Painted kitchen cabinets

How to make it

1. 

   1

   Check what you've got

   Make sure the doors are real wood or MDF. Plastic-wrapped thermofoil peels, so stop here if that's yours. Test old finishes for lead in pre-1978 homes.

2. 

   2

   Remove and label

   Take off the doors, drawers and hardware. Number each door and its hinge spot with tape so it all goes back the same.

3. 

   3

   Degrease everything

   Scrub every surface with degreaser, rinse and let it dry. Cooking grease is why most cabinet paint fails.

4. 

   4

   Scuff sand

   Sand all surfaces lightly with 220 grit until the shine is gone. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth.

5. 

   5

   Prime

   Brush and roll one coat of bonding primer. Sand lightly with 320 once dry.

6. 

   6

   Paint 2 coats

   Roll on thin coats of enamel, tipping off with the brush. Do one side of the doors per day and wait the full recoat time on the can.

7. 

   7

   Rehang carefully

   Rehang doors once the paint is hard to the touch. Add bumpers so doors don't stick to the frames.

8. 

   8

   Be gentle while it cures

   Close doors gently for 2 to 3 weeks while the enamel fully hardens. Then it handles daily kitchen life.