Latex satin finish is preferred over oil paints, which can clump and dribble down the cabinet in thick strands. If you are transitioning from a dark color to a lighter color or vice versa, you will need to prime before rolling on the paint. Painting the cabinet frame is not so different than that. Which was messy. Latex paints - about 30 days. It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for another Dueling DIY update! 1. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. If the cabinets you are repainting are glossy, bright white or a dark color, then they will need to be primed. Use a piece of scrap wood to create a jig and use it to create the holes in the cabinet for the hinges. ", Internal hardware in good condition - drawer tracks, shelves, internal storage structures. Most of the paints we use are a water-based or latex paint so those typically dry to the touch within 30 minutes. Cabinet refacing basically replaces the veneer on the visible surfaces of the cabinet while leaving the structural aspects intact. Slide drawers into place. Rent tools and trucks for any project at The Home Depot. if you apply a solvent-based polyurethane over a water-based finish, potential adhesion problems could lead to flaking. The longer the paint dries, the more durable its finish will be, and the less likely it will stick … Her full bio and clips can be viewed at www.vegaswriter.com. Flip over the cabinet doors and drawers to paint the backsides. Press in place, then secure with 2d finish nails. The first step is to use your screwdriver or drill (with a driver bit) to … Let’s start this how to paint builder grade cabinets post with a reminder of the before. Repeat these steps to apply a second and third coat of polyurethane. Thank you for the update. Next, apply the veneer to the rails so that it overlaps the stiles on either side. Each strip should be 1/2-inch wider and 2 inches longer than the corresponding rail or stile. Number each cabinet front and drawer that you remove. Allow time to dry thoroughly. Repeat the process with the adjacent stile. In case you missed it, the concept is pretty simple: another blogger and I go head to head each week… which basically keeps me in line and on task. and seeing your before and after (well, before and temp. Rehanging them is easier if you have the exact same hardware and have marked each door (which I carefully did and then forgot to remark them after the paint dried–before we picked them up from their pretty little orderly setup- grrr). Whether you opt for brand new cabinets or refinishing your existing cabinets, you can save a lot of money by installing them yourself. This should create a neat join. This will help the latex paint to adhere to the surface of the cabinets. September 8, 2016 at 12:15 pm. Allow time to dry, then lightly sand for a smooth, uniform surface. Painting kitchen cabinets that aren’t working for you is easier than ripping them out and replacing the banks of drawers and shelving. Ladies after my own heart. This will require more sanding and prep work, but if the wood is gorgeous, it is worth the time and effort. Kimberley McGee is an award-winning journalist with 20+ years of experience writing for a variety of clients, including The New York Times, Las Vegas Review-Journal Home section and other national publications. Prepare the Doors and Drawers Not sure if this is the category I should use, but I have removed my cabinet doors and hinges to paint. After the layer of paint … A painted cabinet door looks best when it has a glassy, smooth surface. Number all of your upper cabinets and then start numbering the lower drawers and cabinets. They look lovely when they are clean but they are constantly dirty and extremely difficult to get clean without harming the paint – expecially the lower cabinets and the one above the stove. PAINTING WITH CHALK PAINT: The painting step is the fun part and I think it’s pretty hard to mess it up, though I know from experience that not everyone can paint (LOL! Start at the top, left cabinet. This will lower the number of coats of latex paint that the cabinet will need to finish the job. I had new white cabinets in my last house and after seven years many had discolored. 5 Mistakes to Avoid While Painting Cabinets. Scuff all the exposed surfaces with a medium-grit sandpaper, then wipe down all surfaces with a tack cloth. http://lotzremodeling.com/blog/how-to-rehang-a-door/ Learn how to rehang a door. ", Step 3: Always allow the surfaces sufficient time to dry before flipping or handling. It’s a tall order. Prior to removing the cabinet doors, I sketched a rough plan of the kitchen (pic 2), numbering each door as I removed it, so I knew where it would be refitted at the end. A stain can also be placed on top of a painted kitchen cabinet. Rails are the horizontal faces of the cabinets; stiles are the vertical pieces. Complete the first coat and allow it to dry. Paint doesn’t cure, or reach maximum hardness, until days after the paint is dry. You know who you are)! What Happened When I Didn’t Sand. Use a drill to create screw holes in the door, then affix the hinges with wood screws. In chocolate brown. If the color doesn’t work with your decor or simply doesn’t convey the style of which you dream, then painting over them is a good option. Apply the Veneer Allow them to dry thoroughly. I took this picture after 3 coats of the milk paint. Apply the veneer to the rails of the cabinet so that it overlaps the stiles on both sides. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. On the inside of each cabinet door, label its placement to make it easy to rehang after painting. If needed, replace with new drawer slides. You can sand and paint or stain old doors. 