Make use of the long weekend by adding a pop of colour to your kitchen cabinets with paint

Image: Dulux

With another bank holiday weekend approaching, many of us will be planning a long weekend of DIY or shopping. But rather than breaking the bank by buying new furniture, why not indulge in some upcycling by revamping old or well used kitchen cabinets? Not only is it cheaper than investing in a brand cabinetry – it’s better for the environment too.

Kitchen revamps can seem a daunting task especially to any DIY newbies, so we spoke to the experts at Dulux to ensure you’re well equipped to produce some great results –  and leaving your food preparation space feeling like new!

So read on to find helpful tips on how best to prepare, what to use to save time and money and how to store paint for future touch-ups…

You will need:

• Dulux Quick Dry paint
• Dust sheet
• Screwdriver
• Masking tape
• Degreaser
• Cloth
• Sand paper and sanding block
• Paint stirrer
• Paint tray
• Brush
• Roller

Prepare your surfaces

Image: Dulux

1. Put down dust sheets to protect your flooring, worktops and any furniture nearby that you can’t move. Remove any door knobs and handles, and protect hinges with masking tape. Give your kitchen cabinets a thorough clean with degreaser and wait for them to dry.
2. After this, gently sand your cabinets with fine sandpaper to remove the sheen and create a smooth painting surface. For large flat areas, using a sanding block will help give a consistent finish.
3.  Mask up any areas where the cabinets meet walls, flooring, skirting, appliances or worktops.

Paint your cabinets

Image: Dulux

When you’re using Dulux Quick Dry, there’s no need to apply primer to your surfaces: you can go straight in with your top coats, saving you time and money.

1. Give your paint a good stir, pour it into the paint tray and you’re ready to get started. Wipe the surface of the door using a damp cloth prior to painting to help the paint flow, taking care not to over soak.
2. Next, cut in around the edges using a brush. Then, use a roller to paint larger surfaces and allow the paint to dry for six hours before applying the second coat.
3. When applying your second coat, try to roll in the opposite direction of your first coat. By doing so, this will help achieve a consistent finish.
4. Finally, let your doors dry thoroughly before opening and closing them. If you are also painting the insides of your cabinets, it’s usually best to do one side at a time.

Expert tip: In between coats, simply put your brush and roller in a plastic bag to keep them moist and you’ll be able to use again for your next coat without having to wash them.

Read more: Top tips for painting kitchen cabinets (+ which paint to buy)

Clean up time

Image: Dulux

1. Once your second coat is completely dry, you can remove the masking tape and put any door knobs or handles back on to your beautiful cabinets.
2. Remove as much paint as you can from your brush, roller and tray using a cloth and give them a thorough wash in water. There’s no need to use white spirit, as Dulux Quick Dry is water based.
3. Finally, firmly close your paint tin and store it in a dry and frost-free environment.

Shop Dulux Quick Dry paint here

Considering painting your kitchen cupboards? Tweet us @goodhomesmag, post a comment on our Facebook page or tag us in your finished projects on Instagram. 

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