Guide to Painting Cherry Cabinets

Ah, the kitchen cabinets – the heart and soul of any home. They’re the unsung heroes, quietly storing our mismatched tupperware and housing our prized culinary creations. But let’s be real, after years of use (and maybe a few too many splashes of spaghetti sauce), those once-glorious cherry cabinets can start to look a little, well, tired.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re standing in your kitchen, eyeing those worn-out cabinets and dreaming of a refresh. Maybe the cherry finish just doesn’t suit your style, you don’t like how dark the cherry cabinets make the room look and feel, or maybe you’re hoping to breathe new life into an outdated kitchen. Whatever your reason, we at Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper are here to guide you through the process of painting your kitchen cabinets.

With 20 years of experience under our belts, we’ve seen it all – from DIY disasters to professional paint jobs that look like they were done by the cabinet gods themselves. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of painting your cherry cabinets, whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a complete painting novice.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll have the confidence and know-how to tackle this project like a pro (or, at the very least, avoid turning your kitchen into a Jackson Pollock painting) or how to hire a paint contractor to paint the cabinets for you!

Inspecting your Cabinets before you start painting them

1st make sure you have cherry cabinets! Here is a pic of Cherry and Oak cabinets. There is a difference. You should also make sure they are not maple cabinets stained to a cherry finish.

Are your cabinets damaged?

Do you need new hinges?

These are st starting points of the cabinet painting process.

Supplies needed to paint cabinets yourself

Let’s make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. Painting cabinets is a bit more involved than your average wall paint job, so you’ll want to be prepared.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Degreaser or TSP substitute
• Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
• Primer (oil-based or latex)
• High-quality paint (we recommend a satin or semi-gloss finish)
• Paint rollers, brushes, and trays
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths or tarps
• Screwdrivers, putty knife, and other basic tools

Tip: When it comes to paint, don’t skimp! Invest in a premium brand like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore. The extra cost will be worth it for the durability and smooth finish.

Preparation for Cabinet Painting

Step 1: Preparation is Key Alright, time to roll up those sleeves and get to work. The key to a successful cabinet paint job is all in the preparation. This is where you’ll do the heavy lifting, but trust us – it’ll make the actual painting a breeze.

First, start by thoroughly cleaning your cabinets. Use a degreaser or TSP substitute to remove any built-up grease, grime, or residue. This will help the paint adhere better and prevent any unsightly bubbles or peeling down the line.

Next, remove all the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. This will give you better access to the surfaces and make the painting process much easier. Label each door and drawer so you know where they go when it’s time to reassemble.

Mask and Cover! Before sanding and making a real mess- you need to mask anything not getting painted! If your using a brush and roller it is not as critical, but if your spraying- you better have every single centimeter covered!

Now, it’s time to sand. Begin with a coarse 220-grit sandpaper to remove any existing paint or stain. This will help the primer and new paint bond properly. Once you’ve got a nice, smooth surface, follow up with a 320-grit sandpaper to create a super-smooth finish.

Tip: Don’t forget to sand the cabinet boxes, too! Even if the doors and drawers are the main focus, the boxes need the same TLC.

Prime those cabinets before painting

Priming for Success! With the prep work out of the way, it’s time to put on your painter’s hat and get started with the priming. This step is crucial for ensuring your new paint job lasts.

When it comes to primer, you have a couple of options:

• Oil-based primer: This provides excellent adhesion and stain-blocking properties, making it a great choice for cherry cabinets. Just be aware that it has a strong odor and requires mineral spirits for cleanup.
• HYbrid primers- We LOVE Stix- it is a modified primer that sticks to dam near anything.
• Latex primer: Newer latex primers offer impressive performance and are easier to work with. They’re a great eco-friendly option and clean up with just soap and water.

Regardless of which primer you choose, apply it in thin, even coats, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to pay extra attention to any areas that were previously stained or painted, as those will need a bit more primer love.

Tip: For a super-smooth finish, lightly sand the primed surfaces with 320-grit sandpaper before moving on to the paint. (and between each layer or coat of paint)

Painting your cabinets

Now for the fun part – painting! This is where you get to unleash your inner Picasso and transform those dated cherry cabinets into a work of art.

When it comes to paint, we recommend a high-quality satin or semi-gloss finish. These sheens are durable, easy to clean, and provide a beautiful, subtle sheen that complements cherry wood beautifully.

As for the actual painting process, What to use a brush and roller or sprayer? Sprayers is best left to someone with experience. When we train a cabinet painter- it takes about 5 jobs (200 plus pieces to get the technique right)

Have a clean work space! NO;

• animals with loose hair
• open doors
• outside in the yard
• in dirty areas
• by high traffic areas
• exposure to water

Ideally, every door or drawer should either be hung or laid flat.

For brushes- Use a high-quality brush for the edges and corners, and a small micro fibre roller for the larger flat surfaces.

Apply the paint in thin, even coats!! Allow each coat to fully dry before adding the next. Again sand before each coat.

Once the doors and drawers are complete, move on to the cabinet boxes. Take your time and be sure to get into all those nooks and crannies. Some people ask- yes you can paint the inside of the cabinets for a polished, cohesive look. If you have glass doors- you may have to do this for sure.

Tip: Don’t forget to paint the cabinet frames and any exposed hinges or hardware. A little attention to detail can make a big difference in the final result.

Putting the kitchen back together after painting

The hard part is done! Now it’s time to put your cabinets back together and add those final finishing touches.

Start by reattaching the cabinet doors and drawers, making sure everything lines up perfectly. If you labeled each piece during the disassembly process, this should be a breeze.

Next, replace any hardware, such as pulls or knobs, that you removed during the painting process. This is a great opportunity to update the look of your cabinets with some new, coordinating hardware.

Finally, give your freshly painted cabinets a good once-over. Check for any missed spots or drips, and touch up as needed. Then, step back and admire your handiwork – those cherry cabinets are looking better than ever!

Conclusion: Congratulations, you’ve completed your cabinet painting project! Whether you tackled this DIY-style or called in the pros at Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper, you should be incredibly proud of the transformation.

By following our step-by-step guide, you’ve learned the ins and outs of painting cherry cabinets, from proper preparation to the final brushstrokes. Your kitchen is now the envy of the neighborhood, and you can enjoy the fruits of your labor (or, you know, your spaghetti sauce) for years to come.

Remember, painting cabinets is no small feat, but with the right tools, patience, and attention to detail, you can achieve professional-level results. And hey, if you ever find yourself in a paint-induced haze, wondering if you’ll ever be able to open your cabinets again, just take a deep breath and remind yourself – it’s only paint, and it can always be changed.

So, go forth and paint those cherished cabinets with confidence! And if you ever need a little extra guidance or want to hand the project off to the experts, you know where to find us.

Happy painting, and may your kitchen forever be a showcase of your hard work and impeccable taste!

For more information on cabinet painting techniques and tools, check out these helpful resources:

1. This Old House’s guide to painting kitchen cabinets: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21016704/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets
2. Family Handyman’s tips for a professional-looking cabinet paint job: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-like-a-pro/
3. Sherwin-Williams’ cabinet painting guide: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/how-to/projects/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets
4. Benjamin Moore’s cabinet paint selection: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/interior-exterior-paints-stains/products/cabinet-furniture-paint