Cabinets made of wood, laminated wood and metal can generally be repainted without difficulty. Laminated plastic cabinets may not accept a top coat of paint; those that can be repainted often require special paints and techniques, and results may vary. If you're looking to give your kitchen a makeover without the expense of a full remodel, painting your cabinets is a great way to go. With the right paint and primer, you can transform the look of your space and cover dull and dirty surfaces.
Advances in water-based paint formulas have made it much easier to use latex paint for kitchen cabinets. You may not need a complete kitchen remodel, but you can still improve the look of your space with a fresh coat of paint on your cabinets. You'll also likely have to rent spray equipment, which will increase your costs, and you'll have to mask all areas of the kitchen that could be accidentally sprayed, including countertops, cabinet interiors, and appliances, which is a time-consuming process. Use an oil-based primer for the first coat, then paint the kitchen cabinets with water-based latex paint without worrying about moisture absorption.
Renovating a kitchen is one of the most expensive remodeling projects you can undertake, and replacing cabinets can account for nearly 40 percent of that cost. Painting your kitchen cabinets is an affordable way to give your space a new look without breaking the bank. Choose the right paint and primer to give your kitchen cabinets a high-quality finish without breaking your budget. Open the door to new possibilities by painting your kitchen cabinets in a fresh, bold color, or go for a classic look with a crisp white tone.
You'll also want to avoid some common mistakes when painting cabinets to prevent paint from chipping and cabinets from always looking dirty in the future.