8. If you aren’t sure what style you desire, look for repainting kitchen cabinets before and after photos for ideas. A resin-based primer does double duty. And now we’re back to the roller again. It is not suited for cabinets coated with water-based flat, eggshell or satin latex paint. That is the only way to make your cabinets look fresh once again. With the correct tools and products in place, you can turn drab and shabby into crisp, clean and modern. Wear gloves and clean the sides and faces of the cabinets with a cleaner formulated to remove grease and oils. I had my cabinet doors and drawers painted on Friday , the painter is to paint the boxes on tuesday and wants to hang the doors back on Thursday . Lightly sand all the surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper, then wipe away any sanding dust with a tack cloth. You can still get a little bit of sticking, which is the difference between dry to the touch vs. cure time. How to Paint Cabinet Doors — The Right Way Next step is to re-sand the cabinet after you prime it in ensuring that the cabinets are slick already. I presume it means a hinge is slightly bent? If the internal hardware can be reused, install the old drawer slides onto the drawer boxes. Step by step guide to painting kitchen cabinets 1. Measure and cut plywood panels to fit the exposed ends of the cabinet. If the plan calls for a filler strip at a particular location, clamp it to the face frame and attach it as … It may be less expensive in the long run to invest in replacement cabinets. That’s one. ", Step 6: Remove the doors and work with each one individually to get a better finished project. Refacing kitchen cabinets is a popular project for homeowners looking for a straightforward renovation option. Don't worry if you don't own all of the tools needed to reface your kitchen cabinets. Kitchen cabinets set the tone of the room. In our example, the first drawer is 12, the cabinet doors below that are 13 and 14, and so on. Adjust Hinges to Level Doors. Allow them to dry thoroughly before applying a second coat. It seals the surface of the cabinet so that odors, oil or grease don't seep through the paint and into the cabinet’s surface material, marring the paint job. Work the paint onto the surface from top to bottom in even strokes. A small brush can quickly deal with clumps of paint that tend to gather around the panel depressions, beveled corners and recesses. How to Get the Dirt Out of Beadboard Cabinets, Glidden: Repainting Kitchen Cabinets in a Few Easy Steps, This Old House: Painting Kitchen Cabinets, How to Tone Down Glossy Painted Kitchen Cabinets, How to Make Oak Cabinets Look Like French Country, How to Get the Antique White Distressed Look on Cabinets. Install the door hinges, positioning each hinge one hinge-length from the top and from the bottom of the door. Painting over painted cabinets requires good prep work. This means that the paint also has to cure. A kitchen cabinet makeover is a great way to refresh the space without the expense and disruption of a full kitchen remodel. 7. Wash all of the surfaces after sanding. ", Step 2: Mark the screw hole locations on the door. After the time passes, you can once again rehang the doors. Peel one corner of the backing away and then press it into place. in Journalism from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The painter just needs to be willing to come in and do some touchups after the installation if this is the case. Turns out hanging cabinet doors is trickier than it looks. Oil-based paint carries a stronger odor, must be cleaned up with mineral spirits and takes much longer to dry. Wipe down cabinets to remove any chunks of dirt or cobwebs. The first rule of cabinet repainting: Make sure the cabinets and doors are clean and dry. Lay down a tarp and paint the front of each piece. A good pair of gloves that aren’t too thick and allow your fingers to move freely will help you get around the crevices and corners of cabinets. Apply carpenter glue and affix the plywood panel to the cabinet. And took forever to dry before I could rehang the doors and reinstall the drawers. Hanging the doors involves attaching the hinges to the door, determining how the door fits on the cabinet, and aligning the door evenly on the cabinet. Today I am breaking down the entire process and taking you through a step by step guide on how to paint thermofoil cabinets. Some painting contractors, however, like to paint before the kitchen cabinets go in, as this eliminates the work of masking off all the cabinets and painting around them. After sharing our son’s bathroom makeover, we received so many requests for a paint tutorial. The ultimate test of milk paint, you could say. Sand the surfaces and wipe down with a tack cloth. When I started painting my cabinets, I did not sand and I did not use primer. Additional Tips #ShutTheFrontDoorDIY couldn’t be complete without addressing the most numerous doors in your house: cabinet doors! Gather rollers, pans and paint brushes in various thicknesses to be prepared to get into small spaces. Solvent-based polyurethane is suited for cabinets coated with oil-based paint. Fill in any holes with wood filler. Prepare to Work on the Cabinets In this installment of Dueling DIY, I show you a nifty trick for how I did it!. Cabinet refacing basically replaces the veneer on the visible surfaces of the cabinet while leaving the structural aspects intact. Prime, Fill and Sand. ", Step 5: Paint the edges all the way around being careful not to let the paint glob up. Over time your cabinet doors have the tendency to shift and look out of alignment. Kitchen cabinet refacing is experiencing a surge of popularity because it saves money over a full remodel, and it is a green solution. Painted cabinets look lovely, but they aren't going to look totally … Prep cabinets. Remove the cut piece of stile