Even cabinets that have been stained can be painted a new color.
Adding a fresh coat of paint to cabinets can make them look brand new at a fraction of what it would cost to replace them. Whether in the bathroom, kitchen or elsewhere in the home, cabinets serve a function but also add to the appeal of a room. If the cabinets are stained or varnished, giving them a face-lift first involves removing the top layer, priming the surface and painting the cabinets a color of your choice.
Instructions
1. Remove the cabinet doors and any hardware from the cabinets, such as the doorknobs or handles. Use a flat-head or Philips screwdriver to do this, depending on the type of screw. Remove the drawers, as well as any items that are stored in the cabinets. Tape off any areas you wish not to paint.
2. Using soap and water, wipe down the cabinets, removing any dirt or grime that has accumulated. Allow them to dry before proceeding.
3. Sand every surface to be painted with 150-grit sandpaper. Do not press too hard because you can cause imperfections in the wood. Wipe away any dust accumulated from sanding.
4. Paint the cabinets, doors and drawers with a high-quality primer, which can be found at any home improvement store. For smaller, hidden areas around the drawers, a spray primer may be used. Allow the primer to fully dry. A tinted color primer may be used as well. Color specialists at the hardware store can tint the primer in the same color scheme that you plan on using to repaint the surfaces. The benefit of this is that it may reduce the number of coats of paint you'll need in the end. Some tinted primers also bring out the vibrancy of certain bright colors. For example, a gray tint is recommended for use under deep reds or blues. Ask your paint specialist if a tinted primer is recommended for your chosen color scheme.
5. Using a high-quality paint, apply the first coat to the primed cabinets. Using a name-brand pain, or one that has a good reputation, such as Behr or Martha Stewart, will minimize the chances of the paint peeling later. Depending on the cabinets' size and detailed features, a brush or roller may be used. Avoid brush marks as you paint. Allow this first coat to dry completely. For areas in the house that may require washing of the cabinets, such as the kitchen or bathroom, use a semi-gloss paint or another finish that may be washed.
6. Apply a second coat of paint. If primer was used, two coats should suffice, though paint as many coats as it takes to cover the previous color of the cabinets. Allow the final coat to dry completely before reattaching the cabinet doors and hardware.
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