The wait is finally over. Our kitchen renovation project has been completed, and we’re thrilled to share the results with you. It’s hard to believe it took us a bit longer than expected, but the end result was well worth the delay. The transformation of our kitchen cabinets is particularly impressive, as they now boast a fresh new look that’s both stylish and durable. Before we dive into the details, I want to acknowledge the research that went into this project.
We knew that painting cabinetry requires some expertise, so we spent time studying the best practices to ensure our results would be professional-grade. Our kitchen cabinets were originally finished in a mid-2000’s wood tone, which, quite frankly, looked dated and somewhat cheap. The new look has not only updated the aesthetic but also opened up the space, making it feel more spacious than before.
Gathering the Materials
The wait is finally over. Our kitchen renovation project has been completed, and we’re thrilled to share the results with you. It’s hard to believe it took us a bit longer than expected, but the end result was well worth the delay. The transformation of our kitchen cabinets is particularly impressive, as they now boast a fresh new look that’s both stylish and durable. Before we dive into the details, I want to acknowledge the research that went into this project.
We knew that painting cabinetry requires some expertise, so we spent time studying the best practices to ensure our results would be professional-grade. Our kitchen cabinets were originally finished in a mid-2000’s wood tone, which, quite frankly, looked dated and somewhat cheap. The new look has not only updated the aesthetic but also opened up the space, making it feel more spacious than before.
Paint & Primer:
After conducting extensive research, we narrowed down our options to find the perfect paint for our cabinet makeover. While oil-based paints can produce a stunning finish, their high VOC levels raised environmental and health concerns. To avoid these issues, we opted for a latex-based paint, specifically Benjamin Moore’s ADVANCE Interior paint in White Dove with a satin finish.
This choice was backed by numerous recommendations from various sources, praising its ability to cure into a durable and hard-wearing finish – ideal for kitchen cabinets. Impressively, a single gallon of paint proved sufficient to cover all surfaces with two coats, making it an economical choice as well. For those interested in using this product, we recommend searching for a local Benjamin Moore retailer to explore their range further.
Prepping & Painting Supplies
When it comes to cleaning up the mess left behind after refinishing your cabinets, having the right tools can make all the difference. For a smooth finish, you’ll want to reach for the 2-inch angled nylon trim brush and 2-inch nylon flat brush. These tools will help eliminate any stubborn debris or imperfections. To take it to the next level, consider using 220-grit sandpaper and a palm sander to get rid of any remaining scratches or marks.
Of course, if your cabinets have some noticeable gouges, you may need to bring in the wood filler to do some touch-ups. To keep everything tidy as you work, don’t forget about blue painter’s tape and kraft paper – they’ll help contain any messes and make cleanup a breeze. For removing doors and drawers, a trusty screwdriver will get the job done, and for those pesky little marks or scuffs, a black Sharpie can be a lifesaver.
Finally, don’t neglect your vacuum with brush attachment – it’s a game-changer when it comes to picking up all that dust and debris.
Finishing Supplies
To bring a touch of elegance to our kitchen renovation, we opted for three essential components: rubber door bumpers, Oil-Rubbed Bronze Knobs, and Oil-Rubbed Bronze Cup Drawer Pulls. Completing the trio was the Cabinet Handle Drill Guide, which proved to be an invaluable asset during installation. With all these elements in place, along with paint and cabinet hardware, our project ultimately cost around $150.
Day-By-Day Progress
We started our DIY project by removing all the rubber door bumpers and giving the cabinetry a thorough cleaning with TSP cleaner. This versatile product effectively removes oil and grime without leaving any residue behind. Following the cleaning process, we removed all the doors and drawer fronts from their hinges, taking note to number each one using a Sharpie so we could easily reinstall them later.
We marked these numbers on the back of the drawer fronts as well as on the hardware attachment points, ensuring they would remain discreet once reattached. To facilitate our work, we covered the interior surfaces of the cabinets with kraft paper, eliminating the need to fully disassemble everything. Over the next few days, we sanded all the cabinet boxes and doors using 220 grit sandpaper, roughing up the surface just enough to provide a suitable base for primer.
We employed a palm sander for the flat areas but had to switch to a sanding block to tackle the more intricate nooks and crannies. After finishing the sanding process, we thoroughly vacuumed the area and wiped it clean with a wet microfiber cloth. The next stage of our project involved applying multiple coats of primer to the cabinet boxes and doors. We used paintbrushes to achieve a consistent, semi-thick coat that would provide an excellent base for the final paint job.
To ensure we could access all areas without difficulty, we employed sample paint containers to elevate the doors and drawers as needed. Once the primer was dry – which took at least 6 hours – we flipped the doors over and applied a second coat to the opposite side. This allowed us to work efficiently in short sessions, taking into account our limited availability during that time.
With the primer fully cured after 8 hours, we moved on to the painting stage, applying at least two coats of paint to each cabinet box and door/drawer combination. We waited a full 12 hours between coats to ensure the paint had adequadte time to dry and bond properly. In the final stretch of our project, we reattached all the doors and drawers to their hinges and reinstalled the hardware using my mom’s drill guide, which significantly reduced the installation time.
We also replaced the rubber bumpers on the interior surfaces of the doors and drawers for a soft, protected close.