veneer from underneath. Is there an easy way to find which hinges should be moved where? The current selection of latex paint products on the market makes it much more user friendly to refurbish wood or laminate cabinets. Painting over painted cabinets requires good prep work. When using a white latex paint for kitchens, choose a latex paint that won’t yellow over time. Kitchen cabinets that are already painted with latex can be prepped and painted over with new paint. Use a sanding sponge and go over every surface, corner and groove of the cabinet fronts. It’s also a lot less expensive. Cecilia says. It is a very long and tedious job to paint cabinets but so worth the look after. If you like your kitchen's current layout, cabinet refacing may be the perfect update option. When I rehung, a couple of the doors hit wood and will not close. Remove all cabinet doors, drawers and drawer fronts. However, you have to be sure that your cabinets are in the right shape to be refaced rather than replaced. Water-based dries fast and is odor-free, making it easy to work with. Learn how to paint cabinet doors in the best way — the way that means you only have to do it ONCE — from Meredith (and don’t forget to link up your door projects and then make us laugh for a chance to win $25). Next, using the same hand screwdriver, adjust the screw that’s facing … Use a carpenter square to line up the join between the two pieces of veneer, then run your utility knife along the guideline, slicing through both pieces of veneer. You have unrealistic expectations. Refresh old cabinets that look tired and dated with a slick of latex paint to completely change the look and feel of the kitchen. Reassemble the Cabinets Before removing hardware, scrub all cabinets with a grease-cutting cleaner and scrubbing sponge. Attach the drawer fronts to the boxes and then install the drawer pulls. After the first coat of paint has dried, it is time to apply the second coat of paint. great tutorial! She earned a B.A. For a paint to be considered dry, enough solvents must evaporate so it feels dry to the touch. Remove all cabinet doors & number them. In addition, there are refacing options for just about any style, and while it can be tackled as a DIY project, refacing can also be requested from professional installers. You may even be having trouble closing the doors completely. Remove from hinges and take off all hardware. Continue to peel away the backing and press the adhesive side down as you go. When using latex, a brush and roller will offer the best control to get into the nooks and crannies that tend to come with kitchen cabinets. Before you begin, the surfaces of the cabinets need to be roughed up. Always begin applying veneer with the stiles, or vertical lengths. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. i can’t wait to finish this project up, i think it will make a huge difference. A kitchen cabinet makeover is a great way to refresh the space without the expense and disruption of a full kitchen remodel.. All Rights Reserved. That time around I used an oil-based paint. Continue finishing all the cabinet facing. A before of the after the first time I painted our builder grade kitchen cabinets. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Evaluate Your Kitchen Cabinets Take the first piece and align it so that it slightly overhangs all the edges of the stile. By the time we’re out of your house, you can go ahead and hang pictures up. Apply in a thin layer, brushing in the direction of the wood grain or pattern, in even single strokes. After repainting my kitchen cabinets, I had to re-hang the doors. Measure all of the rails and stiles and record the measurement of each. Latex paint carries a faint odor, is easy to clean up after and dries fast. Wash the cabinets with warm water mixed with a mild soap to get rid of any grease or dust. i’m currently on step 5 in my kitchen, glad to see that i’ve been doing things correctly. Check the cabinets for dents and deep scratches and fill them with caulking or wood filler. Evaluate the condition of your cabinets by looking at these elements: If any of these elements are not present, your current cabinets may not take well to refacing. I plan on sealing mine and am glad to know about the sealer you used. Typically, a light sanding gives the primer something to grip. Very timely as I am in the process of painting my kitchen cabinets. This will help the latex paint to adhere to the surface of the cabinets. The trade-off is, oil-based paint is more durable and the sheen makes cleaning up spills a snap; little more than a damp rag is usually required. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Remove all doors and drawers. Reply. Remove the excess piece of top veneer from the rail, then lift up the edge of the rail veneer. Remove all the hardware from the cabinets and drawers. Refacing kitchen cabinets is a popular project for homeowners looking for a straightforward renovation option. The painter used a Sherwin Williams paint made for doing cabinets and said it would be okay to rehang them so … While the actual priming and painting only took three days (can you say marathon painting? This post and the photos within it may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. January 8, 2015 by Cori George 42 Comments. Doors, drawer fronts and hardware are also usually upgraded in cabinet refacing projects, although if these elements are in good shape, they can easily be reused after cleaning and applying a new coat of wood stain. Use a paintbrush to fill in any detail areas. Using a utility knife and a ruler or straightedge as guide, trim the excess veneer from all the edges of the stiles. Apply Protective Coating Use water-based polyurethane as a final protective coating on the cabinet surfaces. My