Painting kitchen cupboards

[Hippopotas]

My kitchen needs a refresh and the price of a new kitchen makes me hyperventilate. I’ve been watching property shows and painting the cupboards is something that has been mentioned on there.

So my questions are has anyone done it? Does it work? Did you find it easy? What paints would you recommend for melamine units?

Dd and SiL painted some horrible old brown 1960s melamine kitchen cupboards white, using the special cupboard paint. The transformation was amazing. Can’t say how it’d last long term but it was fine for a couple of years - that kitchen was going anyway, once they could afford their extension.

I’ve painted a whole wall of nasty melamine bedroom wardrobes with the same sort of cupboard paint. I did do careful prep and they’re still fine after at least 7 years now. I also changed all the handles, which was relatively cheap (thank you Wickes!) and which made another major difference.

I haven't done it but would recommend joining the frenchic Facebook page. Lots of people have done it loads of pictures and tips on the group.

PS, special cupboard paint is easily available from major brands, e.g. Dulux and Wickes. You do need to sand down before painting and between coats, if more than one, and be particularly careful about runnels.(excess dripping down).

Would be best to take kitchen doors off, much easier and less chance of runnels.

A slightly more expensive but good way to go is to take your doors etc to a car sprayer and get them to spray them whilst you just paint the visible none removable bits. That way you will get a perfect and very hard finish.

Dulux eggshell finish paint.
Done it many, many times in the 30 odd years my kitchen has been in place.
Wears well, easy to clean.
I WILL have a new kitchen, one day......when I can muster up the energy to face the upheaval.

We have painted (using an XVLP Sprayer) a number of kitchens. However, as with any job using the right tools really does make a big difference.
With the advances in water-based paint in recent years there some great products on the market.
Caparol (a German company) available from www.paintshack.co.uk
Tikkarilla www.tikkurila.co.uk
and Benjamin Moore probably the most expensive of the three, however their paint is amazing!!! <a class="break-all" href="//www.www.benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.www.benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk BM also have an App that really can help when choosing colours.

The paint you need will be an Adhesion Primer this is the most important coat of paint you will apply as it bonds to the surface and the final topcoat. All you then need to do is decide what topcoats you want Satin, Gloss, Eggshell or Flat finish?

If you are thinking of getting the kitchen doors sprayed, do a quick google for "spraying kitchens" as more Decorators are taking on this type of work.

However, if you plan to do the work yourself preparation is key!!!
Degreasing the paintwork is the most important job
we ue this which goes a very long way
paintshack.co.uk/collections/all-sundries/products/rustoleum-pre-paint-cleaner

Next is your brushes and rollers, buy a good quality brush £30 to £40 will get you one where you are not forever picking bristles out of your new paintwork.

To achieve an even better finish consider buying the Two Fussy Blokes mini rollers?
paintshack.co.uk/collections/two-fussy-blokes-mini-roller-sleeves
Don't buy the Wickes ones or anyone else's, once you have used these you will fall in love with them!!!

Finally, it is a good idea to lightly rub down the paintwork between coats. Sandpaper is to aggressive for this job, you are better off using sanding pads like these
paintshack.co.uk/collections/sanding/products/indasa-rhynosoft-115-x-140mm-box-of-20

I hope this made sense? but more than that I hope it helps?
Here is a video of a small kitchen we painted, it show what a difference it can make

GOOD LUCK - Any questions I'm happy to help