Can You Paint Kitchen Cupboards?

If you’re in need of a kitchen makeover but don’t want to delve into the costly renovation process, painting existing cupboards is an inexpensive and simple way to freshen their appearance.

Before you begin painting your cabinets, take time to prep them properly so the new paint adheres properly. Grease, food splatters and other contaminants can interfere with a successful job so make sure all cabinets have been scrubbed clean in order to remove them.

Wood

Kitchen cupboards crafted of wood are easy to paint and come in an array of colors and finishes. Popular wood species include maple, ash and cherry.

Before painting kitchen cupboards, be sure to thoroughly clean them. Grease and oil buildup in cabinets can hinder the adhesion of paint, so using a degreaser like Krud Kutter before beginning will help remove grease buildup and prepare your surfaces for painting.

Depending on the type of wood used, you may wish to sand down the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. This will open up pores in the wood and give it a smoother surface for paint to adhere to.

Once the surface is prepared, use a brush to apply primer and paint. Be sure to apply several thin layers of paint rather than one thick coat; this will guarantee there are no brushstrokes visible through the paint.

Melamine

Melamine is a type of laminate often used for inexpensive home furnishings like shelves and wall cabinets. It’s composed of thermally fused papers saturated in resin.

Melamine is a strong material, but it can be vulnerable to damage if not taken care of properly. For instance, water may seep under it and cause the melamine to distort or chip.

To prepare melamine for painting, take out all hardware from cabinet doors and drawers. Doing this will guarantee good primer coverage and a polished paint job.

Sand the surface of melamine using long, gentle strokes to avoid gouging it. You may also use a putty knife to even out any scratches or nicks you’ve discovered.

Before applying the final coat of paint, ensure to let the melamine dry for as long as necessary. This may take days or weeks depending on the type of paint.

Laminate

Laminate kitchen cabinets are a popular choice among many homeowners due to their affordability and longevity. Unlike wood, laminate does not warp over time and requires minimal upkeep – making it the ideal choice for anyone looking to update their kitchen decor.

Laminate flooring and cabinetry are typically created by adhering a thin layer of printed plastic (sometimes referred to as Melamine or Thermofoil) onto plywood or particle board. Afterward, this synthetic material is printed with an authentic wood pattern or texture for an authentic wood look and feel.

Paint will not adhere to smooth, paper-thin laminate surfaces if they haven’t been roughened up beforehand. You can do this by lightly sanding with 120-grit sandpaper or using an orbital sander with light pressure.

It’s also wise to remove any knobs and pulls before painting, since these can impede a smooth application of paint. If hinges are visible, mask them off with painter’s tape in order to avoid chipping or damage during painting.

Metal

If your kitchen cupboard is made of metal, painting it can bring it back to life and give it a fresh new look. It is an affordable and creative solution for those who are tired of their outdated cabinetry.

Before applying a paint job to your metal cabinet, it is essential to clean it and eliminate any rust. Doing this will allow the new coat of paint to adhere better onto the surface.

The primer you apply on your cabinet will protect the paint from flaking off during normal usage and also fill in any surface spots or rust left after sanding.

Spray paint can also be used to refinish metal cabinets. However, you must apply it in thin layers so that it stays smooth and doesn’t sag over time.