Want to make a dramatic change in your kitchen without the dramatic price tag to go along with it? Why not transform your kitchen’s look by painting your kitchen cabinets.

One of the most expensive and time consuming tasks in a kitchen remodel is replacing the kitchen cabinets. But if your cabinets are in good shape, a high quality wood – just an old, out of date color – painting them may be the perfect opportunity to give your kitchen a fresh new look.Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

While it might seem to be a simple DIY project, there is a key point to keep in mind. Most cabinets have a lot of intricate detail; woodwork that can be hard to finish and have it look professional too. Kitchen cabinets are covered in a glossy product designed to be wipeable, scrubbable, and take the daily use you give it. That high glossy look is what prevents paint from sticking to it. Which means if you don’t use the proper prep work and the proper paint, your look will be anything but professional.

Drying Times For Interior Latex Paint

If you’ve decided to go the DIY route, where do you begin?

Take a door or drawer to your local paint supplier; he or she can help you find the right paint for your surface.

Remove all hardware and hinges. Thoroughly clean surfaces before starting. Kitchen cabinets can have stuck on grease, oil, wax and grime. Paint is a very forgiving material, but it won’t adhere to a dirty, greasy surface.

You should also sand the surfaces to be open to paint. If there are any dents or marks, now is the time to fill them in with a good wood filler first.

Then prime the surfaces with a good primer designed to block the stain and adhere to paint. Finish the cabinets with at least two coats of paint, depending on the paint and the color you’ve chosen. Always remember to allow each process to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next.

Have a system in place for each drawer, door and hardware. While you may think it will go back easily, nothing is more frustrating than having hardware that simply won’t match up.

While painting your kitchen cabinets may seem like a quick, easy job, nothing says “DIY” more than an incomplete or unprofessional job. Your kitchen is the one area that is always on display when guests arrive.

Make sure you have the time to devote to the job, and the patience to see it through. If you feel unsure, look into hiring a professional painter instead. They can save you time and money in the long run, and give you a high quality look and feel every time.