Ideas and solutions for easy kitchen cupboard painting

Painting kitchen cupboards is an excellent idea that can be realized without spending too much time or effort. All that is needed is relatively moderate handyman skills and selecting the appropriate products to reap the benefits:

It is a considerably more economical solution compared to a complete or partial kitchen renovation project; provides short completion time without requiring work on adjacent parts such as wall tiles or countertops; allows reusing existing cupboards which is an act of sustainability; refreshes styling and offers spaces a personalized, modern, warm or bright feel.

Furthermore, it represents a maintenance operation whose returns exceed demands, in investment dwellings intended to be leased, for instance.

We should note that such painting proposals apply to solid wood as well as particle boards such as MDF (known as melamine cupboards as well). Both can be overcoated, provided that surfaces are in good shape, not deteriorated due to woodworms or rotting.

Let’s examine the equipment required as a first step, as well as the preparation steps to be performed before starting. Such preparation includes several minor operations which ought to be correctly performed. Pay attention to the following:

1. Obtain essentials from your hardware store such as paint coatings, brushes, plastic cover sheets, sandpaper and masking tape. You will definitely need a medium size paint roller for main cupboard surfaces, one angled paint brush (for detail parts) and a tray to attach paint to paint tools. You may also need putty for minor dents and scratches. Choose good tools over basic ones; they will contribute to your success, especially if you’re beginners.
    
2. Choose your preferred shade and the appropriate coating specification for the job to ensure easy spreading, high hiding ability and high resistance. Among the most popular coating types for kitchen cupboard coating are acrylic water-based coatings, also known as eco-friendly enamels. These are quick drying, are free from strong odors and are friendly to tenants as well as the environment. You will also need some supplementary products that will be detailed in the following.
    
3. Remove cupboard panels from their hinges; also remove drawers. Ensure thorough cleaning of these items so that they are free from grease, condensate or dirt, and lay them according to their order of installation. Then, photograph them to facilitate their final reassembly. If necessary, keep knobs, hinges and screws in separate bags with labels indicating where and how they are stored. Cover with masking tape all parts not intended for coating; use plastic sheets to cover and protect the countertop, the floor and electric appliances

Now you are ready for your main objective, i.e. paint application on kitchen cupboards. Start the coating process in the morning of a day with fair weather, ideally at temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, without moisture, so that you can finish as early as possible.

1. File with sandpaper and thoroughly rub away the old coating until a smooth surface is achieved. Then, repair wood defects (if any) using suitable putty.

2. To have wooden surfaces prepared, apply wood primer and wait until it is dry. This will take approximately one hour, depending on ambient temperature. In case eco-friendly enamel coating, is used, first apply water-based wood primer to isolate wood tanin and grains, meanwhile being easy to rub away ensuring a consistent result. The two types we propose are eco-friendly as well as user - friendly, with negligible odor.

3. Add a small paint quantity to the mixing tray and thin with a small amount of water (according to the instructions, it varies between 5% - 15%). Dip the paint roller, strain and paint working to one direction, top to bottom. Start from the back surface of cupboards. Wait until drying, then apply a second coat. Allow to dry.

4. When this phase is complete, about 2 hours afterwards, apply paint to the forward side as well. Then use a paint brush to cover corners and hard to reach areas, from both sides. Allow to dry for several hours. Ideal drying time: 3 - 4 hours or overnight.

5. Later in the evening or the next morning, proceed with assembly, after making sure that paint has thoroughly dried and after having removed masking tapes. The «kitchen cupboard and drawer coating» has been completed in a single day only!

The shades that can be used on cupboards are a question of mood and inspiration, albeit earth shades are favoured. Moderate brown such as KR1030 MATALA SUNSET and KR2586 OAK TONE, beige such as KR1084 OLIVE TREE and light orange such as KR1331 ORANGE DELIGHT or an off-yellow such as KR1385 ALGARVE BLEACH, maintain neutrality, yet at the same time convey a sense of congeniality and warmth. Darker colors can be certainly used as well; these can be shades resembling wood, i.e. walnut, chestnut, cherry tree, and more.

Find your ideal shade for your cupboards in the Inspired Collection fandeck, and let colours speak for yourselves in the kitchen too!