. I highly recommend this paint for you too!
Supplies needed are listed below in the shop section for your shopping convenience.
Painting Kitchen Cabinets: Step by Step Instructions
PREP: Remove all handles and knobs from the section you will be working on.
CLEAN: Clean the entire area with White Lightning. I mix this into a spray bottle and give the entire cabinet a good shower. I let it drip and settle into trim areas and set for several minutes. I do this again and wipe clean. I then spray with regular water and dry well.
PRIME (OR NOT): This is based on many variables and is probably best explained in my live broadcast where I discuss each possibility. You can watch that below. Or, if you'd rather...I also have a How to Prep Furniture blog dedicated to this exact topic where I clearly explain each product and when to use it. See that here.
I am painting over a paint job that we did ourselves almost four years ago. The surface is not shiny and is fully intact. I will not prime.
PAINT: Use a smaller artist brush to work around the hinges. You can always use tape to cover them prior. I just keep a box of baby wipes handy and wipe away any paint that ends up where I don't want it. Use a larger Belle brush of your choice for the large flat surfaces. I also use a misting bottle to lightly spray the paint. It gives it more open time and allows you to move it around on your surface a little easier.
I painted both Vintage Duck Egg and Caviar over the red cabinets and it had surprisingly great coverage!! I probably could have gotten away with just one coat...but opted for two coats for durability.
**Professional Tip #3: Don't forget to continue to check for drips on corners and edges and puddling of paint around trim areas. Use your little artist brush to take care of these areas.
DRY TIME: Chalk paint dries very quickly which allows you to complete an area much faster than you'd think! Leave your cabinet doors/drawers open during this dry time. I let mine dry for about 12 hours (basically overnight).
FINISHING: Once your paint has dried and you are satisfied with the coverage you can now lightly run a finishing pad over the surface to soften the finish. This smooths the very outer surface and removes that "chalk paint" feel. It's a step that many people skip but it makes a huge difference in the final feel and look of your project! This is NOT a true "sanding". Do this very lightly!!! You do NOT need to apply pressure. Do this as if you are stroking the skin on a newborn!
Then follow with a tack cloth or microfiber cloth to remove any dust.
TOP COAT: This is a subjective step. Dixie Belle offers many clear coat options. I wanted a very matte finish so I chose Clear coat in Satin. I applied one coat of clear coat and let dry about an hour. I then repeated with a second coat.
DRYING TIME (AGAIN): I left my cabinet doors and drawers slightly open (and made a public announcement to the family as well) for about a day. After that they've been in full use!
HARDWARE: Handles and knobs can now be put back into place. I actually painted mine and that is another blog for another day. Sign up for my newsletter here if you don't want to miss it. I flipping love them!!!
I've so far completed two sections of my kitchen. I have about 6 sections to go. I'd love to think I'll finish painting the kitchen cabinets by the holidays but that isn't going to happen and I'm okay with it! If you're not able to renovate your cabinets in time for the holidays by yourself, you might need to look for some outside help and that's also okay. This cabinet maker melbourne based, can help you create your dream kitchen without having to lift a finger. But if you aren't in any rush, it can be really enjoyable to work on home improvements in your own time.
It was actually very enjoyable for me to paint these two small sections at a time. I did it without having to carve out any more than just an hour or two at a time. And that's real life to me!! That's a large project that I can tackle a little at a time....completely by myself!
I hope this inspires you to tackle those ugly cabinets without feeling overwhelmed.
Shop
The products listed here are what I used while painting my kitchen cabinets! Dixie Belle Paint company offers amazing products that will make all of your projects successful no matter what your skill level! Just click on any of the products shown below! You can also find my favorite products and tools in my Amazon influencer list here.
Here's how it works...these products are attached to MY NAME. When you purchase by clicking from my blog.....then Dixie Belle offers a kickback to me for referring you! It doesn't cost you any more to use my links....and the support helps me to bring you new projects! So I thank you in advance!!!
See you next week!
XOXO,
Tracey
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