DIY: Painting Kitchen Cabinets

I mentioned on my instagram stories that I had painted my kitchen cabinets. Builder grade cabinets are basically the ugliest, so in the midst of fall break I broke out the paint and started.

I finished the upper cabinets in 2 days and now am working on the bottom ones, which will take more time, but should be done quickly. Even just the top ones done it make a world of difference for the kitchen. The kitchen is instantly brighter and it makes me so much happier to be in there. The last time I painted cabinets was 6 years ago: oh my heck, awesome  Has it really been that long!? Crazy.

Okay, lets get to it.

Here are the items I used and some instructions on how I went about it.


Primer:

Brushes: angled brush, foam brushes, and foam roller brush

Paint: Glidden semi-gloss paint (it doesn't make it too shiny, and cleans well) color I used is called White on White

First thing in painting cabinets is to prep. Scrub/clean the cabinets, you can try sanding but if you have builder grade cabinets like myself, it won't do ya much good, but it can't hurt the process if you'd like to. It does help remove tough residue on the cabinets above the microwave.

After you've cleaned the cabinets, remove the cabinet doors. You can paint with them still hung but you'll probably have to take them off to fix mistakes(a lesson learned) so just take them down and save yourself some time. I used food storage cans(#10 cans) underneath the cabinet doors when painting to keep them off the ground and easier to paint all around them. Give better height and stability then regular smaller cans.

Prime prime prime! I do at least 2-3 coats of primer letting each coat dry at least 2 hrs.
I start with the inside then work out.

I use a brush to paint the inside and outside edges and then the foam paint roller to paint the flat surfaces.

While the doors are drying I paint the base cabinets. Using the roller and paint brush to get everything. Same with any drawers. I just set it off the edge of the counters so I have room around all sides to reach.

Again everything needs at least 2-3 coats of primer. If you have any drip lines or drops just lightly sand them out and you'll be good to go on the next coat.

Top coat will probably be another 2 coats, and if you primed well then things should go smoothly. 

Painting cabinets can be intimidating, but it's really simple and what's great is if you mess up just sand and paint over! If you miss a spot when your done (I've found many spots where I missed) just paint it. 

I hope this was helpful! Seriously though just go buy paint and do it! 

yesterday

I've been really into the Beatles lately.  i just started singing yesterday by the Beatles just because i typed it. it is an amazing song, one of my favorites.

so where was i?   oh yes the fun things we did yesterday.

i took my girls to the library, there very first time.  accompanied by my sister and her children, and i brought along my niece too. 

The girls in the back.  I must say that conversations that my daughter and her cousin had while driving to the library were hilarious!  3 year olds are too funny together, and they are basically frienimies.  They love each other but they don't get along very well.
they did make for some super cute back seat cargo.

This one had a fun time running away from me.  She thought it was super funny.  This is her famous cheese smile.  She makes her eyes and mouth open wide. 

To top off all the fun things I'm wanting to do with my girls this week, i have also started painting my kitchen cabinets.  I'm insane right?!  Playing all day and working all night.  I am already giddy with joy how much better my kitchen is looking!!  I can't wait for Chris to get home and see the kitchen!!  haha surprise!  well i did tell him that i was painting but its still a shocker!



I seriously hate the wood, its even worse in person! so glad its gone now. can't wait to show you the after at the end of the week!! and I'm sure the after picture there will be a mess on the counter top too. that's just how we do it here. :)