How To Change Kitchen Cabinet Color
Figuring out how to change kitchen cabinet color is a useful way to increase the resale value of your home and the appeal of the kitchen.
Kitchen cabinets are one of the most eye-catching features in the majority of kitchens, so you might be surprised to learn that your cabinet color scheme doesn’t necessarily have to match the rest of the décor in the kitchen.
With some strategic painting and careful sanding, you can create beautiful custom color cabinets that will suit the style of your home perfectly and give your kitchen that little extra something special it’s been missing. Here’s how to change kitchen cabinet color safely and effectively!
The Basics: White Cabinets
The white-cabinet look is timeless, and there are ways to make it look modern, sleek, and sharp.
The first step is choosing a good base coat: You want something that doesn’t contain lead, which can off-gas for years in your home —basically, anything that says lead-free or no lead on it is OK.
Then you want to use an oil-based primer over your existing cabinets; if you have metal ones, you may need a separate primer for those. A paint-and-primer combo or a waterborne primer (meaning safer for your family) work great too.
Another option is water-based paint. It’s healthier than oil-based paints, and it’s environmentally friendly. It’s best for light colors, so it’s not an option if you want a dark color like red or purple. Some water-based paints even come in options that have zero VOC (volatile organic compounds), which can also be better for your family (just check your labels).
If you do choose a white or very light shade, be sure to buy low-VOC paint.
Kitchen cabinets are the most prominent feature of any kitchen, you’ll want them to look their best. They are what sets the look and feel of the kitchen, and they attract the most attention. If you’re the type of person that is seeking a modern kitchen look, then there are several trendy colors to choose from.
White kitchen cabinets are a very common color of cabinetry that works in a wide range of different kitchens, and they are very popular in stylish modern kitchens. This can be because they have a classic look and a simple-to-match style.
Because of its capacity to give the kitchen a sleek, orderly, and modern look, white kitchen cabinets are a flexible hue that many people choose for their cabinets.
The other reason that white cabinets are so popular is that they can be paired with a whole assortment of different colors, and the colors are not limited to kitchen colors. This means that you have the ability to get creative and combine colors between your fireplace, living room, or dining room with your white cabinets.
The Basics: Wood Cabinets
If you have wood cabinets, there’s a good chance you painted them at some point in your life. The most common mistake people make is not cleaning and prepping their cabinets before painting.
If your cabinets are dirty and covered in grease, or even if they’re just stained with leftover cooking residue, paint won’t stick very well and will show scuffs easily. For an easy way to clean your cabinets quickly, mix one cup of bleach into one gallon of water and pour it on your cabinets. Just leave it for about five minutes then wipe it down with paper towels or a damp rag.
If you’re repainting your wood cabinets, you don’t need a primer if they’re already clean and smooth. With your surface ready, it’s time to apply two or three coats of paint. For lighter colors, use one-and-one paint and for darker colors, use two-to-one paint.
This is because darker colors have less white in them and will therefore be easier to cover with just one coat. You may need several layers on a darker color of paint or special techniques like glazing—where you add thin layers of another color on top of your base coat—to get deep saturation without showing brushstrokes.
The Basics: Stain Color
Before you can change your cabinet color, you need to figure out what kind of cabinets you have and what kind of stain they’re likely made from. If they’re unfinished pine, you can apply a new coat of varnish or paint as needed.
But if they’re wood-grain coated cabinets, it may be impossible to change their appearance without replacing them.
Painted or Solid Color: You’ll have to figure out if your cabinets are painted or completely solid wood. Solid wood will retain its current finish even after additional layers are applied; painted units may need sanding prior to application and then touch-ups after a fresh coat are added (if desired).
The Paint: Another thing that affects your results is the paint type.
If you’re looking for a change of color, you may have a few different options. The most obvious option is an all-over paint job. Although it can be expensive (especially if your cabinets are made from wood), it’s also one of the easiest ways to update your look.
If you don’t want to remove your current doors or drawers, consider rolling on new paint instead; as long as your original units are in good shape, painting them should produce excellent results.
Additionally, painting allows you to choose from a wider range of colors and finishes than staining does — and it can usually be completed with significantly less hassle than replacing cabinets altogether.
Method For Staining Cabinets
Start by sanding the cabinets to create a smooth surface. Doing so will assist the paint or stain in evenly adhering to the cabinets. If you’re painting your cabinets, use a primer before applying paint.
Choose a high-quality paint designed for kitchen cabinetry. For staining, select an oil-based gel stain or water-based polyurethane gel stain. Apply the chosen product with a clean cloth, working in long strokes in one direction until evenly applied. Wipe away any excess product with another clean cloth as you go along.
Next, apply a primer to help the paint adhere to the cabinets.
The excitement of starting a new home improvement project can quickly turn into frustration when things don’t go as planned. If you’re trying to figure out how to paint stain color on cabinets and the results are less than satisfactory, don’t despair.
With a little patience and the right technique, you can achieve professional-looking results. One common mistake when painting cabinets is not using a primer first. A primer provides a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to and also helps it achieve better coverage.
Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting your cabinets with the stain color of your choice. If you’re unsure how to change kitchen cabinet color, consider hiring a professional painter or staining company to help you out. They’ll be able to advise you on what colors will work best for your space and provide guidance on how to change kitchen cabinet color, and achieve the perfect look.
Be sure to let each coat of paint dry completely before adding another.
Many people choose to paint their cabinets because it is an easy and inexpensive way to change the look of their kitchen. However, before you start painting, there are a few things you need to do in order to get the best results.
First, you need to sand down the cabinets so that the paint will have something to grip onto. Next, you need to prime the cabinets with a good-quality primer. Once the primer is dry, you can start painting your cabinets with whichever color stain you have chosen.
Final Thoughts
Changing your kitchen cabinet colors is a great way to have your kitchen looking new again, and considering these tips above will be a good way to start you off on the right track.
