Should You Paint the Inside of Cabinets? Pros and Cons of This Popular Renovation Choice
Should You Paint the Inside of Cabinets?
Yes, you should paint the inside of cabinets if you want a finished and cohesive look.
However, it is not necessary to paint every surface inside the cabinet, such as the base or drawers.
Use the appropriate type of paint for your cabinet material, prep the surfaces properly, and choose a paint color that complements the front of the cabinets.
Key Points:
- Consider using a primer before painting for better adhesion.
- Apply multiple thin coats of paint for a smooth and durable finish.
- Allow sufficient drying time between coats.
- Consider adding a top coat or sealant for added protection.
- Use masking tape or painter’s tape to protect areas you don’t want to paint.
- Remove hardware, such as handles or knobs, before painting.
- Properly clean and degrease the cabinets before starting the painting process.
- Use a brush or roller for larger areas and a smaller brush for corners and edges.
- Allow the cabinets to fully cure before placing items back inside.
- Regularly clean and maintain painted cabinets to keep them looking fresh.
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that painting the inside of cabinets can actually help deter pests? Certain types of paint, such as those that contain diatomaceous earth, can repel common kitchen pests like ants and cockroaches.
2. The practice of painting the inside of cabinets has been traced back to ancient Egypt. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of beautifully painted wooden cabinets inside tombs, indicating that the Egyptians valued the aesthetics of both the inside and outside of their storage spaces.
3. In Japan, painting the inside of cabinets is considered a form of Feng Shui. According to this ancient philosophy, painting cabinets with soothing colors like light blue or pastel green can promote a harmonious atmosphere and bring positive energy into the room.
4. Before the invention of modern kitchen cabinets, people used to store their food and cooking utensils on open shelves. Painting the inside of cabinets only became popular when cabinets with doors and compartments started to be widely used in homes, as a way to add a personal touch to otherwise plain storage spaces.
5. Painting the inside of cabinets can be a fun DIY project, but you should be mindful of the type of paint you choose. Opt for high-quality, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint to avoid health risks associated with inhaling harmful fumes. Always ensure proper ventilation while painting.
Similarity Of Painting Interior And Exterior Of Cabinets
When it comes to giving your cabinets a fresh new look, painting the interior is just as important as painting the exterior. While many homeowners focus solely on the exterior of their cabinets, neglecting the interior can leave your cabinets looking unfinished and less aesthetically pleasing.
Painting the interior of cabinets provides a cohesive and polished look to your kitchen or bathroom. It also allows you to customize the space and bring in your desired color scheme.
To summarize:
- Painting the interior of cabinets is essential for a finished and aesthetically pleasing look.
- It complements the exterior painting and provides a cohesive appearance.
- It allows for customization and brings in your desired color scheme.
So, don’t forget to give equal attention to both the interior and exterior of your cabinets to achieve the desired look and feel in your space.
“Painting the interior of cabinets provides a cohesive and polished look to your kitchen or bathroom. It also allows you to customize the space and bring in your desired color scheme.”
Determining The Right Paint Based On Cabinet Material
Before you start painting the inside of your cabinets, it is crucial to consider the material they are made of. The type of paint you choose will depend on whether your cabinets are made of wood, laminate, or metal. Among these options, wood is the easiest to paint as it readily absorbs paint, while laminate and metal surfaces require special preparation to ensure proper adhesion.
Preparing The Cabinets For Painting
To ensure a professional-looking finish, properly prepare your cabinets before painting. Follow these steps:
- Clear out the contents of the cabinets to provide a clean and clutter-free workspace.
- Remove the doors, drawers, and hardware that may obstruct the painting process.
- Inspect the cabinets for any old, chipped paint inside, and remove it before proceeding.
Sanding the surfaces is essential to achieve a smooth and even finish. This step helps to eliminate rough areas and create a surface that the primer can adhere to effectively. After sanding, thoroughly clean the surfaces before applying the primer. Consider using a recommended cleaning product like Trisodium phosphate (TSP) to remove grease, grime, and other contaminants.
If you encounter any deep scratches or holes, fill them with wood putty. After filling the holes, wipe down the surfaces to ensure a clean and flush finish.
- Clear out the contents of the cabinets
- Remove doors, drawers, and hardware
- Remove old, chipped paint if present
- Sand surfaces for a smooth finish
- Thoroughly clean the surfaces
- Fill any deep scratches or holes with wood putty
- Wipe down the surfaces for a clean finish
Choosing The Right Primer For Durability
Choosing the appropriate primer is vital to ensure a durable and long-lasting finish for your painted cabinets.
