DIY Kitchen Project for Under $100: A Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Kitchen Cabinets

If you are a homeowner strapped for renovating cash but want to have a new look for your kitchen, you may want to consider painting your kitchen cabinets. Painting your cabinets is an inexpensive way to give tired looking kitchen cabinets a makeover.

Below is the list of materials and a step-by-step guide to paint kitchen cabinets. This guide can also be used for any cabinet re-painting around the house. This is an easy project that anyone can do over the weekend. All you need is patience, a little elbow grease and a budget of less than $100.

Materials needed:

Screw driver

Paint scraper

Detergent (one that can remove dirt and grease)

Water

Primer (a gallon of primer ranges from $7-15 depending on brand; you need 2 gallons for an average kitchen)

High-gloss paint (a gallon of high-gloss paint ranges from $12-20 depending on brand; you need 2 gallons for an average kitchen)

Paint brush

Paint tray

Sand paper (medium-grit)

Tack cloth

Rags/Towels

Work gloves

Liquid deglosser (optional for high-gloss or varnished finished wood)

All it takes is a few steps to give your kitchen cabinet that new look:

1) Start by removing all drawers, doors, handles and hinges. Label each door and drawers with numbers so it would be easy to match and return to its original location.

2) Scrape any loose paint using a paint scraper. Then using patching compound. Fill in the scratches, dings, and small holes.

3) Using a strong cleaner, scrub to cut through grease and dirt. You can also use water and kitchen soap to clean off the grime and grease from food deposits. Dry with cheese cloth or old towels so that water does not damage the wood.

4) Use a medium-grit paper to sand the surfaces until dull.

5) Using a tack cloth or damp rag, remove the sanding residue. Make sure that the surface is smooth and free from specks of sands.

6) Prime the doors, cabinets, and drawer fronts. Allow to dry overnight.

7) Using a paint brush, apply a very thin coat of paint. This is the key to achieving a professional finish as well as voiding air bubbles to form. Repeat a couple of times until the color is evenly spread our and smooth. Use a steady stroke painting along the grains and not against them. Let dry.

8) Reinstall the cabinets, doors, and drawer fronts and hang each one according to its label.

TIP: Varnish and high-gloss finishes can be prepped with a liquid deglosser then primed before painting. Make sure you have enough ventilation when using a deglosser due to strong fumes. If the weather permits, paint your cabinets outside so that you are not in an enclosed space, being outside can also can help with the drying time.