If your kitchen is feeling drab and dated, I‘ve got good news for you – painting your plywood cabinets can give your space an affordable facelift. As a home improvement pro who has helped hundreds of homeowners update their kitchens, I‘m going to walk you through exactly how to prep, paint and protect your cabinets to make them look brand new again.
The Benefits of Painting vs. Replacing Plywood Cabinets
Before we dig into the process, let‘s look at why painting your cabinets is the smarter route compared to replacing them:
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Cost savings – Painting your cabinets will only set you back about $100-$300 in supplies, whereas new cabinets can cost $5,000-$10,000!
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It‘s fast – With the right prep, you can knock out painting your cabinets in a long weekend. New cabinets could take weeks for installation.
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Customized look – With paint, the possibilities are endless for the look you want to achieve.
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Eco-friendly – Repainting reuses existing materials rather than trashing them.
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Boost home value – A fresh, updated kitchen can increase your home‘s value by 4-5%!
| Option | Cost | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Painting | $100-$300 | 1-3 days |
| Cabinet Replacement | $5,000-$10,000 | Weeks |
It‘s a no-brainer – a DIY paint job delivers a huge bang for your buck and new look fast. Now let‘s get into the details of how to paint your cabinets right!
Step-by-Step Guide to Prepping and Painting Cabinets
As a home renovation expert with 15+ years of experience, I‘m going to walk you through my proven process for prep, paint and protection – the keys to a flawless finish.
1. Thoroughly Clean Cabinets
The first step is a thorough cleaning using a degreasing agent like Krud Kutter to remove any oils, grease or grime. Here are some tips:
- Remove all cabinet doors, drawers and hardware – it‘s easier to clean them separately. Be sure to label each cabinet!
- Mix up a degreasing solution of 1 part Krud Kutter to 3 parts water and wipe down all surfaces, doors, frames and interiors.
- Use a small scrub brush to dislodge grime and debris from crevices and corners.
- Rinse cabinets with clean water and let dry fully before moving on.
Proper cleaning is crucial for good paint adhesion, so don‘t skip this step!
2. Sand and Prep Cabinets
Next, give cabinets a light scuff sanding to help the paint grip. Here‘s how:
- Use 120-150 grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the wood grain.
- Focus on sanding any glossy areas like old paint drips or varnish.
- Sand lightly – the goal is to rough up the finish, not remove layers of wood.
- Wipe away dust, then use painter‘s putty to fill any holes or imperfections. Allow to fully dry then sand again until smooth.
Pro tip: Look for redwood sanding sponges – the flexible grit makes sanding curves and edges a breeze!
3. Prime Cabinets
Primer is mandatory for even paint coverage. For cabinets, I recommend using a high-adhesion primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. Here are some application tips:
- Use a high-quality angled sash brush to paint primer into corners.
- Apply primer in thin, even coats and avoid drips by keeping a “wet edge.”
- Allow primer to dry fully overnight before painting – this ensures proper adhesion.
Pro tip: Opt for an oil-based primer if your cabinets were previously finished with polyurethane or varnish.
4. Paint Cabinets
For the finish coat, I recommend a satin or semi-gloss cabinet-grade acrylic enamel paint. Not only does it provide a smooth, wipeable finish, but it stands up well to moisture and heat.
When painting cabinets, patience is key for an even finish:
- Apply paint in thin, even coats using a high-quality angled sash brush, allowing each coat to fully dry 24 hours before adding another.
- Two coats are usually sufficient for full coverage and an even finish. Three coats max.
- Work methodically and keep a "wet edge" as you paint to prevent drips and brush marks.
Pro tip: Gel stains like General Finishes offer rich colors in paint form – perfect for staining wood cabinets without sanding!
5. Seal and Protect Finish
The final step is applying a clear polyurethane sealer over the cured paint. I recommend using a water-based polycrylic sealer:
- Allow painted cabinets to cure fully for 2 weeks before applying sealer.
- Use a foam brush and apply thin, even coats following the direction of the wood grain.
- Allow sealer to dry per manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Sealer adds a protective barrier and makes cleanup a breeze. Your cabinets will look like new for years to come!
A coat of fresh paint makes these plywood cabinets look brand new!
Pro Tips to Achieve Flawless, Professional Results
After painting hundreds of cabinets, I‘ve learned some key tricks of the trade. Follow these pro tips and you‘ll get phenomenal results every time:
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Ensure proper surface prep – This allows paint to adhere properly for maximum durability.
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Maintain ideal painting conditions – Paint when temps are between 50-90°F and humidity is below 85% for proper drying.