Before & After Painted Kitchen Cabinets
We started our DIY project by removing all the rubber door bumpers and giving the cabinetry a thorough cleaning with TSP cleaner. This versatile product effectively removes oil and grime without leaving any residue behind. Following the cleaning process, we removed all the doors and drawer fronts from their hinges, taking note to number each one using a Sharpie so we could easily reinstall them later.
We marked these numbers on the back of the drawer fronts as well as on the hardware attachment points, ensuring they would remain discreet once reattached. To facilitate our work, we covered the interior surfaces of the cabinets with kraft paper, eliminating the need to fully disassemble everything. Over the next few days, we sanded all the cabinet boxes and doors using 220 grit sandpaper, roughing up the surface just enough to provide a suitable base for primer.
We employed a palm sander for the flat areas but had to switch to a sanding block to tackle the more intricate nooks and crannies. After finishing the sanding process, we thoroughly vacuumed the area and wiped it clean with a wet microfiber cloth. The next stage of our project involved applying multiple coats of primer to the cabinet boxes and doors. We used paintbrushes to achieve a consistent, semi-thick coat that would provide an excellent base for the final paint job.
To ensure we could access all areas without difficulty, we employed sample paint containers to elevate the doors and drawers as needed. Once the primer was dry – which took at least 6 hours – we flipped the doors over and applied a second coat to the opposite side. This allowed us to work efficiently in short sessions, taking into account our limited availability during that time.
With the primer fully cured after 8 hours, we moved on to the painting stage, applying at least two coats of paint to each cabinet box and door/drawer combination. We waited a full 12 hours between coats to ensure the paint had adequadte time to dry and bond properly. In the final stretch of our project, we reattached all the doors and drawers to their hinges and reinstalled the hardware using my mom’s drill guide, which significantly reduced the installation time.
We also replaced the rubber bumpers on the interior surfaces of the doors and drawers for a soft, protected close.
The Sink Space
We started our DIY project by removing all the rubber door bumpers and giving the cabinetry a thorough cleaning with TSP cleaner. This versatile product effectively removes oil and grime without leaving any residue behind. Following the cleaning process, we removed all the doors and drawer fronts from their hinges, taking note to number each one using a Sharpie so we could easily reinstall them later.
We marked these numbers on the back of the drawer fronts as well as on the hardware attachment points, ensuring they would remain discreet once reattached. To facilitate our work, we covered the interior surfaces of the cabinets with kraft paper, eliminating the need to fully disassemble everything. Over the next few days, we sanded all the cabinet boxes and doors using 220 grit sandpaper, roughing up the surface just enough to provide a suitable base for primer.
We employed a palm sander for the flat areas but had to switch to a sanding block to tackle the more intricate nooks and crannies. After finishing the sanding process, we thoroughly vacuumed the area and wiped it clean with a wet microfiber cloth. The next stage of our project involved applying multiple coats of primer to the cabinet boxes and doors. We used paintbrushes to achieve a consistent, semi-thick coat that would provide an excellent base for the final paint job.
To ensure we could access all areas without difficulty, we employed sample paint containers to elevate the doors and drawers as needed. Once the primer was dry – which took at least 6 hours – we flipped the doors over and applied a second coat to the opposite side. This allowed us to work efficiently in short sessions, taking into account our limited availability during that time.
With the primer fully cured after 8 hours, we moved on to the painting stage, applying at least two coats of paint to each cabinet box and door/drawer combination. We waited a full 12 hours between coats to ensure the paint had adequadte time to dry and bond properly. In the final stretch of our project, we reattached all the doors and drawers to their hinges and reinstalled the hardware using my mom’s drill guide, which significantly reduced the installation time.
We also replaced the rubber bumpers on the interior surfaces of the doors and drawers for a soft, protected close.
The Side Wall
The sheer excitement and satisfaction I feel towards the completion of this project is unparalleled. A huge thank you to Andrew’s siblings, Phil and Charity, who dedicated an impressive amount of time to help us thoroughly clean and prepare the cabinets. Without their unwavering support and elbow grease, we’d still be in the midst of this project – a testament to their invaluable contributions.
Hayley, are you done with the kitchen now?
The kitchen renovation is complete, but that’s not the end of it. As we wrap up the final touches, there are still a few remaining tasks on our to-do list. We’ve recently installed dark grey granite on the outer countertops and are now focused on completing the following projects: installing a subway tile backsplash, painting the blue walls a matching grey hue to blend with the rest of the room, replacing the island countertop with butcher block, and possibly adding beadboard around the island.
I’ll be sure to share updates as we check each item off our list. In the meantime, you can follow my progress on Instagram where I’ve been posting regular updates.
Pin it for later!
The kitchen renovation is complete, but that’s not the end of it. As we wrap up the final touches, there are still a few remaining tasks on our to-do list. We’ve recently installed dark grey granite on the outer countertops and are now focused on completing the following projects: installing a subway tile backsplash, painting the blue walls a matching grey hue to blend with the rest of the room, replacing the island countertop with butcher block, and possibly adding beadboard around the island.
I’ll be sure to share updates as we check each item off our list. In the meantime, you can follow my progress on Instagram where I’ve been posting regular updates.
