Congratulations! You just landed on the definitive blog about spraying kitchen cabinets. Whether you were deliberately researching this subject for a kitchen makeover or you found us by accident, the whole team at Paint While U Wait is happy to see you here.
In this blog, you'll find a comprehensive answer, along with all the facts you need. We strive to help consumers make informed decisions, followed up with a professional service with exceptional results.
To kick things off, we'll give a short answer to the question: Yes, you can spray paint kitchen cabinets, but there are many issues to be aware of before going ahead.
We'll cover all of these one by one to ensure that you are fully aware of all the relevant information...
One of the first things to say about painting your kitchen cabinets is that some methods are better than others, and that's why we've specifically mentioned spray painting in the title.
As professional painters, the Paint While U Wait crew have witnessed some truly horrifying DIY projects where people have painted their kitchen cupboards with a paintbrush or roller, leaving streaks and brush marks that made them cringe.
We know that not all DIYers are that bad, but a good-quality paint sprayer is the right choice!
Check out our post “Can you spray paint kitchen worktops”.
Now we know that it's (mostly) possible, let's explore the reasons why we believe it's the best way to revitalise your kitchen space...
If your kitchen feels tired or outdated, spray painting your cabinets can work wonders! It’s a practical, cost-effective way to give your kitchen a fresh, modern look without the hassle of a full renovation. Here are the top 10 reasons why this method is a game-changer:
Spray painting creates a smooth, even finish that’s nearly impossible to achieve with a brush or roller. No brush marks, no uneven streaks - just a flawless, showroom-quality look.
Why spend thousands on new cabinets when your existing ones are perfectly fine? Spray painting costs a fraction of a kitchen remodel, giving you stunning results without breaking the bank. You don't even need to buy new doors (unless your old ones are badly damaged), although it's a good opportunity to replace outdated handles if desired. Just make sure to fill any old holes and drill new ones carefully.
For more detailed information check this post "How much does it cost to spray kitchen cabinets".
Whether you’re after a trendy sage green, a bold navy, or classic white, the colour possibilities are endless. You can even match specific shades to complement your kitchen’s vibe. The flexibility lets you personalise your space to suit your taste.
Using high-quality, cabinet-grade paint ensures your spray-painted finish can withstand daily wear and tear. Resistant to chipping, peeling, and stains, it’s a practical option for busy households.
Why toss perfectly good cabinets into a landfill when you can refresh them? Spray painting is a sustainable option that reduces waste, making it a win for you and the planet.
Compared to the time and mess of ripping out and replacing cabinets, spray painting is a breeze. With proper preparation and drying time, your cabinets can be ready in a matter of days rather than weeks.
No need for builders, heavy machinery, or endless dust. With some prep and protection, spray painting keeps the mess to a minimum. You can transform your kitchen without turning your home into a construction zone.
Choose from a matte, gloss or satin finish to suit your style. Whether you prefer a sleek modern aesthetic or something more classic, spray painting allows you to tailor the finish to your vision.
A fresh, stylish kitchen can increase your property’s appeal and value. Spray-painted cabinets are an affordable way to make your kitchen stand out to potential buyers. A new-look kitchen potentially adds around 5% to the value of your home.
Do you love the layout of your cabinets but not the look? Spray painting breathes new life into tired wood or outdated colours, saving you from a costly replacement.
Your first step is to gather all the necessary equipment, including:
Read our post "Can you spray paint MDF kitchen cabinets".
You're probably sick of hearing experts say this, but it's true so we'll repeat it: thorough preparation is essential if you want a perfect finish!
Begin by emptying all the cupboards and drawers and making the area as clear as possible. Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover any surfaces that won't be sprayed and use masking tape to protect walls, glass or any other features.
Remove doors, handles, drawer fronts, hinges and any other fittings to make your life easier. Remember to label the doors for easier reassembly when you've finished.
Open windows to ensure the area is well ventilated and use a mask or respirator while spraying.
You've no doubt noticed that cabinet doors and side panels can accumulate a thick layer of grease, and this needs to be removed completely. Use a powerful degreaser (sugar soap is handy for this!) to tackle this grease and grime, then rinse with a damp cloth and leave the cabinets to dry.
Using the 120-grit sandpaper, gently scour the surfaces to remove the existing finish, then switch to the 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out any scratches. Wipe the surface thoroughly with a tack cloth to get rid of dust particles, as these will ruin the final finish.
If you're new to spray painting cabinets (or anything!), it's wise to test the spray gun on an old piece of cardboard to get the technique right. Once you're happy with this, you can begin painting your kitchen cabinet doors.
Ideally, you need a high-adhesion primer suitable for kitchen units. Use steady, consistent movements to apply this in light, even passes, keeping the sprayer about 10-12 inches away from the surface.
Let the primer dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions, then lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper for an ultra-smooth base. Wipe away dust again.
Apply the first coat as you did the primer, with steady, even passes. Don't linger at any particular spot, or the paint will start to drip. If you're painting the doors and you notice a drip starting to run, don't panic. Stop spraying and turn the door 180º - this will make the drip run in the opposite direction.
Apply at least two coats of paint (unless the instructions state otherwise - some only require one coat) and leave each coat to dry before adding the next.
It's unlikely that you'll need any more than three coats, and this will create a solid, durable layer that protects your kitchen cabinets from the everyday knocks and scratches that are almost inevitable in a busy household, especially in high-traffic areas.
Once the paint is dry, check the cabinets over for any missed spots or uneven areas. Spray paint these lightly to achieve the perfect finish, then let these areas dry before reattaching the doors and fittings.
Carefully remove the tape and put everything back in its place, and you have all the appearance of a brand-new kitchen!
We get this question quite a lot, as so many of our customers have high-gloss kitchen cabinets that they want to revamp.
Again, the short answer is yes, you can paint high-gloss cabinets, but they need a bit of extra preparation to get the best results.
Essentially, the process is much the same as the one described above, but glossy cabinets need slightly more aggressive sanding. Glossy surfaces are designed to repel dirt and stains, so the smooth, slick finish makes it difficult to paint.
So, if you invest more effort into cleaning and sanding before you paint gloss kitchen cabinets, there shouldn't be a problem! Also, always opt for high-quality paints as these result in a smoother finish that will bond well with the carefully prepared surfaces.
There's no doubt that spraying kitchen cabinets is a great way to save money and improve the aesthetic appeal of your home without all the tedious mess and noise of renovation work.
However, it's still a major undertaking, especially for those not keen on DIY projects or anyone who has never wielded a spray gun before! Although we've provided basic instructions for you, including those for painting gloss cabinets that require a little extra effort, there's a lot to be said for getting the experts in to do the job for you.
You don't have to worry about preparing the surfaces, choosing the right paint or calculating how many coats of paint are required. You get a stunning factory finish without having to put in the effort! All you do is tell us the details and we'll apply your chosen colour with a matte, satin or high-gloss finish.
Professional spray painters also use special ventilation systems and will remove all the doors (and other removable features) and paint them in a temporary spray booth or take them to a local workshop.
To round things up and help you decide which is the better option for you, here's a quick overview of the pros and cons of each one...
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Even so, on average, you're still saving around 70-80% on the cost of a new kitchen, and you get to relax while the fully trained and experienced contractors do all the work! Now, what could be better than that?
