Painting kitchen cabinets

[SatsumasAndFrazzles]

We are getting some freestanding kitchen units, and I'd like to paint them. Any tips? Is chalk paint the way to go if I want to avoid sanding and priming?

I think it depends what your units are made of, and what finish you want. The huge benefit of chalk paint is the lack of prepping, but it is usually less hard-wearing than normal paint. If you like the shabby look with paint chipped off the corners, that may not bother you. You can make it longer wearing by using matt varnish over the top (Annie Sloane does one that is pretty good).

Personally, I would only use chalk paint on units if there's a particular reason to avoid prepping - for example, I bought my kitchen chairs from a local restaurant for a fiver each. They were coated in that thick treacly varnish - there was no way I was sanding that lot off. Chalk paint, followed by matt varnish, has worked well and they are only now starting to chip 3 years on. But if you've got untreated wood, it's not such a hassle to prime it so I would go for paint with more endurance.

I'm assuming your units aren't melamine, though even if they are you can paint them. I painted all my melamine units (baby on hip!), using a specialist primer followed by normal kitchen paint. Probably not professional standards but a vast improvement and 6 years on they are wearing well.

Th

Oh balls. Meant to say thanks! The Matt varnish sounds good, I think I might try that. Also I'll look into Frenchic. I'd only heard of Annie Sloan so tips are good. Thanks woowoo and dorcas!

There's loads of chalk paint ranges now - I like Rustoleum.

I would use chalk paint on kitchen cabinets as it wouldn't be durable enough
This is fab, we have this on our kitchen cabinets for over 8 years. We touch up once a year on areas that that take the hardest wear i.e. Dishwasher door etc
You can have it colour matched as well which we have in a farrow and ball colour
https://www.paint-paper.co.uk/shop/paint/alcro-paints/indoor-painting/alcro-servalac-aqua-matt-paint-3l/

Wouldn't !

Thank you just, product tips are really good.

I'm not set on chalk paints, I'd just like it to not be too much of a pain in the arse to do and also last well.

Satsuma
The paint is so easy to use, and you can was the brushes with water

Dulux make a cupboard paint which is quick drying and self undercoating.
We just used a Dulux washable eggshell paint and it has lasted well and still looks fairly smart in my ancient kitchen.

Thanks winged!

Zinsser 123 primer works really well on most surfaces. No sanding required. I know it's an extra coat but it really does help to make it more durable. You can then use an acrylic satin/eggshell/gloss whatever over it.
If you haven't got experience of chalk paint I would to some testing before hand if you decide to go down that route. There are certain tips and tricks it is worth being aware of before you start!
Good luck!