STEP #1- Removal of screws

The first and most crucial step is removing ALL of your kitchen cabinetry! You should unscrew all the hinges from the doors, cabinets, and pull/knobs and remove the single screw attaching that is attached each hinge to your cabinet frame and the two other screws attached to the door. Keep in mind that some newer cabinets have cup hinges, which means that they will have two extra screws that allow the door position to be adjusted after it is installed. If you happen to have cup hinges, do not do anything to the two additional screws.

STEP #2- Removal Of Drawer Faces

The next step is to remove all your cabinet and drawer faces. While your cabinetry is attached to your wall, you cannot paint all of their parts. In order to paint them, you will need to detach them and paint them separately. If you happen to have a different variation of cabinets, such as cabinets with drawer faces that are screwed from the inside of the drawer boxes, then you will have to remove the faces and then unscrew the drawer boxes.

STEP #3- Clean Surfaces

Your kitchen can get dirty very easily, especially the area where your cooking oil and other greasy food is found. Unfortunately, greasy cabinets will not hold paint and primers well. Luckily, a product called Trisodium phosphate (TSP) found in most home goods stores, will take the grease right off! After removing the cabinets, apply the product with a sponge and wipe down with warm water once cleaned. Repeat this process to all your cabinetry you wish to be painted. Remember, any surfaces that you intend to paint should be properly cleaned and greaseless and wherever your workspace may be—cover the floors, countertops, and other valuables with taped down newspaper or rosin paper.

STEP #4- Sand Surfaces

Some surfaces that are rocky and unflat will prevent your paint from sticking, which is why it is important to sand those surfaces. Sanding dulls the rocky surfaces so that the primer will adhere well to your cabinets. With your #120 sandpaper and sanding block, sand down to flatten areas of your cabinets. For corners or rounded parts, utilize a small piece of sandpaper. Once the sanding process is complete, vacuum the surfaces and wipe down with a tack cloth (which is naturally sticky) to remove any remaining dust particles.

STEP #5: Prime (Or Paint) Door And Drawer Fronts

You are almost close to the end! The 5th step is to lay down your dismantled door and drawer fronts on an elevated surface. Try to stay away from a raised surface as it will prevent your cabinetry from being stuck to the covering protecting your surfaces. You should now start with priming! The process for both priming and painting is almost exactly the same, though just ensure to spend a little more time and effort working the primer into your cabinets. Before starting your primer and paint job, consider the following tips: perform long and even brush strokes with outward to inward maneuvering. Start from one side and prime or paint with long overlapping strokes from top to bottom. Try to begin from the top with the raised panels first, so in case paint drips downward you can just paint over it. Start with the frame and evenly work your way toward the middle. When the prime or paint completely dries, flip it over and begin the process again.

STEP #6: Prime (Or Paint) The Cabinets

This is the step where you should be the most precise! Sadly, you can’t rip off the cabinets off your wall, so you have to work with where they are. The painters tape is meant to be used where the ‘cut in’ is found (where the cabinets meet the wall, floor, ceiling, etc). Make sure to squeeze the painters brush in between the gap where your cabinets are as it will help prevent unwanted paint from discoloring your wall (Repeat this step in places you do not want to paint.) Now pick up your tapered brush, Dip it into the primer or paint and place it where the ‘cut in’ is at the top of your cabinetry. Bring it down along the wall, from top to bottom. Continue along the entirety of your cabinets.

STEP #7: Apply Two Layers Of Paint

Once your surfaces are all primed, it is now time to paint! Though before, make sure your primer is dry. Once completely dry, paint over all your primed surfaces. Paint usually takes about four hours to dry. After waiting that time frame, go ahead and begin applying a second coat. Repeat the process on all your disassembled cabinets. Once everything has dried, reinstall your doors and drawers.

Conclusion

Voilà, you have done it ALL by yourself! Enjoy your newly painted cabinets and be proud of your hard work! If in the process of your paint job you find yourself unable to complete, please do not hesitate to contact Build Force at (305) 904-7277, we will be more than happy to help and guide you through. We offer construction and remodeling services for homeowners throughout miami.