How to paint kitchen cabinets without replacing them

You can refresh your kitchen cabinets without replacing them. The secret is in the preparation: remove the grease, sand, use an adhesion primer and apply a hard-wearing enamel. It works well on cabinets made of wood, chipboard or MDF in good condition. It does not work if the doors have swollen from damp.

First, check whether it is worth it

Before buying paint, examine the cabinets. If the carcass is solid and the doors are straight, painting is worthwhile. If the chipboard is swelling at the corners, or the surface laminate is coming loose, painting will not fix it.

Removing and degreasing

Number the doors and drawers with tape and a pencil, and mark the hinges. That way you can put everything back in the right place. Remove the handles and hinges and keep the screws.

A film of grease always builds up in a kitchen, even if you cannot see it. It is paint's first enemy. Wash thoroughly with degreaser, rinse with a cloth and clean water, and leave to dry. Pay attention to the doors near the hob and the extractor.

Sanding and priming

Sand all surfaces to remove the shine. On doors with a glossy varnish or a plastic-coated finish, an adhesion primer is essential. Without it, the paint may peel with use.

If there are scratches or holes from old handles, fill them and sand afterwards. Remove the dust with a damp cloth.

Tip: If the cabinet is old, assess the risk of lead in old paint before dry sanding. Wet sand, protect the floor and wear a suitable mask. Ventilate the room.

Apply the primer in a thin coat, using a foam roller on flat surfaces and a brush for the corners. Leave to dry for the time stated on the tin.

Choosing the paint and painting

Choose an interior enamel that withstands cleaning and the mild heat of a kitchen. Water-based paints have less smell and dry faster. Solvent-based ones usually give a very hard finish, but they have a strong smell and need good ventilation. If in doubt, read the tin, which says whether it is suitable for furniture and areas of frequent use.

  1. First paint the edges and recesses of the doors.
  2. Then run the roller over the flat parts, in smooth movements.
  3. Even it out with the brush, without overworking it, before the paint starts to dry.
  4. Leave to dry for the stated time, sand lightly with fine sandpaper and apply the second coat.

Paint the doors lying flat, on trestles or crates. That way the paint levels itself and there are fewer drips. Start with the back and let it dry before turning them over.

Reassembling with care

Do not rehang the doors straight afterwards. The paint may be touch-dry but still soft. If you reassemble too early, the doors may stick to the carcass or be marked by the hinges. Allow more time than the minimum, especially in areas used every day.

In the early days, treat the cabinets with care. Do not use hard scourers and avoid harsh cleaning products until the paint has fully cured. Clean with a soft cloth and water with a little mild detergent.

Tip: Take the opportunity to change the handles. It is an inexpensive change that transforms the look of the kitchen. If you change the size, fill the old holes with filler before painting.

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