4 helppoa vaihetta miten maalata keittiön kaapit.
Posted by frenchicfinland Admin

4 STEPS TO RENOVATE KITCHEN CABINETS BY PAINTING

4 steps to updating kitchen cabinets with paint

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, where people gather to work, study, eat, and celebrate with family and friends.

It’s no wonder the kitchen tops the renovation wish list for many people - it’s where everyone gathers, and it should feel genuinely welcoming and comfortable.

Not everyone can afford a full kitchen renovation with new appliances, countertops, and cabinets, so many people choose to refresh their old surfaces with easy-to-use Frenchic paint for kitchen cabinets.

Why choose Frenchic paint for kitchen cabinets?

  • An affordable and effective solution: High-quality Frenchic paint gives your cabinets a fresh look on a small budget. A typical kitchen can usually be refreshed with two 750 ml tins of Frenchic paint. 
  • A wide range of colors: Choose from plenty of shades, from classic neutrals to bold blues, yellows, and plum tones.
  • Simple and easy to use: Frenchic paint is easy to use and suitable for beginners and experienced DIYers alike.
  • Frenchic paints come with built-in protective properties, so you don’t need primers or varnishes.
  • Frenchic paint levels beautifully, giving you a head start at every stage: the result is beautifully smooth, and the work progresses quickly thanks to the short drying time between coats: 1-4 hours per coat.
  • Painting indoors is a pleasure with odorless Frenchic paint. 

If you’re ready to get started, keep reading for clear, step-by-step painting instructions.

We’ll also go over which products you’ll need, how to prepare the surfaces, and the best techniques for achieving a perfect result.

Should you replace or paint your kitchen cabinets and doors?

By doing it yourself, you can control the schedule and avoid waiting for materials or tradespeople. You can complete the painting either all at once with a good team of helpers or one door at a time, at your own pace.

Painting cabinets is a faster, simpler, and more cost-effective option than replacing them, and the result can be just as stunning. However, check the condition of your kitchen cabinets beforehand, as some may be in too poor a condition to be saved by painting alone.

You can also think about the costs. Compare the price of a can of paint with the cost of new doors. Painting an average family kitchen takes two or three 750ml cans of Frenchic paint. This budget-friendly project often leaves room to update a few other things: the faucet, countertop, or handles. 

If you’re interested, try a test paint before starting a larger project:

Get these first:

  • Small 250ml can of paint
  • Sugar Soap cleaner
  • Brush 
  • Color chart 
  • A few Peel & Stick color samples

This helps you get comfortable with the tools you’ve chosen and make sure the color is right. You can see hundreds of our customers’ kitchen projects in the FB group - you’re sure to find photos of a kitchen similar to yours. 

If the cabinets are structurally sound and functional, but worn:

  • A quick, DIY makeover with paint: Painting may be all it takes for a complete transformation.
  • An affordable option: Compare the price of a can of paint with the cost of new doors
  • Update the handles: You can also refurbish the existing handles without needing to drill new holes.

What is the best paint for kitchen cabinets?

Forget strongly scented oil or latex paints that require laborious priming and long drying times between coats. The best paint for kitchen cabinets is Frenchic paint.

The benefits of Frenchic paint for painting kitchen cabinets:

  • Low VOC emissions and low odor: Frenchic paint is 100% water-based and glides on beautifully
  • Beautifully self-leveling and fast-drying
  • Short drying times between coats
  • No need for primer: Frenchic paint contains primer, saving you time and effort
  • Suitable for all types of cabinet surfaces: MDF, wood, metal, UPVC
  • Color options: Choose bold dark shades or keep things subtle with light neutrals

Do kitchen cabinets need to be primed before painting?

No, not if you use a paint that contains primer, such as Frenchic paints, which are ideal for kitchen cabinets. If you’re painting new, bare wood cabinets, it’s a good idea to seal the surface before painting and apply 2–3 coats of Finishing Coat. Read more about the properties of Frenchic paints here.

Painting kitchen cabinets in four easy steps:

1. Cleaning
Kitchen cabinets collect grime, so start by cleaning them thoroughly. Remove the doors and handles before painting, and clean the surfaces with Sugar Soap, an effective degreaser. Then rinse with clean water and leave to dry completely.

2. Light sanding
Once the surfaces are clean and dry, sand them lightly, especially if they’re smooth and glossy. This helps the paint adhere. Then wipe off the dust with a damp cloth and leave to dry.

3. Painting
After preparing the surfaces, it’s time to apply the first coat of paint. Use a quality brush and paint in the direction of the wood grain. Remember to follow the drying times between coats, and make sure you don’t apply the next coat too soon. The paint takes about three weeks to cure fully, after which the surfaces will be resistant to knocks and stains. Only paint with thoroughly mixed paint.

4. Finishing 
You can also refurbish your kitchen cabinet handles if you like. Frenchic Frensheen powder and Finishing Coat give the handles a durable, metallic look.

Bonus: Click here to see the list of supplies you’ll need to paint kitchen cabinets.

Before and after photo of painted kitchen cabinets.


Are you ready to revamp your kitchen?


If you’re ready to revamp your kitchen without a lot of effort or expense, check out our kitchen cabinet paints and follow these easy instructions.

If you don’t feel quite brave enough to get started yet: Find more detailed instructions for painting kitchen cabinets here.

If you want to see what others have painted, join our Facebook group and follow us on Instagram.