How to Paint Kitchen Furniture easily and cheaply: A Step-by-Step Guide for painting your Units and Cabinets in 2023

If you’re trying to spruce up your kitchen without paying an arm and a leg but are unsure about how to paint kitchen furniture, welcome to our guide!

We believe that creating a beautiful kitchen with furniture that suits your style doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.

With the right tools and techniques, you can paint kitchen furniture yourself in just a few steps!

From preparing the surfaces for painting, choosing colours, and adding finishing touches, this guide will provide all the tips needed to give your cabinets, units, tables, and more an instant makeover.

Whether you’re looking to create statement pieces or simply update old items without breaking the bank – it’s easy when you know how to paint kitchen furniture correctly!

Preparing the Furniture

Preparing furniture for painting is an essential step in the process of creating a beautiful, custom look. Before you begin painting your furniture, it must be properly prepped and cleaned.

Cleaning:

The first step in preparing furniture for painting is cleaning. This helps remove dirt, dust, and other debris that could affect the quality of the finished product.

Use a damp cloth or sponge with mild soap and water to clean off any surface dirt or grime from the piece of furniture. Microfibre clothes are the best to use.

Be sure to rinse off all soap residue before proceeding with sanding or priming.

For more information on cleaning kitchen furniture, check out our – How to Clean Kitchen Furniture: A Step-by-Step Guide to cleaning cabinets , units & more

Sanding:

Sanding helps create a smooth surface on which paint will adhere better than if left untouched. Start by using medium-grit sandpaper (80-120 grit) on flat surfaces and coarser paper (40-60 grit) on more detailed areas such as carved woodwork or raised mouldings.

Always work in one direction when sanding; this will help avoid scratches caused by going back over already sanded areas multiple times with different directions of motion.

After sanding, use a vacuum cleaner to remove all dust particles from both sides of the painted item before wiping it down with a cloth.

Once you are ready, the next step is priming/sealing.

Primer/Sealer:

Primers are used to provide extra protection against moisture damage while also helping ensure even coverage when applying paint later on down the line, especially helpful if you’re working with porous materials like wood.

For MDF, you can apply special MDF sealers that help to prepare the MDF for the main and final coat of gloss/paint etc.

For best results, apply two coats of primer/sealer after lightly scuff-sanding between each coat, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully; some require thinning prior to application, while others may not need any additional preparation at all.

Once dry, proceed directly onto painting without delay so that no new contaminants have time to build up again over the top of what has been sealed away underneath them.

(However, if you have blobs, then flatten those areas and re-sand them slightly. Clean thoroughly and add the next coat).

Once the furniture is prepared, it’s time to choose a paint that will give your kitchen furniture a new look.

Key Takeaway: When painting kitchen furniture, it is important to clean, sand, and prime/seal the surface before applying paint. This helps ensure even coverage of paint and protects against moisture damage. • Clean with mild soap and water • Sand using medium-grit sandpaper on flat surfaces • Coarse paper on detailed areas such as carved woodwork or raised mouldings • Apply two coats of primer/sealer after lightly scuff-sanding between each coat

Choosing Paint

When it comes to choosing paint for kitchen furniture, there are a few things to consider.

The first is the type of paint you want to use.

There are two main types: oil-based and water-based paints.

Oil-based paints

Oil-based paints are more durable and provide better coverage than water-based paints, but they also take longer to dry and require more cleanup afterwards. These are ideal for wooden furniture like hardwood dining tables etc.

Water-based paints

Water-based paints are easier to work with, dry faster, and don’t require as much cleanup afterwards; however, they may not provide as good coverage or last as long as oil-based paints.

Colour Ranges

Next, you must decide what colour or colours you want your furniture painted.

You can choose from various colours ranging from bright reds and oranges all the way down to neutral whites and greys, depending on the look you’re going for in your kitchen space.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try out an ombre effect by painting each piece of furniture in different shades?

This will give your kitchen an attractive visual appeal that will draw attention from anyone who enters.

Applying techniques

Finally, when it comes time to apply the paint, several techniques are available such as brushing it on with a brush or roller or spray painting.

Each technique has its pros and cons, so research before deciding which works best for your project.

Additionally, make sure that whatever type of paint finish (glossy/matte) you choose is appropriate for where it will be used – glossy finishes should only be used in areas like cabinets. In contrast, matte finishes can go anywhere else since they won’t show fingerprints easily as gloss does.

