For the past year I have lived with our wood cabinets, trying to appreciate their natural beauty. Even though wood cabinets are loved by many, I love the crisp bright white look of painted cabinets. After a whole year, I knew it was finally time to spray paint the cabinets.
In order for the cabinets to look like they had a professional finish, I knew I needed to spray them. I wasn’t looking forward to taping off every inch of my kitchen and appliances like all of the bloggers did in these cabinet painting tutorials. So I decided that I would roll and hand brush the cabinet bases, and spray the doors in the garage. After completing the project I will tell you that this is absolutely the best way to get a professional finish, without spending your entire life prepping and taping off your kitchen.
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I started by scrubbing every cabinet with deglosser and a scrub pad. Then I used Zinsser 123 Bulls Eye Primer with a small roller and a fine paintbrush. Next up I used 3 coats of Benjamin Moore White Snow in Dutch Boy Advance Semi-Gloss. Then I sealed them with three coats of Minwax Polycrylic. I’ve used Rustoleum’s “Cabinet Transformations” kit once, I created my own “DIY Cabinet Transformations” kit once, and now used these paints, and this is the happiest I have been with how my finished has turned out.
It was a time-consuming process, but I still think it was better than taping off everything.
Next came the cabinet faces. I set them all up in the garage, and threw drop cloths over everything that I didn’t want a coat of white paint on.
I used the Graco TrueCoat 360 paint sprayer and couldn’t love it any more. Seriously, this not a sponsored post, but I HIGHLY recommend you do not spray paint cabinets without this sprayer. After using a Wagner and now this, I can tell you without a doubt this is the BEST sprayer out there.
Another tip I have is to use Dixie Cups to raise up your cabinets from the table so that you don’t get any paint lines or sticking. It’s so simple but so easy, and way cheaper than those little paint pyramids that you can buy.
It’s really hard to capture the smooth finish, but I am amazed with how crisp and professional the cabinets look.
When painting the faces heres how I did it:
-I started by scrubbing the cabinets with deglosser
-Then I primed the backs
-Then primed the fronts
-Then I flipped them back over and did three coats of paint on the backs
-Then I did three coats of Polycrylic on the backs
-Then I flipped them over and did three coats of paint on the front
-Then three more coats of Polycrylic on the front
Overall it took about a week to do the entire project including dry time. The nice part about using the sprayer is that each coat took less than 5 minutes! Cleaning the sprayer is also about a 5 minute job, so every few hours I’d put on my painting clothes, spray a coat, clean the sprayer, and wait a few hours to do it all over again.
Once it was all done here is the finished product! Don’t they look amazing!?
On Monday I’ll be back to share how I built that open shelving cabinet above the microwave! In the mean time check out what the kitchen looked like exactly one year ago when we started this Auction House Adventure! Red walls, Wood apron over the sink, Tiny window, Corner Appliance Garage, Rusty old faucet, and Dirty small Knobs. We’ve come a long ways huh?!
3/11/15 Update- Since painting the cabinets we updated the appliances affordably, replaced the island with a wood counter, added a farmhouse sink, and replaced the counters and backsplash. Here is the finished product now!
If you’re considering spray painting your cabinets and want some more great tips and tutorials, check out the Best Tutorials for Spray Painting Cabinets!
You rock!!!! They came out beautiful! Our plan is to spray our cabinets- boxes and all. Love your tips and will reference this when we finally get to that point. I was wondering about sealing ours with a poly so glad to see you did that!
The insides of our boxes were already white, so that helped me decide not to spray the boxes. I wish I would have removed the microwave not taped it off, because it peeled with I removed the paint. Did you read the Bower Power tutorial on how she did hers? Can’t wait to see yours! We also had a “cabinet painting color conflict”, but in the end Matt said it really didn’t matter to him nearly as much as it mattered to me so he gave in.
i LOVE LOVE the white cabinets. I am actually in the process of redoing my kitchen now. I’m working on repainting my dining set now then it’s over to the kitchen cabinets. In doing mine in country white and my husband and I were just discussing getting a spray paintgun today. I’m so excited to get mine going now after seeing this. Thanks for sharing! It’s beautiful!!
