How Do I Paint Kitchen Cupboards?
Painting kitchen cupboards can quickly (and cheaply) totally change the look of your kitchen.
First, you need to check your kitchen cabinets can be painted. If you have solid wood kitchen cabinets doors you are good to go, just make sure they are properly primed (more on that below).
If your kitchen cabinet doors are laminate or veneer, you have a trickier job on your hands. You can still paint them, but the shiny, smooth surface just means you have to sand and use an adhesion primer to encourage the paint to stick.
First, remove all knobs and handles (as well as the contents of your cupboards and drawers!) Use masking tape to protect hinges and glass and put down dust sheets to protect other parts of the room as necessary.
Next, wash your cabinets down with Tikkurila's Cleaning Agent or a strong detergent solution. This will remove grease and create a smooth canvas. Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth.
When the cabinets are dry, sand with fine paper (you can skip this step if you have melamine or high gloss surfaces). Fill imperfections with Helmi Furniture Filler which is great for filling in gaps on kitchen cabinets and cupboards as it's easy to sand, dries white, and it won't shrink or crack.
Apply a wood or melamine primer depending on the surface.
Priming Options
- Otex Akva (for laminate or veneer)
- Helmi Primer (for solid wood)
Once priming is complete apply two coats of your chosen colour. You might want to use a small roller on doors for a smooth finish. After the first coat is completely dry, sand with a fine paper to ensure a smooth, professional finish. Remember to wipe off any dust with a damp cloth.
Topcoat Options
- Everal Aqua 10, Everal Aqua 40 or Everal Aqua 80, depending on the sheen level required
- Helmi 10, Helmi 30 or Helmi 80, depending on the sheen level required
- Empire Furniture Paint
If you require more advice on painting kitchen cabinets, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message to our technical team.
