You’re probably staring at those outdated kitchen cabinets right now, wondering if you can actually transform them without spending a fortune.
Here’s the truth: you can paint your entire kitchen for under $100 if you’re willing to put in the work. The process takes about three to four days from start to finish, and you don’t need professional skills to pull it off.
What you do need is the right approach and some patience.
Supplies and Tools You Need Under $100
The good news is you won’t need to drain your savings account to transform your kitchen cabinets.
You’ll spend about $100 total on everything:
- Start with Heirloom Traditions paint in spruce, it’s $30 and eliminates primer. Your paint color selection matters, so choose wisely.
- Grab foam rollers and brushes for $20 to achieve that smooth finish.
- Surface preparation tips begin with TSP substitute at $10 for cleaning.
- You’ll need duct tape and Frog tape for $10 combined.
- Finally, invest $30 in a basic drill or screwdriver set to remove doors and drawer faces efficiently.
How to Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawer Faces
Removing cabinet doors takes about two hours for an average-sized kitchen, and you’ll want to work systematically to avoid confusion later.
Plan for a two-hour removal process and stay organized to ensure smooth reassembly of your kitchen cabinet doors.
These removal techniques will streamline your project while keeping everything organized.
Use a drill or screwdriver to remove the screws connecting doors to cabinet frames. Check for hidden clips or fasteners before starting.
For drawer faces attached with brad nails, tap gently with a mallet to avoid damaging the wood.
Smart organization tips make reassembly painless:
- Label each door and its matching hardware with painter’s tape
- Store screws in coffee cups or small containers
- Group hardware by cabinet section
Clean Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting
Proper cleaning makes the difference between paint that lasts for years and paint that chips off within months:
- Effective cleaning starts with removing rubber stoppers from your cabinet doors.
- Apply a TSP substitute to tackle grease and stains, letting it sit for 2 to 3 minutes before wiping.
- Scotch Brite pads work perfectly for scrubbing away stubborn residues.
- This surface preparation step can’t be skipped if you want professional results.
- Dry everything thoroughly with paper towels or cloths; moisture will ruin paint adhesion.
Clean surfaces create the foundation for a smooth, durable finish that transforms your kitchen.
Apply Paint With a Brush and Foam Roller
Start with your paintbrush to tackle the detailed work first. Apply paint to edges and intricate areas of your cabinet doors with deliberate strokes.
Once you’ve covered the details, switch to your foam roller for the flat surfaces. These smart brush techniques and roller techniques will transform your cabinets efficiently.
- Pour paint into a small cup to control the amount on your roller and prevent over-saturation.
- Start rolling from the center and work outward to avoid drips and achieve smooth coverage.
- Let the first coat dry 30 minutes to 1 hour before applying your second coat.
Proper prep work before painting ensures better paint adhesion and a more polished final finish on your cabinets.
Fix Drips and Smooth Out Brush Marks
Even with careful application, you’ll likely spot a few drips or brush marks after your first coat dries. Don’t worry, these issues are fixable.
- Once the paint’s completely dry, lightly sand problem areas with fine-grit sandpaper, then touch up with a brush or roller.
- For better drip prevention next time, apply paint from the center outward toward edges.
- Improve your brush technique by maintaining a wet edge: work in sections and blend each stroke into the previous one before it dries.
After brushing, run a foam roller over the surface to distribute paint evenly and eliminate visible lines.
A second coat typically delivers that smooth, professional finish you’re after.
How Long to Wait Between Coats
After you finish painting your cabinets, patience becomes your most valuable tool. Understanding proper coat timing prevents smudging and guarantees professional results.
While manufacturers typically recommend 1 to 2 hours between applications, effective drying techniques can speed this up. You’ll know it’s ready when the surface feels dry to touch, usually 30 minutes to 1 hour with good airflow.
Key factors for ideal drying:
- Temperature and ventilation: Open windows and use fans to improve air circulation
- Test before proceeding: Gently touch an inconspicuous area to confirm dryness
- Plan for two coats: This maintains wood grain visibility while achieving complete coverage
Always verify manufacturer specifications first.
Apply Your Second Coat for Full Coverage
Once the first coat passes your touch test, inspect your cabinets under good lighting to spot any thin areas, drips, or missed spots. Address these issues before moving forward.
Now you’re ready to apply your second coat using the same foam roller technique that worked well before.
- Maintain consistent paint consistency throughout the application.
- Work systematically across all surfaces, keeping that wood grain visible while achieving full coverage.
- Don’t forget cabinet doors; flip them once they’re dry to the touch and paint the opposite side.
- Open windows or run fans to boost air circulation during drying.
Two coats deliver that professional finish you’re after.
Install Cabinet Hardware and Knobs
With your freshly painted cabinets fully cured for at least 24 hours, you’re ready to reinstall the hardware and bring everything back to life.
After a full day of curing time, your painted cabinets are ready for the satisfying final step of hardware reinstallation.
Proper drilling techniques make all the difference here. Use a 3/16 inch bit for knobs and a chamfer bit to recess screws for better clearance.
Key tips for flawless cabinet hardware installation:
- Measure twice and mark drill locations carefully to maintain consistent spacing across all doors
- Consider using a jig for uniform placement in larger kitchens
- Adjust screw lengths by cutting if needed for proper fit
Touch up any paint nicks before stepping back to admire your budget-friendly transformation.