Thank you so much for you comment! I really think the spray gun pays for itself even after one project! Good luck with your redo!
You sprayed all the poly as well? Was it easy to spray? I’m worried about it running easily or being a pain to spray in general. Did you use the same sprayer for that as well?
Yes I’ve sprayed the poly quite a few times in my paint sprayer. I really like doing it this way. It’s very very drippy and you have to work quick. Once I tried on a hot day and I felt like it was drying mid-air. Mostly though I’ve been really happy with it. If it happens to go on a bit too heavy you can quickly backroll after spraying, but I still think that spraying is the best method.
Did you have to thin your paint down to use it in the sprayer? And the primer as well?
Nope I don’t thin it at all, just straight into the sprayer. Thanks!
Boy do I wish I would have found your blog four days ago. Just finished rustoleum cabinet transformations, from oak to their pure white. Hung the doors back up tonight and they are yellow!!! Made me sick to my stomach. Looking for some expert advice, from someone who has been down all three roads. What’s my best play here… Hand paint with ace paint/polycrylic or spray? The bases look fine, it’s just the doors. And will I need to degloss again? Would you still prime? And if I spray, will the wood grain still show through, or will it be a smooth surface? I’ve never sprayed anything before, so please do keep that in mind. Thanks in advance for any advice/recos!!! Love your kitchen.
Oh that just makes me sick to hear. I know how much work you must have gone through only to hang them up and be so disappointed. I’m so sorry. To start if you take a sander to the doors will it sand off the top coat so that you would just have to add more more coat of paint and then seal them? I wouldn’t degloss again because the paint should stick to the paint just fine. The only reason to prime would be if the paint won’t cover any remaining yellow. I’d think that one more coat of paint should cover it though. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Graco Truecoat 360 sprayer and highly recommend it. It turns out very smooth and is super user friendly. Good luck fixing it and honestly my heart breaks for you after all your hard work!
Nice job! Did you get any chipping on the cabinets later with normal wear and tear? e.g. paint chipping off to reveal the wood underneath?
I’ve painted three sets of cabinets now and I haven’t had one that hasn’t had a few minor chips. With this method though there were only a couple, and they were easy to touch up. I’d love to get cabinets with a white factory finish that can’t be chipped off, but I haven’t been able to replicate that.
This was great information. I had a question. we are doing a baby shower and wanted to do a royal theme. we are making scroll invitations and wanted to spray paint the wooden dowels gold. we were looking for like a matte gold. any suggestions on which spray paint would work best for our idea?
Yes! Check out this post: https://www.brightgreendoor.com/the-gold-spray-paint-test/ Thanks! -Jess
Did you put the poly in be sprayer as well or did you have to hand paint those? Looking to redo my cabinets this summer and your post is very helpful! Thank you!
Yes I put the poly in the sprayer and it went on really well! I love the way that it doesn’t leave any brush stokes. You just have to be sure to keep the sprayer moving so that you don’t get blotches.
Looks great. Can I ask what tip size you used on the graco and what pressure setting and what proportion of thinners. many thanks.
It was just the tip that the sprayer came with. I actually don’t thin the paint at all, it sprays on perfectly.
They look fabulous! How did you keep your poly sealer from yellowing the wood? It seems that even water based poly yellows on white.
Hey! I know I responded on Insta, but I figured I’d respond here as well! The only time I’ve had Poly yellow is when I used Rustoleum Cabinet Transformation’s poly that came with the kit. When I use Minwax Polycrilic I’ve never had it yellow. I do put it on fairly lightly though. Thanks!
We used miniwax on a white cabinet and it turned yellow right away. I was so disappointed because it was a giant piece that we painted by hand and to be right at the finish line and turn yellow – so sad. I’m glad you didn’t have that experience!
Seriously?! That’s so frustrating. Was it minwax water based polycrilic? I’ve used it so many times and never had it yellow. I would be so mad too.
I found this just in time! Thank you for being so detailed and such a big help! I just finished my cabinets and I’m making my way to the kitchen. You just brightened my thoughts about tackling this job! Thank you!
Amazing! Just curious. Did you use an oil based paint or latex?