Choosing the right paint for your kitchen furniture is essential for a successful painting project.

With the right techniques and tools, you can create a beautiful look that will last for years.

Now let’s move on to exploring some painting techniques.

Key Takeaway: When painting kitchen furniture, it’s important to consider the type of paint (oil-based or water-based), colour(s) you want, and technique used. Research each element thoroughly before beginning your project for the best results.

Painting Techniques

Painting furniture is a great way to update the look of your kitchen. With the right techniques, you can achieve a professional finish that will last for years. Here are some tips and tricks for painting kitchen furniture:

1. Preparing the Furniture:

Before beginning any painting project, preparing your furniture’s surface properly is essential. Start by cleaning off any dirt or dust with a damp cloth or sponge, then sand down any rough spots on the wood using fine-grit sandpaper.

Once you’ve finished prepping, wipe away all dust particles with a dry fibre cloth before applying primer and paint.

2. Choosing Paint:

When selecting paint for your kitchen furniture, choose one specifically designed for use on wood surfaces, such as oil-based enamel paints or water-based latex paints.

Both types of paint provide excellent coverage, but oil-based enamels tend to be more durable in high-traffic areas like kitchens. In contrast, water-based latex paints offer easier cleanup after spills occur.

3. Painting Techniques:

You can use several different techniques when painting kitchen furniture depending on the finish type, from smooth brush strokes to textured sponges effects.

For best results, start by applying two coats of primer followed by two coats of paint in thin layers allowing each coat time to dry completely before adding another layer (about 4 hours).

To get an even smoother finish, try using a foam roller instead of just brushing on the paint, which helps reduce visible brush marks and streaks in your final product.

Brush painting

Brush painting is probably the most popular form of painting that has been used for centuries to create stunning visuals.

This type of painting technique is often preferred by painters and decorators due to its versatility and ability to produce various effects.

Brush painting allows the decorator to control their paintwork’s flow, texture, and shape with different brush strokes.

The benefits of brush painting are numerous; it’s an effective way to create detailed shapes, lines, textures, and shadows.

It also allows for more control over the final product than other types of art, such as airbrushing or spray painting.

Additionally, brush painting can be used on almost any surface, including wood, fabric, metal and even paper.

With the right tools and supplies, it’s possible to achieve a professional-looking finish on most projects.

Paint Roller Brush

Roller Painting is one of the most popular and satisfying DIY practices.

Painting a room can be done quickly with the right tools, and one of the fastest ways is through paint rollers. Paint rollers are highly versatile tools that make painting large surfaces easy and relatively mess-free.

The proper use of paint rollers can ensure an even coat of paint, making it look professional and neat.

Paint roller techniques involve understanding the types of roller materials available and knowing when to use a brush or roller for different types of textures and surfaces.

To get the most out of your paint rollers, there are specific tips to follow, such as keeping the roller ‘loaded’ with paint while painting in long strokes on walls or ceilings.

Spray Painting

Spray painting is a popular and versatile technique used by both professionals and hobbyists to quickly and easily add colour to any surface.

It can be used for various projects, from large outdoor murals to small wooden crafts. Whether you’re just starting or an experienced painter, numerous spray painting techniques offer many benefits.

One of the most significant advantages of spray painting is that it is fast and easy to learn.

With some practice, even novice painters will get the hang of it in no time at all. Spray paint also offers superior coverage compared to brush-on paints; this means that spraying takes less time with fewer coats needed than with traditional methods.

Additionally, when using aerosol cans for spray painting, the risk of spills is eliminated as the paint does not need to be diluted before use – shake the can and start spraying!

Ironmongery

Finally, don’t forget about hardware like knobs and pulls. These should always be replaced when updating old pieces to match their new colour scheme.

This will help protect against wear and tear while providing extra shine and lustre.

Once you have chosen the painting technique that best suits your kitchen furniture, it’s time to add some finishing touches for a polished look.

Key Takeaway: Painting kitchen furniture is a great way to update the look of your space. To achieve professional results, make sure to properly prepare the surface before painting and use oil-based enamel or water-based latex paints. Additionally, don’t forget to replace hardware like knobs and pulls for extra shine and lustre.

