Posted by frenchicfinland Admin
Painting kitchen cabinets - the complete guide to a successful result
Frenchic paints are designed to make painting projects easier. They have a high pigment content, and the paint applies evenly even in the hands of DIY painters.
Frenchic is a new kind of 'hybrid paint' that works well for painting because it adheres to many surfaces and gives a smooth finish.
Painting kitchen cabinets is one of the easiest ways to refresh your entire kitchen without an expensive renovation. Frenchic hybrid paint offers great coverage and versatility, making it ideal for painting cabinets because it applies evenly and is durable. Thorough cleaning, light sanding, and choosing the right paint range ensure a beautiful result.
Painting with Frenchic paints is quite simple:
- Wash the surfaces clean
- Roughen the surface and wipe away the dust
- Paint at least two coats of well-mixed paint onto a dry, clean surface
- Follow the paint range's drying times
- That's it!
Painting kitchen cabinets - is it worth it?
Many people consider renovating their kitchen, even though often all it needs is a fresh coat of paint on the cabinets.
Painting lets you:
- save thousands of euros
- refresh the look of the entire kitchen
- make use of existing furniture
- complete the renovation yourself quickly, without messy demolition work
Often the cabinets are in perfectly good condition, but the color or finish needs updating.
The best paint for kitchen cabinets
Kitchen cabinets get heavy use. That's why the paint needs to be:
- provides good coverage
- durable
- easy to clean
- applies evenly
What surfaces in the kitchen can you paint?
You can paint a surprising number of things in the kitchen.
For example:
- cabinet doors
- cabinet frames and interiors
- drawers
- side panels
- shelves
- skirting boards, light rails
- laminate surfaces
- melamine surfaces
- MDF furniture
- backsplash tiles
- islands and peninsulas
- kitchen walls
The right paint and good preparation are the keys to success.
Painting kitchen cabinets step by step
1. Cleaning
Kitchen surfaces collect grease and dirt.
Wash the cabinets thoroughly to ensure the paint adheres. Finally, rinse off any detergent residue with clean water. Examine the clean surface and assess whether scratches and dents need filling.
2. Light sanding
Sanding and at least lightly roughening the surfaces improves paint adhesion and makes them more durable. Finally, wipe away the sanding dust.
Especially:
- varnished and high-gloss surfaces
- laminate
- melamine
3. Painting
- Apply the paint in regular coats
- Two to three coats are often enough to cover the old color.
- A quality roller or brush helps achieve an even finish.
4. Drying
- Allow the paint to dry between coats as instructed.
- Allowing enough drying time improves the durability of the finish and gives the paint time to level out beautifully.
Colours that work in the kitchen
These work especially well in the kitchen:
- muted greens, terracotta
- warm neutrals
- classic white
- shades of sand, clay and beige
- deep blues
The Frenchic colour palette is known for its timeless, harmonious shades that suit both modern and traditional kitchens.
Common mistakes when painting kitchen cabinets
Avoid these:
- painting a dirty, greasy surface
- applying paint in coats that are too thick
- overworking the paint while it is drying
- putting it back into use too soon
- using a dirty, worn-out tool
- skipping the test patch
Careful preparation makes a painting project much easier.
Frequently asked questions about painting kitchen cabinets
Can you paint kitchen cabinets without primer?
Many modern hybrid paints have properties that help the paint adhere to the surface without a separate primer or bonding primer, such as Frenchic paints.
How much does it cost to paint cabinets?
Painting is often considerably cheaper than getting a new kitchen. The cost depends on the size of the kitchen and the products used.
For a typical family kitchen, you’ll need 2-3 x 750 ml tins of Frenchic paint for the cabinet doors. For a small studio apartment or a small cottage kitchen, one 750 ml tin of Frenchic paint is enough for the cabinet doors.
How long does the project take?
Painting kitchen cabinets can often be done in just a few days. Frenchic paints give you a head start because they dry quickly. For example, the drying time between coats of Al Fresco paint is 2 hours, and for Trim Paint it is 4 hours. So you can continue painting the same day, without waiting for days.
Get inspired in our photo gallery or on our social media and start your own project.
Painting kitchen cabinets is one of the most rewarding DIY projects. With a little effort, you can give your kitchen a completely new look.