Thanks so much! Latex! Oil is so hard to clean up.
Can you still do oil with the sprayer? Did you have any issues with the sprayer dripping?
Hey! I’ve actually never used an oil based paint in the sprayer, occasionally I’ll have a drip and I just quickly use my finger to wipe it off while it’s still wet and then re-spray. If I miss the drip I let it dry and sand it off later.
My husband and I are about to tackle painting some old oak cabinets, and I think I’ve read every single one of your posts about painting cabinets. 😉 You’ve used two different deglosser/liquid sanders, and I’m wondering which you prefer (Zinsser or Klean-strip)? Also, I know that you sprayed the paint and the sealer, but did you spray the primer as well? or apply it with a brush and roller?
Thank you so much for checking out my posts. I have painted a LOT of cabinets, and feel like I’ve figured out my favorite methods along the way. I honestly haven’t noticed any difference between the two types of deglossers. They worked exactly the same. Yes I’ve sprayed primer and been really happy with how it went on. The only thing I brush/roll is the cabinet bases because I haven’t wanted to have to tape and tarp off my entire kitchen. Good luck with your project! It’s a lot of work but it’s always worth it.
Thank you for the great write up. What is your opinion on this http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/clear-protective-finishes/interior/minwax-one-coat-polyurethane
From the product description, it seems I would only need 1 top coat instead of the 3 you did in your article.
Thank you once again
This seems like an awesome product. I’d never seen it or used it before, but now I’ll be on the hunt for it! Thanks for sharing it with me. I think you’re right, that one coat would probably do the trick.
I’m soo impressed. If we were in prison I would be your bitch!
Ha, Thanks! I think?!
Did you put the same mini wax on the cabinet boxes as well?
Yes I sealed the cabinet boxes with minx polycrilic as well. It’s my favorite sealer. Thanks!
How long did it take for the cabinets to cure? How long did you wait to put the doors back up?
I’m usually antsy and want to jump the gun, but I think after about 24 hours they’re usually safe to be gentle with. I’ve heard paint takes 30 days to FULLY cure, but I would never wait that long to put them back on. I just try to be a little more gentle in the beginning.
Do you have any color advice for an off-white, ivory color? I don’t want bright white, something more creamy so I can’t put an antique glaze on it. Just not sure what color. I don’t want it to be too vanilla and yellow looking!
Sorry but I’ve only ever done a bright white. My friend Jenny from Evolution of Style paints tons of kitchens and shares them on her blog. Here is the link to her blog: http://www.evolutionofstyleblog.com. I bet she would know the perfect color, sorry I’m only familiar with bright whites.
Great Post. Thank you for the information. We painted our oak cabinets 10 years ago with half dark brown paint and half poly water based. We applied with lambswool and have not had any chipping in 10 years! It’s time to change the kitchen color to white. In your opinion would your method be successful on already painted cabinets?
I’m glad it lasted so well
For so long. I’ve never painted already painted cabinets, but I would think it would work well.
Love how your cabinets turned out! I’m about to start my own white cabinet project and was wondering how many gallons of paint, primer, and sealer you needed? Also, everyone’s comments about their cabinets turning yellow is scaring me a little! ?
Thanks!
I really wonder if it has to do with what type of wood is underneath when it comes to them turning yellow? All I can say is to try a test patch. The ONLY time mine have ever yellowed was with the top coat that comes in the Rustoleum cabinet transformations kit. I’ve painted tons of cabinets too. Using primer makes a HUGE difference too. For quantities is will depend on how many cabinets you have. I think I’ve always used about a gallon and a half for average sized kitchens. Never more than a gallon of primer or sealer. Let me know if you have other questions! Sorry I missed your comment earlier!
My first coat of poly left some bubbles on the backs of my doors. Wondering if I need to spray it even thinner? Any thoughts?
Yes, It is a VERY thin coat that I spray, probably about 3-4 feet away in a few slow quick passes.
