Martha Stewart On Painting Cabinets (Step-by-step)

Martha Stewart's talents extend far beyond just cooking at home and decorating above kitchen cabinets… She serves as a role model guide in home design and interior decoration, even including painting kitchen cabinets. Painting your cabinets is an excellent method to rejuvenate your kitchen with a modern, fresh look without breaking the bank on new ones. Plus, you can save even more cash by tackling the project on your own, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, as some of the experts we interviewed mentioned. However, to achieve professional results, you must allocate sufficient time to ensure your cabinets look as if they were professionally painted. "Consider if your schedule and lifestyle allow you to finish the project without cutting corners," advises Frank Vega, a senior manager at Waldwick Paint and Wallpaper. "The time it takes will vary based on the size and complexity of your project. It might be as quick as a few days, but in some instances, it could take up to a week." Eager to impress everyone with the appearance of professionally painted cabinets? Read on for expert tips on how to successfully complete the task. Any doubts? Just read her reviews!!!

Before You Begin Figure out the material your cabinets are made of before you start painting. Cabinets constructed from wood, wood laminate, veneer, fiberboard, and metal are suitable for repainting, but if your cabinets are constructed from plastic laminate or PVC vinyl thermofoil, you'll need to look into specific paints and methods for application. Then, take the measurements of your cabinets and decide whether you'll be painting just the outside or the inside as well. "After you've recorded your measurements, look for a professional at your neighborhood hardware store who can calculate the necessary materials for you. "For paint, aim for one gallon per 350 square feet of surface to be painted and only half that amount for a single coat of primer.

Step 1

Select your hue: When deciding on a paint shade for your kitchen, it's crucial to examine the permanent elements present, like countertops, backsplashes, and wooden floors. "These elements each have their unique color narrative and will influence the choice of color for your cabinets," explains Andrea Magno, the head of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore. Then, think about the amount of natural light the space receives and its direction, as cooler light can make hues appear dull or chilly. "Certain kitchens enjoy a surplus of light from the south, offering a wide array of color choices, while others are shaded by the cooler light from the north, which restricts their color palette.

Step 2

Wipe down your cabinets: Apply the degreaser and a cloth to completely clean your kitchen cabinets. Getting rid of any buildup on the surface is essential before painting your kitchen cabinets. "Cabinets are filled with grease, oils, dust, and dirt from regular cooking and usage, and when you mix water-based paint with a cabinet that has oil residue, the paint won't stick.

Step 3

Remove cabinet doors and drawers: Clear out your cupboards, wipe down your kitchen counters, and move any items that can be moved to a different area before you remove the doors from your cabinets. Attach sticky notes to mark and pair the doors with their matching cupboard compartments, using numbers (it might also be helpful to note the location of the doors within the room, like above the dishwasher) to make sure you put everything back in its original place once you're finished. Then, clean the space with a vacuum to get rid of any dust and dirt that might impact the quality of your paintwork.

Step 4

Take out all the hardware: Take out every piece of hardware and put each one in a tiny plastic bag. Label each bag with a number that matches the number on the doors and boxes, and then put the bag in the right spot on the cabinet shelf or drawer insert. If you paint your doors and drawers while the hardware is still on, you might end up with paint on the knobs, pulls, and hinges, and it could build up around their edges.

Step 5

Cover contact zones: Prior to applying paint, secure any essential contact zones, such as the sink and stove, with painter's tape. Utilize drop sheets or brown builder's paper to safeguard the flooring and lay down a thick-weight plastic drop sheet over surfaces like countertops.

Step 6

Smooth any wooden surface before painting: Move the doors to a different area, such as a well-ventilated garage or basement, and place them about two feet apart (ideally, align them with two-by-fours) and proceed with sanding. "Your aim is not to remove the existing paint or stain to expose the bare wood; instead, you want to roughen the surface to ensure the next layers of paint adhere well," explains Dennis Fiorilli, the director of product excellence at Sherwin-Williams. Once the sanding is complete, clean up any dust with a vacuum and use a slightly moistened microfiber cloth to clean the surfaces. Afterward, check the surfaces for any chips or cracks to determine if wood filler is needed, especially for any gaps left by old hardware.

Step 7

Prepare the cabinets: First, apply the initial layer of primer and let it set according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer (some may require four hours, while others might need as long as 24 hours). "It's crucial to ensure everything is fully cured, particularly if your cabinets are in a less-than-ideal condition and you're planning to apply a second layer of primer," advises Mike Mundwiller, a senior manager at Benjamin Moore. Some individuals prefer to sand the surface a second time after applying the primer to smooth out any bumps or drips and to achieve a more uniform surface before painting. Should you decide to do this extra step, clean up any leftover dust with a slightly moist microfiber cloth.

Step 8

Begin painting: Utilize your foam roller for covering broad, even areas and your brush with soft bristles for getting into narrow areas and corners. Spread out thin coats of paint gradually, as applying too much paint at once can increase the risk of the cabinets getting damaged by chips later on. The sequence of painting is not set in stone, but numerous experts prefer to tackle the doors initially and then proceed to the drawers. Ensure to adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer regarding how long the paint needs to dry. At the very least, allow the cabinets to dry in a space with good air circulation for a minimum of 24 hours before applying the next layer of paint.

Step 9

Let everything completely dry for a day or two, and then reattach pulls and knobs. That’s how you do it Martha Stewart style!