Painting kitchen cupboards

Painting Kitchen Cupboards

Using paint to transform your kitchen is highly effective, as well as being really cost efficient. You can factor it in the design of a new kitchen, or use it to give a totally new look to old existing units.

In this lesson you will need:

• Kitchen
• Sandpaper
• Shellac, if needed
• Lint-free cloths
• Warm soapy sponge
• Paint
• Mixing stick
• Flat brush
• Wax or lacquer
• Wax brush or lacquer brush

Colours used

• Riad Terracotta [wall paint]
• French Linen

1. This project will be a lot easier if you remove each of the cupboard doors so you can work on a flat surface, and it's a good idea to remove any hinges and handles too.

1. As with all our painting projects so far, the first thing you need to do is prepare the surface. Regardless of your surface, begin by giving it a good sand. If the wood is new and untreated, you'll then need to seal it with shellac and a lint-free cloth. If your kitchen is old, it has likely already been sealed and you don't need to do this. I would, however, recommend giving the surfaces a good wash with warm soapy water.

1. Once you're ready to paint, open up the tin and give it a good stir with your mixing stick. Use the brush you feel most comfortable with - I prefer a flat brush for this kind of project. Apply the paint to the cupboard door evenly, spreading it out as far as you can for a smooth finish.

1. People often say you should paint along the grain of the wood; however, this can sometimes cause stripes. If you're using my chalk paint, I would actually advise brushing in lots of different directions to achieve an even finish.

1. Once the first coat is dry, you can then apply the second coat, making sure you catch any bits you might have missed.

1. Next, you'll need to seal the newly painted surface. You can either use wax or lacquer, depending on your preference. Lacquer will give you more of a polished and even finish, whereas wax is a little softer and more mellow.

1. I like to use wax, and it's best to apply it with a wax brush quite generously in a big sweeping motion, spreading it out to avoid any build-up. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe away any excess.

1. The final part of the process is to fix the door back onto the cupboard, and then to fix the cupboard knobs on.

Places to find nice cupboard handles and knobs:

• Rowen and Wren
• Bombay Duck
• Jim Lawrence
• Willow and Stone
• Door Handle Company