A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference when it comes to revamping a tired, dated kitchen. With the right color choice and application, paint has the power to transform the look and feel of your kitchen almost instantly. From brightening up dark corners to making small spaces appear larger, paint opens up a world of possibilities. Join us as we explore how a simple can of paint can give new life to your kitchen.
Choosing the Right Paint Color
Choosing a paint color may seem daunting with the endless options available today. Here are some tips to guide you in selecting the perfect shade for your kitchen walls:
Consider the Amount of Natural Light
- North-facing rooms with limited sunlight can handle deeper, bolder hues like navy or forest green.
- South-facing kitchens awash in natural light look great with paler neutrals like soft gray, warm ivory, or buttercream.
Complement Your Cabinets and Countertops
- Whites, creams, and pale grays make natural wood cabinetry pop.
- Bold cabinet colors like navy or black pair well with crisp whites.
- Granite, marble, and stone counters work with both light and dark paint colors.
Think About How You Want the Room to Feel
- Soft blue-greens and sage greens promote relaxation.
- Yellows and oranges infuse energy and cheer.
- Whites make spaces feel open and airy.
Consider Undertones
- Warm paint colors with yellow/red undertones make small rooms feel cozy.
- Cool blues and greens with purple undertones feel more relaxing.
Collect Paint Swatches
- View swatches at different times of day to see how lighting affects the color.
- Paint large sample patches on walls to get an accurate impression.
Choose a Matte or Eggshell Finish
- Flat or matte finishes withstand cleaning and hide imperfections well.
- Eggshell has a subtle sheen that makes it great for trim and cabinets.
- Avoid high-gloss finish as it shows flaws and marks easily.
Prepping Your Kitchen for a Fresh Coat of Paint
Proper prep is crucial for achieving flawless painted kitchen walls. Follow these steps:
Clean Surfaces Thoroughly
- Wash down walls with a grease-cutting detergent like TSP.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before painting.
Fill Holes and Imperfections
- Fill nail holes, cracks, and gaps with spackle for a smooth finish.
Sand Glossy Surfaces
- De-gloss cabinets, trim, and tiles with fine grit sandpaper.
Mask Adjacent Surfaces
- Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect countertops and floors.
Remove Hardware and Fixtures
- Take down cabinet doors, drawer pulls, light fixtures, and switch plates.
Prime Bare Spots
- Spot prime unpainted areas like patched holes with a bonding primer.
Pro tip: For minimal prep, use high quality paint with built-in primer.
Paint Application Tips and Techniques
Applying kitchen paint properly ensures it adheres well and provides optimal coverage:
Use High-Quality Paint and Tools
- Invest in premium paint for maximum durability and coverage.
- Use high-density foam rollers and angled sash brushes.
Maintain a Wet Edge
- Work in sections, keeping a wet edge as you go to prevent lap marks.
Work Top to Bottom
- Paint ceilings first, then walls from top to bottom.
Use an Extension Pole
- Attach a roller to an extension pole for hard-to-reach spots.
Apply Thin, Even Coats
- Thick paint will run and drip. Two thin coats provide better coverage.
Allow Proper Dry Time
- Let each coat dry completely before adding another.
Finish with Trim and Touch-ups
- Cut in edges neatly with a brush before rolling.
- Touch up any missed spots for a polished look.
Choosing the Best Paint Sheen for Your Kitchen
Paint sheen impacts the aesthetic, durability, and cleanability of your kitchen walls. Consider:
Flat/Matte
- Provides a classic, velvety look.
- Hides imperfections well.
- Needs gentle cleaning to avoid marring.
Eggshell
- Has a soft, velvety appearance.
- Washes cleanly while hiding flaws.
- Great for cabinets and trim.
Satin
- Offers slight luster for visual interest.
- Withstands moderate scrubbing.
- Resists yellowing over time.
Semi-Gloss
- Has a sleek, radiant sheen.
- Enhances depth of color.
- Highly washable and durable.
High-Gloss
- Provides a shiny, reflective surface.
- Very scrubbable and stain-resistant.
- Can accentuate imperfections.
Consider eggshell or satin for most kitchen walls, and semi-gloss for trim, cabinets, and high-traffic areas.
Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Painting tired wooden cabinets opens up countless color options beyond natural wood tones. Here’s how to get a flawless painted finish:
Clean and Sand Cabinets
- Remove doors and hardware.
- Clean thoroughly and sand to degloss.
Prime Cabinets
- Use a high-adhesion primer made for cabinets.
Apply Paint in Thin Coats
- Use a short-nap roller and angled brush.
- Allow proper drying time between coats.
Finish with Protective Topcoat
- Use cabinet-grade enamel in a semi-gloss sheen.
- Allow to cure fully before rehanging doors.
Reinstall Doors and Hardware
- Fill screw holes with wood filler before reattaching.
- Check doors for clearance and realign if needed.
Creative Paint Techniques to Upgrade Kitchen Walls
Looking to add character beyond just a fresh solid coat? Try these creative paint techniques:
Two-Tone Walls
- Paint upper and lower walls different hues.
- Add thick painted trim to delineate sections.
Faux Finishes
- Replicate looks of marble, stone, or brick with specialty tools.
- Add depth with textured paint rollers and brushes.
Stripes or Geometric Patterns
- Use painter’s tape to create crisp lines and angles.