I found this post on Pinterest and have been looking around your blog at some really great posts. The best thing I’ve found is the fact that you are still responding to comments on your older posts. I’m not much of a commenter – mostly like to read and learn – but nothing turns me off more than someone who consistently ignores readers’ comments/questions. Your are now at the top of my list of awesome bloggers, so obviously I had to subscribe. I’m looking forward to seeing you in my inbox. Thanks for appreciating your readers 🙂
Aw thank you so much for your kind comment! This blog is my job and income, and I feel like the least I can do for my readers is comment back! I learn new things from readers and commenters all the time too. Thanks for subscribing!
I didn’t see in any of your comments about covering wood grain. From the pics you posted it looks like your cabinets aren’t oak, so maybe not much grain? I’m thinking about painting my oak cabinets; however, in reading numerous Pinterest articles it looks like there’s a lot of sanding and wood grain filling involved. Wondering if you’ve had an experience with this? Thanks!
So I’ve never dealt with the woodgrain showing through. I painted one set of oak cabinets and the paint fully covered the grain. Sorry I’m not more help in this department. I’ve heard of people using lots of sanding and wood filler, but I’m not sure! I’d head to http://www.evolutionofstyleblog.com and pick her brain, she is the cabinet painting queen!
Nice work. Your cabinet is beautiful! I haven’t tried the sprayer yet, but hope to soon. Thanks for sharing how easy it is to use.
Yes thank you so much! Yes this sprayer is my favorite. Right now a friend is borrowing to spray her shiplap because it’s really just that great.
I am embarking on my kitchen remodel. In researching the Grace sprayer there are many options available.
What is your exact model of paint sprayer?
Here is the link to it: **affiliate link** http://amzn.to/2tY1rXI. I just used mine last night and love it as much as ever!
Enjoyed this post! What sheen did you use for the paint and the polycyclic? Thanks, Kathy
For both the paint and polycrilic I like to go with Satin. Thanks!
I bought the paint for my first project, a bathroom cabinet, in a semi gloss at the advice of the paint section guy:)
But can i put a polycrylic on semi gloss? Also my husband picked up a water based Varathane instead of the Minwax polycrylic. Ive used polycrylic before on table legs and liked it. So hopefully the Varathane is ok?
For my kitchen, ive got white appliances, and id like to do white cabinets. We have a basic trim paint, contractor white or something like that, that my husband thinks i should use. But its prob the cheapest thing there is lol so im not sure about that.
I know there are many many different shades of white, i noticed youve used Ace paint and we have one here where I get paint sometimes. Is there a specific white to go well with the white appliances? Or just bright white? And did you feel the door and trim paint from Ace held up better than the regular latex youd use on a wall?
Thanks!!
Lots of questions! I like door and trim paint, but it’s fairly glossy and I prefer more of a satin finish vs. the high gloss. I think MANY paints do the job well, but probably not a super cheap paint. I just think for all the work that you put into it you’re better off going with a high quality paint. There isn’t a specific one I’d recommend though. I’ve also never used Varathane, but have heard good things about it. I just always seem to have polycrilic on hand. My favorite white paint color is Benjamin Moore Simply White. That’s the only one that I’m super familiar with. Just make sure it isn’t too yellow or creamy. Also yes, you can definitely put a poly on a semi-gloss. Hopefully that answers everything!
We are looking at repainting our kitchen cabinets to and am debating on the color paint and if I should stain instead of painting. My hesitation with painting is how would the cabinets hold up if we had to clean them because of food stains, grease stains, etc. Would the scrubbing marks show up on the white cabinets? Have you run into this situation?
I’ve always been able to clean painted cabinets very easily. Especially if you don’t go with a matte paint. The sheen makes them easily wipeable.
Did you find it problematic hen replacing your counters after you painted the cabs? Did you need to touch up or go over areas?
Yes I had to slightly touch up a few spots but I’d prefer to do it this way vs. risk having to get paint off the new countertops.
You said you did three coats of satin paint and then three coats of Minwax Polycrilic. Two questions: did you do any sanding in between any of these six coats? Secondly,iIf I were to roll each coat (versus spray), would I still need all six coats per side? Thanks!
Yes, three coats of each. It’s been a few years, and I’ve painted a few kitchens, but I do think it’s best to sand lightly between coats. I think it holds up better in the end. Possibly rolling could save you a coat of each since it goes on a bit thicker. Thanks!
