How to paint kitchen cabinets

Painting your cabinets can give your kitchen a completely different look and feel – and it’s easy on the pocket too.

Estimated Time

4 hours

• The time taken will depend on the condition of the cabinets.
• Allow at least 4-6 hours between coats.

Materials

Here's what you're going to need:

• Taubmans® Ultimate Enamel in your chosen colour
• Taubmans® 3 in 1 Prep Primer Sealer Undercoat
• Paintbrush - 2 1/2-inch (63mm)
• Paint roller - short nap (4mm – 6mm)
• Drop cloth
• Masking tape
• Large plastic sheeting
• Sandpaper of varying grits (course, mild, fine)
• Dust mask or respirator
• Cleaning cloth
• Step ladder

Steps

Choose a colour scheme for your kitchen. Check out our colour charts for ideas on the colour themes.

Pick your chosen shade to be mixed into Taubmans® Ultimate Enamel paint. Use our paint calculator to make sure you have enough paint on hand.

Empty your cabinets and remove all knobs and handles. Use masking tape to protect hinges and glass. Put down dust sheets to protect other parts of the room as necessary.

Wash your cabinets down with soap or detergent (nonabrasive). This will remove grease and help the paint adhere to the surface. Wipe off any soap residue with a damp cloth.

When the cabinets are dry, remove any loose or flaking paint. Sand any gloss or semi-gloss finishes with fine sand paper. Fill any imperfections with a good quality filler and sand again.

Apply 1 coat of Taubmans® 3 in 1 Prep Primer Sealer Undercoat to the cabinets. You may want to use a short nap roller on doors for a smooth finish.

Prepare your paint and apply two coats of your chosen colour in Taubmans® Ultimate Enamel. Use even strokes with the brush and finish the stroke back into the wet paint and feather out the edges. Let the first coat dry for at least 4 – 6 hours. Once you’ve completed your second coat, brush over the surface with the paint brush once more, this time without paint. This will ensure an even coat.

When the second coat is completely dry, carefully remove the masking tape, and install the knobs and handles.

Also watch

• How to paint a kitchen
• How to paint window frames