Whether you're moving into a new house or sprucing up your old place , repainting your kitchen cupboards can make a world of a difference in the overall aesthetic of your home. It's also a relatively easy task compared to, say, replacing a granite countertop or changing your flooring. However, it's not something you can jump into willy nilly, as doing so might end up costing you more than just buying new cabinets at your local Ikea!

Here's a comprehensive guide on painting kitchen cabinets, including vital questions to consider, five popular styles to try, before and after photos, and a step-by-step process.

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What to consider before repainting your kitchen cupboards

Here are five questions to ask yourself before you figure out how to paint your kitchen cabinets.

What is your budget?

According to Martha Stewart, " [replacing] kitchen cabinets usually takes up about one-third of the typical remodel budget". While painting should be much cheaper than a full overhaul, it'll still cost you money. Figure out a game plan and a set a ceiling price for your expenses, then find tools, materials, and brands that fit within your plan. It's no use having a pretty kitchen if you can't buy food to cook in it!

Yellow paint on newspaper

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Are you going to DIY it?

While DIY-ing your kitchen cabinets could theoretically save you money, it could also possibly cost you more than you hope. If you're brand new to this home renovation stuff, you can easily muck up any part of the procedure, especially if you don't do your research right. Sometimes, it's okay to ask for help.

What tools do you have on hand?

Knowing what tools you already have can save you from overspending. However, don't be too cheap and assume that all you need to update a kitchen cabinet is a bucket of paint and some rollers. You'll also need tools to sand your cupboards down and primers to help the paint stick.

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What state are your current cupboards in?

Now, before you head to Dulux or Bunnings to pick up your materials, you need to take an honest look at your cupboard's condition. Why? Because even the most professional paint job can only do so much to salvage an old cupboard.

What style and finish do you want?

Have a pegboard and know which style to go for. This will determine what kinds of tools and paints you'll need, as different materials require different paints. Typically, there are four types of materials used in building cabinets: solid wood, metal, melamine, and laminate. Wood is the easiest to paint, as it doesn't need much sanding. Laminate and metal cupboards need to be scuffed down and primed with a special solution.

5 kitchen cupboard paint styles that are popular right now

Matte black

If you're tired of your old school Shaker-style cabinets, a matte black paint job can drastically change your kitchen's look from traditional to modern! Why shop for cabinets at Ikea when you can recreate the look for cheap?

Mint green

Mint green is cool on the eyes and refreshing to look at after a long day out. It's subtle, but not as subdued as plain old white.

Two-toned cabinets

Different coloured overhead and base cabinets tell guests that you carefully planned out your kitchen aesthetic. A combination of royal blue and white cabinets can give a kitchen a clean and regal look. The bright, solid blue pops out against white in a way no other colour can match up to.

Slate grey

Paired with other cool or neutral colours, slate grey can create a modern industrial vibe in an otherwise plain kitchen. If you're looking for something a little more interesting, try going for a wood finish on the doors – this balances the hardness of the grey with the softness of a natural finish.

Blush pink

A pretty pink pantry does not have to be overly feminine. Paired with sleek wood furniture, bronze light fixtures, and a patterned backsplash, and you have yourself a mid-century modern kitchen!

A step-by-step guide to repainting your kitchen cupboards

Tools and materials needed

  • Paint rollers and brushes
  • Steel wool
  • Tack cloth
  • Sandpaper and sanding block
  • Denatured alcohol
  • Primer seal
  • Painter's tape
  • Semi-gloss paint
  • Trisodium phosphate (TSP)

Step 1

Remove cabinet doors, knobs, handles, screws, and other loose parts. You don't want to get paint on these!

Step 2

Rinse your cabinets. This is where the TSP comes in. Wearing gloves and goggles, scrub out any stains, grease, mildew, and dirt from your cabinets using a solution of water and TSP.

Step 3

Sand, sand, sand! Scuff out any glazed parts so that the new paint can stick to the surface. Dust off the sand so it doesn't mix with the new batch of paint. If you have a vacuum cleaner, even better! Once you're done sanding, use the tape to cover up any areas you don't want to get primer and paint on.

Step 4

Now is the time to add your primer, which will help the paint bond with the surface of your cabinet. Get into every nook and cranny of your cabinet, including tough-to-reach corners.

Step 5

Last, it's time to paint! Apply three coats with light sanding in between.

If you will use spray paint, you can more or less follow the same process. However, take more precautions in taping up your walls and other parts of your kitchen you want to avoid spraying.

Let the paint dry and voila, you have yourself some good-as-new cupboards!

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