What grit of sandpaper would you recommend?
I usually use a fine grit. Thanks!
I am setting out on my kitchen redesign. In exploring the Grace sprayer there are numerous alternatives accessible.
What is your correct model of paint sprayer?
This is the one I use and love: (affiliate link) http://amzn.to/2CWNmL2. It’s the 17A466. Thanks!
I read you don’t thin, have you used an oil based primer through your sprayer? We bout a fabulous 40 yr old dream fixer upper…but they smoked in it 🤬…no fear I’ve killed the smell but I Prime everything with oil just in case! I’m going to buy your recommended sprayer & use BM advanced. But I e read mixed reviews on spraying the primer and the polycrilic so I just wanted to ask. I’ve painted 3 kitchen in the past all by hand & all shocking people I used a brush but it’s brutal & time consuming & this time I have 40 faves to paint…so I’m branching out! TIA
COngrats on your dream home! I’ve never worked with oil based so I’m really not sure. I love that sprayer though and know that people use oil based in it. I would definitely use Kilz primer to hopefully seal in that smell. Three kitchens by hand is a ton! You’ll love using a sprayer!
Thank you for documenting your cabinet painting experiences for us to learn. My oak cabinets are in need of painting, however I am concerned with the grain showing through. I do not see that you have painted oak and had that issue, do you have any suggestions?
I have known friends who have used wood filler and sanded it over their oak faces to keep the grain from showing. I painted oak once and with primer and paint the grain was very faint. If you want no grain at all though I think you’ll have to use a lot of wood filler.
Hi!
I was wondering if your wood cabinets had a wood grain to them. I have read from other bloggers that they sanded the doors to remove the grain for a smooth finish. Did you do that or were your cabinets already smooth?
Thanks, and your kitchen looks great!
Liz
Thank you so much! Mine did not have a wood grain, I also know many people who have had to use wood filler and then sand them smooth. I haven’t ever had to do that.
I enjoyed your post with all the information you provided. My wife and I are planning on painting our oak kitchen cabinets white. My question is would the wood grain still be visible after using your technique?
Yes usually a bit of grain shows through. The only way to completely avoid this is to use wood filler to fill in all of the grain and sand it down. I think it still looks really pretty, and possibly even higher end when you can tell the cabinets are real wood.
I have the graco 360 but haven’t used it for cabinets yet. Can you tell em what number setting you used for spraying yours?
My sprayer doesn’t have any different settings. I do have different spray tips though. I’ve used the 12″ spray tip.
Hi. That turned out great. I just want to make sure I’m following your steps correctly.
For the cabinets, you rolled on one coat of primer, you rolled on three coats of paint and you rolled on three coats of coats of Polycrylic?
For the cabinets faces, you rolled on one coat of primer, you spayed on three coats of paint and you rolled on three coats of Polycrylic and repeated those three step on the other side?
Thanks.
Thanks a ton. Everything sounds right except that I never rolled the cabinet faces, I sprayed the primer, than sprayed the paint, then I sprayed the polycrilic. You may be able to get away with two coats of paint, but three light coats seems to be the ticket for me.
How did you thin the primer and paint for the sprayer? That primer is super thick! I have used my Graco 360vsp on projects that dont require such a visible finish like a fence but after seeing the finish I certainly wouldn’t want it on my cabinets.
I’ve sprayed a ton of different products through mine and have never thinned any of them. I’ve also done six sets of cabinets now with my sprayer and have been really happy with the finish every time. I always do very light coats and usually three coats. I wouldn’t be happy with the streaky finish if I were to do thicker coats. Between priming, spraying, and sealing they turn out awesome!
Did you sand at all? Or just primed, paint and sealed?
No need to sand at all when using deglosser.
Zinsser deglosser is not available any more, is there another brand you could recommend?
Hello, thanks for your tutorial, I’m getting ready to start this big adventure. Can you tell me what type of scrubber you used with the deglosser and what size tip you chose to use for spraying. Did you use the same tip for primer, paint and poly? Thanks in advance for your help, I hope my cabinets look as beautiful as yours.
Did the poly turn the white yellow?
In the article it says you used semi gloss paint, but in your comments it says you used satin?