Choose a shade that makes everyday life more beautiful.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to prepare kitchen cabinets for painting
- Which paint range is suitable for kitchen cabinets?
- How to paint MDF, wood and laminate cabinets
- Drying, durability and protection
Why paint kitchen cabinets?
✔ Save thousands of euros compared to replacing them
✔ Give your kitchen a completely new look in 1–2 days
✔ A fresh new feel for your kitchen - and your favorite color at last - is now an option
✔ You can change the style and feel without messy demolition work
A kitchen renovation doesn’t always require demolition. Often, a new color is all it takes.
Before you start: preparation is key
Test the paint and tools before starting a larger project. Read the instructions and check the drying times on the paint tin or on the website for your chosen range.
1. Thoroughly remove grease and dirt
Kitchen cabinets are almost always greasy. Wash the surfaces thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner, such as Sugar Soap.
Only paint a clean, sound and dry surface.
2. Light sanding or roughening
Although the paint adheres well, light sanding improves durability, especially on surfaces subject to heavy wear.
Remove sanding dust thoroughly before painting.
3. Remove the handles and hinges
Painting is neater and faster when the doors are removed.
Which Frenchic range is right for kitchen cabinets?
The best choice for most kitchens
Lazy Range / Trim Paint / Al Fresco
- Note that different ranges have different shades and tin sizes
- Extremely durable
- Matte or satin finish
- Suitable for wood, MDF and most laminate surfaces
If needed, protect the surface with Tuff Top Coat or Finishing Coat coating
How to paint kitchen cabinet doors - step by step
1. Stir the paint thoroughly
Stir from the bottom of the tin until the paint is an even consistency. Stirring ensures you get all the pigments and important protective ingredients.
2. Apply regular coats, not coats that are too thin
Coats that are too thin dry too quickly and don’t have time to level out.
3. Let it dry according to the instructions
Follow the drying times between coats for the range you’re using. You can find them on the website or on the side of the tin. After the first coat, fill any holes with filler, let it dry, then sand the filler.
4. Apply a second coat
All Frenchic paints require at least two coats.
5. Let it cure undisturbed
You’ll notice a clear difference in durability when you let the paint dry and cure undisturbed. Use the kitchen gently after 48 hours and take care with painted surfaces for the first three weeks.
Painting kitchen cabinets made from different materials
MDF kitchen cabinets
- Sand lightly
- Clean thoroughly
- Apply at least 2 coats using thoroughly mixed paint
Laminate cabinets
- Clean extremely thoroughly
- Lightly roughen the surface
- Apply at least 2 coats using thoroughly mixed paint
Wood cabinets
- Wash and clean thoroughly
- Remove any old, flaking paint if needed
- Apply at least 2 coats using thoroughly mixed paint
How durable is a painted kitchen?
When the preparation is done carefully and the surface is not subjected to wear before the paint has cured, a painted kitchen stands up to everyday use exceptionally well.
Heavy use, scratching and impacts can wear down any surface. The right protection and sensible use extend its lifespan.
Frequently asked questions about painting kitchen cabinets
Can kitchen cabinets be painted without sanding?
At least light sanding is always recommended for better durability.
What tools do I need, and which give the best finish?
- Choose quality tools to use with quality paint.
- We recommend the TFB microfiber roller together with Frenchic brushes.
- You may also need these: masking tape, TFB Filler for filling handle holes. An effective degreaser, such as Sugar Soap.
Is a primer needed?
In most cases, no. Frenchic paints already contain a primer and have excellent adhesion.
How long does the paint take to dry?
Dry to the touch quickly; full curing takes longer.
Can laminate cabinets be painted?
Yes, as long as they are thoroughly cleaned and scuffed.
What color is right for a kitchen?
Muted greens, warm neutrals and deep blues are popular. A bold shade can transform the feel of the whole room.
Painting kitchen cabinets is a cost-effective, quick and inspiring way to refresh your home. The right paint range, careful preparation and sufficient drying time ensure a durable result.
Where can I see different painted kitchens and projects?
Take a look at our popular Facebook group and search the group for the word KITCHEN to see what others have painted. Join the group here.
Choose supplies for your project and explore the photo gallery
- Supplies, tape and cleaning products
- Paint rollers and handles, fillers
- Paintbrushes
-
Finishing coats
- Get inspired by photos in our photo gallery