Finishing Touches

Finishing touches are the final step in creating a unique and beautiful piece of furniture. It is essential to take time when adding these details, as they can make or break the overall look.

Stencils:

Stencilling is an easy way to add interest and colour to any piece of furniture.

Choose stencils that match the style you’re going for, whether modern, traditional, or more eclectic.

Once you have chosen your stencils, use painter’s tape to secure them in place on the surface of your furniture before applying paint with a brush or roller.

Be sure not to overload your brush with too much paint, so it doesn’t bleed underneath the stencil edges.

When finished painting within each area of the stencil design, carefully remove it from the surface before moving on to another section if necessary.

Decoupage:

Decoupage is a great way to add texture and pattern without having to do any painting at all.

Start by gathering supplies such as tissue paper (or other thin paper), decoupage medium (such as Mod Podge), scissors, foam brushes and sponges for smoothing out air bubbles after application if needed.

Cut out shapes from tissue paper using scissors or craft punches, then arrange them on top of each other until you get the desired effect before glueing down with decoupage medium using foam brush strokes in one direction only for best results.

Allow drying time between coats and finish off with several layers of clear sealer once completely dry for extra protection against wear and tear over time.

Embellishments such as tassels, trimming ribbons and beads can also be used on furniture pieces for added visual interest.

Use a hot glue gun or fabric glue, depending on the type of material being used; attach the embellishment directly onto wood surfaces first, then cover up any excess glue residue with matching paint colours afterwards if necessary.

Alternatively, sew into place along edges/corners where applicable (e.g., tassels).

For extra sparkle, try adding glitter accents around areas where embellishments were applied – this will give even more dimensionality while still keeping things subtle yet eye-catching simultaneously.

In conclusion, finishing touches are essential in creating beautiful pieces of furniture that reflect personal style preferences without breaking budget constraints.

Just remember not to go overboard. Otherwise, the end result may become overwhelming instead of the intended desired effect.

At end of the day, it’s the kitchen, not the kid’s bedroom!

Key Takeaway: Decoupage and embellishments can be used to add interest without breaking budget constraints. Remember not to go overboard for the desired effect.

FAQs in Relation to How to Paint Kitchen Furniture

Can you just paint over a cabinet?

Yes, you can paint over a cabinet.

However, it is crucial to prepare the surface before painting correctly. This includes cleaning and sanding the surface to create an even texture for the new coat of paint to adhere to.

Additionally, you may need to apply a primer or sealer depending on what type of material your cabinets are made from. You might also need to use wood filler if you find any indentations in the furniture. These steps will ensure that your newly painted cabinets look great and last for years.

Do you have to sand kitchen cabinets before painting?

Yes, it is important to sand kitchen cabinets before painting. Sanding will help ensure a smooth finish and better adhesion of the paint. It also helps remove any dirt or grease that may be on the surface of the cabinet.

Sanding should be done with medium-grit sandpaper to create an even surface for painting. After sanding, use a damp cloth to wipe away any dust particles from the cabinet before applying primer and paint.

What’s the easiest way to paint my kitchen cabinets?

Painting kitchen cabinets can be daunting, but with proper preparation and materials, it can be done quickly and easily.

Start by removing all hardware from the cabinet doors and drawers, then clean the surfaces to remove any grease or dirt. Next, sand down any rough spots on the wood surface before applying a coat of primer.

Once dry, apply two coats of paint in even strokes using a brush or roller for best results. Finally, finish off with a sealer to protect your new paint job. With these steps, you’ll have freshly painted kitchen cabinets in no time.

What kind of paint do you use to paint over kitchen cabinets?

When painting over kitchen cabinet shelves, it is important to use high-quality paint designed explicitly for cabinets.

Latex or acrylic paints are the best choices as they provide a durable finish and are easy to clean. Choosing a semi-gloss or gloss finish is also important, as these will be more resistant to wear and tear than flat finishes.

For extra protection, consider using an oil-based primer before applying the paint. Lastly, make sure you take your time when painting and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper application of the product.

Conclusion

Painting kitchen furniture can be a great way to give your home an updated look without spending too much money. With the proper preparation, paint selection and techniques, you can transform any piece of furniture into something special.

Remember that the key to success is taking time and paying attention to detail when painting kitchen furniture.

Now you have all the knowledge on how to paint kitchen furniture, and If done correctly, you will have a beautiful piece of furniture that will last for years!