How To Paint Dark Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Painting dark wood kitchen cabinets is a great way to update the look of your kitchen without having to replace them. It's a relatively easy project that can be completed in a weekend. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to paint dark wood kitchen cabinets:

Materials You'll Need:

Degreaser
Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
Tack cloth
Primer
Paint
Polyurethane
Paintbrush or roller
Gloves
Safety glasses

Step 1: Clean the Cabinets

The first step is to clean the cabinets to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. This will help the primer and paint to adhere properly. Use a degreaser and a clean cloth to wipe down the cabinets. Let them dry completely.

Step 2: Sand the Cabinets

Once the cabinets are clean, you need to sand them to create a smooth surface for the primer and paint to adhere to. Start with 120-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the wood grain. Once you've sanded the cabinets with 120-grit sandpaper, switch to 220-grit sandpaper and sand again in the direction of the wood grain. This will help to smooth out any scratches or imperfections in the wood.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Cabinets

After you've sanded the cabinets, wipe them down with a tack cloth to remove any dust or sanding residue. This will help to ensure that the primer and paint will adhere properly.

Step 4: Prime the Cabinets

The next step is to prime the cabinets. Primer helps to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to and also helps to prevent the wood from bleeding through the paint. Apply a thin coat of primer to the cabinets using a paintbrush or roller. Let the primer dry completely before proceeding.

Step 5: Paint the Cabinets

Once the primer is dry, you're ready to paint the cabinets. Apply a thin coat of paint to the cabinets using a paintbrush or roller. Let the paint dry completely before applying a second coat. You may need to apply three or four coats of paint to get the desired coverage.

Step 6: Protect the Cabinets

Once the paint is dry, you need to protect it with a clear coat of polyurethane. Polyurethane will help to keep the paint from chipping or peeling. Apply a thin coat of polyurethane to the cabinets using a paintbrush or roller. Let the polyurethane dry completely before using the cabinets.