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Use quality application tools – Invest in pro-grade Purdy or Wooster brushes and microfiber mini rollers.
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Work methodically and patiently – Rushing leads to drips and brush marks. Allow proper cure times between coats.
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Apply thin coats – Multiple thin layers give better results vs. thick glops of paint.
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Seal with polycrylic – Water-based poly seals the finish for added protection and easy cleaning.
Follow these best practices and your painted cabinets will look like they were professionally sprayed!
Common Painting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
While painting cabinets seems straightforward, there are some common mistakes that can ruin the final look. Avoid these all-too-common pitfalls:
| Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Inadequate prep | Thoroughly sand and clean cabinets beforehand for proper adhesion |
| Choosing the wrong paint | Use satin or semi-gloss cabinet-grade acrylic enamel paint |
| Applying paint too thick | Use thin, even coats |
| Drips and brush marks | Keep a “wet edge”, don‘t overload the brush |
| Poor ventilation | Ensure adequate airflow to allow proper drying |
The number one issue I see is inadequate prep – don‘t skip the sanding and cleaning stage! Taking the time to do it right will pay off with a finish that looks flawless and lasts.
Inspiring Paint Color Ideas for Kitchen Cabinets
Once you‘ve decided to paint your cabinets, the fun part is picking the color! Here are some of my go-to shades for kitchens:
Timeless Neutrals
You can‘t go wrong with soft whites, warm grays, and subtle tones like ivory or tan for a classic look:
- Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (1557)
- Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray (7637)
- Behr Caffe Mocha (PPU18-13)
A light gray like Classic Gray is a fail-safe neutral. Image via Viewpoints of Las Vegas
Bold and Vibrant
Make a statement with deep shades like navy, emerald green, or rich black:
- Behr Admiral Blue (N220-5)
- Benjamin Moore Essex Green (HC-166)
- Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258)
Vibrant colors like this blue-green make the cabinets the star of the show. Image via HGTV
Soft Contrast
Try light cabinets up top with darker lowers or vice versa:
- Upper cabinets: Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17)
- Lower cabinets: Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn (SW 7674)
A palette of dark and light cabinets creates striking contrast. Image via Houzz.
I always recommend getting color swatches and test painting on a sample board before committing to the final color. Be bold with your cabinet colors – it sets the tone for the whole space!
Additional Updates to Complement New Cabinets
Once your cabinets are painted, consider these extras to complete the transformation:
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Update hardware – New hardware in black iron, brass, or chrome finishes looks modern.
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Add under cabinet lighting – LED strip lighting illuminates countertops beautifully.
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Change backsplash – Crisp white subway tile or handmade tiles complement your new palette.
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Upgrade countertops – Honed marble, quartz, or butcher block pair nicely with painted cabinets.
With finishing touches like new hardware and counters, your kitchen will look brand new again!
Answering Common Questions About Painting Cabinets
Over the years, I‘ve been asked every question imaginable about painting kitchen cabinets. Here are some of the most frequent questions from homeowners:
Do I need to take the cabinet doors off to paint them?
Taking doors off makes painting easier, but it‘s not mandatory if removing them is difficult. If leaving doors on, be sure to open them fully and use thinner foam rollers and small angled brushes to reach corners.
How do I deal with wood grain showing through the paint?
If wood grain is apparent after priming, apply a second coat of high-hide primer like Zinsser Cover Stain before painting. This helps minimize grain while allowing the wood texture to show through subtly.
Should I spray or brush paint my cabinets?
While spraying can provide a smooth finish, it‘s tricky for DIYers to get an even coat. Brushing allows you to easily fix mistakes and minimizes overspray. Use high-quality brushes and rollers for brushed cabinet paint with excellent results.
How do I choose what paint sheen is right for my cabinets?
I recommend a satin or semi-gloss sheen for cabinets. The subtle shine is easy to clean and holds up well to moisture and grease from cooking. Flat paints show scuffs more easily. Eggshell provides a smooth, velvety finish if you prefer less shine.
Don‘t be afraid to ask me any other questions you have about your cabinet painting project! I‘m happy to share my pro tips so you get your dream kitchen.
Transform Your Kitchen With Painted Plywood Cabinets
As you can see, with some elbow grease and the right approach, you can paint your plywood cabinets to look absolutely beautiful. Not only will you save thousands compared to new cabinets, but you can finish in a fraction of the time.
Applying these pro tips will help you prep, paint and protect your cabinets like an expert. I hope this guide gives you the confidence to tackle painting your kitchen cabinets. Just take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you‘ll have a kitchen that looks like it came straight out of a magazine!
