What Should You Know Before Painting Kitchen Cabinets?
Make sure you take the time to plan before you bring out the paintbrushes. Not all cabinets are fit for painting, and not all paints are the same. First, you will need to assess the material of your cabinets. Solid wood is ideal, but laminate and MDF can also be painted. Painting cabinets is a multi-day project that involves cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting -often with multiple coats – so set realistic goals for the time and effort involved, especially with the temperature changes in New Jersey that can affect drying times.
1. Not Sanding
Skipping sanding is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Cabinets, especially in kitchens, are full of grease and old finishes. Sanding helps remove grime, smooths out imperfections, and gives the new paint something to stick to. Even if your cabinets look smooth, sanding is a step you shouldn’t skip if you want the finished job to be long-lasting.
What Happens if You Don’t Sand Cabinets Before Painting?
If you skip sanding, the paint won’t stick properly. This means your freshly painted cabinets might start peeling or chipping within months. Sanding helps break through the glossy topcoat, which is particularly common in older New Jersey kitchens. It may be an extra step, but it ensures your hard work lasts.
Do you need to resand cabinets that have already been painted?
Yes, but lightly. If your cabinets have already been painted, sanding helps rough up the existing finish so the new paint sticks better. You don’t have to sand down to the bare wood, but scuff sanding with a fine-grit paper is important to ensure the paint sticks and there’s a smooth, even topcoat.
2. Not Using Primer
Another mistake you can make is skipping the primer. Primer helps block out stains, covers wood grain, and provides a surface that paint can bond to. Primer is key for achieving an even, polished finish, especially in older homes across New Jersey, where cabinets may have years of use and discoloration.
Do you need two coats of primer on cabinets before painting them?
In most cases, one coat of high-quality primer is enough. However, if you’re working with dark wood or stained cabinets (common in many New Jersey kitchens), a second coat might be necessary for full coverage. Always inspect after the first coat – if you can still see wood or stain bleeding through, apply another.
3. Not Removing Doors First
Trying to paint cabinets with the doors still attached? That’s a recipe for disaster with drips and missed spots. Removing the doors allows you to get clean edges and reach every nook. Label the doors and hardware as you go so everything goes back in the right place when you’re done.
4. Not Removing Knobs or Handles
Leaving knobs or handles on during painting creates messy edges and may lead to paint getting on the hardware. It’s always best to take off all hardware before you start. This is especially important in homes where the hardware may have intricate designs or finishes you don’t want to ruin.
How Long After Painting Can You Put Hardware on Cabinets?
Let the paint fully cure before reinstalling hardware – typically 24-48 hours, depending on humidity and temperature. In New Jersey’s varying climate, it’s smart to wait the full 48 hours. Installing hardware too soon can dent or scratch the finish, undoing all your hard work.
5. Painting Kitchen Cabinets Before Cleaning Them
Cabinets attract a lot of grease, especially above stoves. Painting without cleaning them first traps oil under the paint, which affects stickiness and causes streaking. Be sure to scrub all surfaces thoroughly before you even think about sanding or priming.
What is the Best Degreaser for Kitchen Cabinets?
A great option is trisodium phosphate (TSP), which is strong enough to cut through years of grime. For a milder solution, mix warm water, dish soap, and a splash of vinegar. Many hardware stores in New Jersey carry degreasing agents specifically made for prepping cabinets.
6. Not Using the Correct Finish
Using the wrong finish can make your cabinets harder to clean and more prone to damage. Flat or matte finishes might look sleek at first, but won’t hold up to kitchen wear and tear. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are ideal – they’re durable, easy to clean, and resist moisture.
What Kind of Paint Is Best for Kitchen Cabinets?
Choose a high-quality, latex-based enamel or alkyd-based paint made specifically for cabinets. These types are durable and less likely to chip or yellow over time. In humid NJ summers and cold winters, you need paint that can handle fluctuating conditions without peeling or bubbling.
7. Not Using the Correct Cabinet Painting Tools
Not all painting tools are created equal. Foam rollers and angled brushes work best for smooth, even coverage on cabinets. Avoid large wall rollers – they’ll leave a heavy texture. Investing in quality tools can make all the difference in getting a clean, professional look.
Should You Paint Cabinets with a Brush or Roller?
A combination of both works best. Use a high-quality angled brush for corners and trim, and a foam roller for flat surfaces. This duo ensures smooth coverage without brush marks or roller lines. Many DIYers in New Jersey use this method for the best results.
How Do You Paint Cabinets without Roller Marks?
Use a high-density foam roller and apply thin coats. Don’t overload your roller with paint, and always roll in one direction. Sand lightly between coats with a fine-grit sandpaper to keep the surface smooth. Let each layer dry completely before adding another.
8. Not Checking the Colors
Paint can look very different under your kitchen lighting than it does in the store. Always test a sample first. What looks like a light gray under fluorescent lights at the store may look blue or green in your home. Consider how it complements your countertops and backsplash, too.
How Do You Choose the Best Paint Color for Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Stick with timeless, neutral shades unless you’re going bold for a reason. In NJ homes, white, cream, navy, or sage green are popular picks that pair well with many kitchen styles. Test color palettes on the actual cabinets and view them at different times of the day.
9. Only Applying One Coat of Paint
One coat is rarely enough, especially if you’re painting over dark wood. Two or three thin coats will give you better coverage, durability, and depth of color. It takes more time, but you’ll thank yourself later when the paint doesn’t chip or wear unevenly.
How Long Should Cabinet Paint Dry Between Coats?
Give each coat 4-6 hours to dry. In the summer, the humid New Jersey weather might make drying take longer, so be patient. Rushing the process can cause paint to smear or pull off when applying the next coat. Always check that the surface is dry to the touch and not tacky.
10. Painting Instead of Upgrading
Painting isn’t always the best solution. If your cabinets are warped, water-damaged, or poorly constructed, even the best paint job won’t fix them. Sometimes, upgrading is the smarter investment, especially if you’re planning to sell your home or do a full kitchen remodel.
Choosing Custom or Semi-Custom Cabinets for Your Kitchen
If you’re considering new cabinets, semi-custom options offer flexibility and style without the full custom price. They’re a popular choice among New Jersey homeowners who want quality and personalization. Custom cabinets are best for unique spaces or if you want full design control.
What Type of Cabinet Shouldn’t You Paint?
Avoid painting laminate cabinets or those with a lot of damage. Paint won’t stick well to glossy, plastic-like surfaces, and damaged wood can cause uneven results. In these cases, it’s better to replace or reface. Always check the material before breaking out the paintbrushes.
Shop At The Top Kitchen Cabinet Retailers in New Jersey
If you’re looking to add a unique touch to your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, Cabinets Direct USA provides all the necessary information to get the job done correctly. For more information on cabinet glazing, be sure to head over to our Learning Center and watch Episode 4: What is a Glaze. For additional design inspiration on how to update your cabinets, be sure to visit our idea gallery. If you decide to incorporate new countertops or your old cabinets aren’t refurbishable, we have 4 convenient showrooms around New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more!