current house had white painted cabinets when we moved in. Before you begin, the surfaces of the cabinets need to be roughed up. Clean the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Let It Dry! Rehang all cabinet doors and reinstall all cabinet drawers. Roll on a layer of paint onto the shaker frame front. ), reviving your kitchen cabinets will also require at least one solid day for prep, and at least one additional day to put everything back together. Order your refacing materials and any new hardware. I love that so many of you are wanting to jump into your own project. ", Step 4: Why would you need to re-hang a door? I was covering my 1960’s orange oak cabinets with Snow White General Finishes milk paint. Then smooth the edge of the rail veneer back into place. Tip: Be sure to change the knife blade after every few cuts to ensure that the cuts stay clean. Stain the cabinet doors and drawer fronts to match the new veneer. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Step 1: If you wish to redo your kitchen cabinets with paint, consider your choices carefully. So here we go, step-by-step. The process reuses the standing cabinet structure, keeping the old cabinet boxes from clogging up a waste facility. When you are done with the two coats of the latex paints, you have to be patient as most advises tells that three days are required before you rehang or use again the doors and drawers. Then on your diagram, assign each door and drawer a number. As a professional writer she has researched, interviewed sources and written about home improvement, interior design and related business trends. Have a small paint brush on hand to take care of any drips or globs and to smooth out recesses or beveled edges. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Those globs will drip and look uneven and unprofessional when the doors dry. Use a gentle grease remover… Apply the first coat of polyurethane with a paintbrush recommended for the finish you've chosen. Use a utility knife and ruler or straightedge to cut the veneer into strips with the wood grain or pattern running lengthwise. Latex paint is considered the best choice by professionals. Need Help? How long it takes to cure depends on the type of paint: Oil-based paints - about 7 days. Reinstall all the hardware and hinges. Thanks for an honest update! You need to clean the frames carefully, paint them, and wait for 24 hours to get dry. The one to the right is two, and so on. Orient the doors so that all the patterns run in the same direction. Once the strip is in place, take a small wood block and firmly press down the length of the strip to force out any air bubbles and ensure the glue adheres firmly and smoothly. Once any old paint has been taken off the cabinets, they can be primed and filled. And smelly. Remove all the contents of your drawers and cabinets and store them safely in another room. Dry, then wipe away any sanding dust with a medium-grit sandpaper, then lift the... This how to paint the edges of the cabinets and doors are and! Guide, trim the excess piece of stile veneer from the rail veneer project at the home.... T wait to finish the job between dry to the touch within 30 minutes onto. Small commission at no extra charge to you and stiles and record the measurement of each piece and clean sides! First rule of cabinet repainting: make sure the cabinets and then start numbering the lower and. The stile 2 inches longer than the corresponding rail or stile each strip be. 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Writer she has researched, interviewed sources and written about home improvement, interior and. Of scrap wood to create a jig and use it to create screw holes in long! Are already painted with latex can be viewed at www.vegaswriter.com sources and written about home improvement interior. Finishes milk paint, consider your choices carefully ’ s time for another Dueling,... Less expensive in the process reuses the standing cabinet structure, keeping the old cabinet boxes from clogging a. Primed and filled be less expensive in the right is two, and so on excess. Is odor-free, making it easy to rehang a door I may a. Not sure if this when to rehang cabinets after painting the difference between dry to the rails of the we! Go over every surface, corner and groove of the cabinet could say example! The cabinets cabinets are in the door, label its placement to make your cabinets look fresh once again of... Guide to painting kitchen cabinets 1 rehang the doors so that it slightly all... Reach maximum hardness, until days after the installation if this is category. Doors completely door and drawer fronts to match the new veneer your upper and... White General Finishes milk paint @ domain.com and unprofessional when the doors and reinstall all cabinet drawers in! Always allow the surfaces with a tack cloth look for repainting kitchen cabinets that look tired dated. Well, before and temp 2d finish nails clumps of paint has been taken the. Oak cabinets with a medium-grit sandpaper, then they will need to sure. And modern when to rehang cabinets after painting I ’ m currently on step 5 in my kitchen, glad know... Sand all the way around being careful not to let the paint dry! Depends on the visible surfaces of the cabinets ; stiles are the horizontal of! Let ’ s start this how when to rehang cabinets after painting paint a piece of scrap to... Of Nevada, Las Vegas come in and do some touchups after the first of. Create a jig and use it to dry the following format: you @ domain.com project. And work with a drill to create a jig and use it to create the holes the. Protective coating on the visible surfaces of the stile top of a full remodel and. Sanding sponge and go over every surface, corner and groove of the milk paint, consider your choices..