- Make a bold statement with contrasting colors.
Murals or Scenes
- Hire an artist to hand paint a scenic mural.
- Use removable wall decals to mimic art without commitment.
Chalkboard Surfaces
- Designate a chalkboard wall for leaving messages.
- Use chalkboard paint or apply panels.
Painting Small Kitchens
Small kitchens can gain a spacious illusion with smart color choices:
- Use light colors like soft whites, pale grays, or subtle blues.
- Paint ceiling, trim, and upper cabinets a bright white.
- Avoid dark or intense colors which can overwhelm.
- Add visual interest with an accent wall in bolder color.
- Include reflective finishes on backsplashes.
- Maximize natural light with large windows, skylights.
- Incorporate glass-front cabinet doors.
- Keep counters and floors light.
- Use trompe l’oeil painting to “push back” walls.
Best Paint Colors for Kitchens by Style
Contemporary
- Whites, light grays, or bold hues like crimson red.
- Glossy finishes on accent walls or backsplashes.
Farmhouse
- Soft whites, light blues, sage greens.
- Neutrals like beige, tan, or cloud gray.
Traditional
- Warm whites, antique whites.
- Woodsy hues like brown, taupe, khaki.
Transitional
- Versatile grays or greiges.
- Subdued blues, greens, and violets.
Coastal
- Light blues, sea greens, corals.
- White paired with natural wood tones.
Painting Kitchens in Rental Properties
Painting drab kitchens in rental units or investment properties pays off by:
- Increasing perceived value of the property.
- Attracting higher quality tenants.
- Allowing for higher rents compared to the local area.
- Concealing damage or flaws between tenants.
- Providing a clean palette for staging.
- Making older properties appear fresh and updated.
For best ROI, use durable paints in neutral hues that appeal to the widest range of tenants. Soft gray, beige, tan, and off-white are safe options. Seek owner approval and keep existing paint colors on file for repainting when tenants move out.
Signs It’s Time to Repaint Your Kitchen
Watch for these clues that your kitchen is due for a fresh coat of paint:
- Visible cracks, peeling, or discoloration.
- Walls appear dingy, dull, or faded.
- Paint feels chalky or unsmooth to the touch.
- Kitchen feels dated or boring.
- Recent updates or remodeling completed.
- You want to change the look or color scheme.
- Planning to sell or rent the property soon.
- Existing paint is damaged or yellowed from smoking, grease, etc.
Ideally, kitchens should be repainted every 3-5 years to keep the space looking its best. More frequent touch-ups may be needed for high-traffic kitchens or problem areas prone to grease buildup near cooking surfaces.
Cost to Paint Kitchen
The cost to paint a kitchen averages $800-$2000 depending on size, condition, and exact painting needs.
- Small galley kitchen under 150 sq ft: $800-$1000
- Medium sized kitchen of 150-250 sq ft: $1200-$1500
- Large open concept kitchen over 250 sq ft: $1800-$2000+
Additional costs may include:
- Surface repair and patching: $200-$500
- Primer for heavily damaged walls: $100-$300
- Cabinet painting/refinishing: $300-$1000+ per set
- Paint removal for problematic existing finishes: $200-$500
Hiring a professional painter typically costs $25-$50 per hour. Paint prices range from $25-$50 per gallon.
How to Maintain Your Freshly Painted Kitchen
Keep your kitchen paint looking like new by:
- Allowing full 30 day cure time before cleaning.
- Using gentle cleaners instead of abrasives.
- Immediately wiping up spills and splatters.
- Not placing heat sources directly on walls.
- Touching up nicks and scrapes promptly.
- Cleansing walls regularly with TSP or mild soap and water.
- Repainting high-traffic areas more frequently as needed.
- Applying new protective topcoats every 2-3 years.
With proper care and maintenance, your painted kitchen can continue looking freshly updated for years before needing redone.
Kitchen Paint FAQs
Should I use oil or latex paint in the kitchen?
Latex paints are preferred for kitchens because they are more durable, breathable, and scrubbable. Oil-based paints yellow over time and the fumes are toxic.
How should I prepare vinyl or laminate cabinets before painting?
De-gloss laminate cabinets with 220 grit sandpaper, then apply bonding primer to help the new paint adhere.
What kind of paint finish works best for kitchen walls?
A matte, eggshell, or satin finish resists stains/moisture and touches up easily on kitchen walls. Semi-gloss adds durability behind ranges or sinks.
Should I paint my kitchen cabinets or replace them?
Painting cabinets costs a fraction of replacement. Unless cabinets are structurally damaged, painting provides an affordable facelift.
What sheen should I use on kitchen cabinets?
A satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss enamel provides a durable, scrubbable finish on kitchen cabinets.
How long does it take cabinet paint to cure?
Allow cabinet paint 7-14 days to fully cure and achieve maximum hardness and durability before using.
What order should I paint a kitchen?
Paint the ceiling first, then walls, trim, and cabinets last. Save cabinets for last to avoid damage from other painting.
Conclusion
A simple DIY paint job can work wonders when it comes to updating a tired, dated kitchen. With proper prep, application, and maintenance, fresh paint provides an affordable kitchen facelift with transformative results. The endless choices of paint sheens, colors, and finishes open up many options to give your kitchen an exciting new look and feel. So grab a brush and makeover your kitchen with the magic of paint!