The type of paint chosen will determine the primer you should use. For porous wood or old paint with an unknown base, an oil-based primer is recommended to provide optimal adhesion. However, for other surfaces, a high-quality water-based primer will suffice.
Applying a coat of primer and allowing it to dry before applying a second coat will ensure a smooth and even base for the paint.
It is important to consult the product directions for specific drying times, as this can vary depending on the brand and type of primer.
Recommended Paint Options For Inside Cabinets
When it comes to selecting the best paint for your cabinets, the options will depend on your budget and personal preference. It is not necessary to invest in expensive paint or special cabinet paint kits. However, using a primer is essential for achieving a durable finish.
Two recommended paint options for painting the inside of kitchen cabinets are Benjamin Moore Advance Paint and Behr Scuff Defense Paint. Benjamin Moore Advance Paint is a premium line of waterborne alkyd paint that combines the self-leveling characteristics of oil-based paint with easy clean-up. On the other hand, Behr Scuff Defense Paint offers gloss-like protection with a matte look and proven chip resistance over two years.
To achieve a professional and elegant look, it is recommended to use a satin finish paint for the inside of cabinets. Water-based paint is an ideal choice due to its lack of toxic fumes and ease of application. This type of paint typically requires two coats for optimal coverage. While chalk paint can be used for a textured look, it is generally not recommended for cabinets due to its limited durability.
- Use a primer for a durable finish
- Benjamin Moore Advance Paint has self-leveling characteristics and easy clean-up
- Behr Scuff Defense Paint offers gloss-like protection and chip resistance
- Satin finish paint achieves a professional and elegant look
- Water-based paint is ideal due to lack of toxic fumes and ease of application
- Two coats of paint are typically required for optimal coverage
- Chalk paint is not recommended for cabinets due to limited durability.
Best Practices And Alternatives For Adding Color To Cabinets
When painting the inside of cabinets, it is important to ensure proper personal protection and ventilation, especially when using oil-based paint, which has a strong smell and long-lasting fumes. To achieve a smooth finish, consider using a high-density mini foam roller.
Painting the inside of cabinet doors is considered best practice to achieve a more cohesive and professional look. However, not painting the interior of the cabinet base is a good idea when the cabinets are in good condition and the interior is not visible. Glass door cabinets, on the other hand, should be painted entirely for a seamless appearance.
If you prefer not to paint the inside of your cabinets, there are alternative options available to add color or fun to the space. Some viable options include:
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper
- Drawer liners such as Gorilla Grip or non-adhesive canvas liner
- Self-adhesive vinyl drawer shelf liner
- Unscented drawer liner
- Felt cabinet liners
These options can bring a pop of color or style to the inside of your cabinets without the need for paint.
“painting the inside of your cabinets can greatly enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom. It is important to consider the material of your cabinets, properly prepare the surfaces, choose the right primer and paint, and follow best practices for a professional finish. However, if painting is not your preference, there are alternative options available to add color and style to the inside of your cabinets. Ultimately, the decision to paint the inside of cabinets should be based on your personal taste and desired outcome.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to paint inside cabinet?
Painting the insides of cabinets is typically unnecessary due to the existing stain or seal that most cabinets come with. These protective measures are specifically applied to safeguard the interior from any wear and tear caused by the storage of items such as cans and cooking utensils. As manufacturers have already anticipated this need for protection, painting the inside of cabinets is not a common practice.
What color should the inside of cabinets be?
When it comes to choosing the color for the inside of your cabinets, consistency is key. To achieve a clean and professional look, it is recommended to use the same paint color that you used on the front side of your kitchen cabinet doors. This creates a seamless and cohesive aesthetic. However, if you are feeling adventurous and want to add a creative touch, opting for a bold pop of color can bring a vibrant energy to your cabinets and make them stand out.
When painting cabinets do you paint inside doors?
When it comes to painting cabinets, whether or not to paint inside doors largely depends on whether you choose to remove them or leave them on during the process. Taking the doors off can make painting easier, allowing for better access and control. It is advisable to remove the hardware from both the cabinet and the doors before proceeding. If you decide to leave the doors on, you may not necessarily need to paint the interiors of the cabinets, but if you do choose to do so, it is recommended to work from the inside out. This way, you can achieve a consistent and professional finish throughout the entire cabinet.
Should I paint the inside of kitchen drawers?
Painting the inside of kitchen drawers can be a great solution to address scratches, stains, and a worn appearance. It not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also provides a fresh and clean look to the interiors. Additionally, if the drawer has an unpleasant odor, such as smoke, dirty socks, or a musty stench, painting it can help eliminate the smell and create a more pleasant environment for storing kitchen essentials. Ultimately, painting the inside of kitchen drawers can be a practical and visually appealing way to maintain and revitalize these storage spaces.