The Simple Trick to Matching Painted Cabinets

You've got these beautiful cabinets that you spent good money on years back. But now the paint's chipping and worn, and they're looking a little sad. You want to give them new life with a fresh coat of paint, but uh oh - you've got no clue what color they originally were. And finding that perfect match seems impossible. We've all been there! But don't stress - there's a simple trick using stuff you've probably got at home already to match that paint color spot on.

In just a few easy steps, you'll have your cabinets looking brand new again. Keep reading to learn the secret that'll make your kitchen look amazing!

Preparing to Paint Your Cabinets for a Perfect Color Match

So you've decided to paint your cabinets to freshen up your kitchen. Great choice! To get that seamless, custom look, the key is proper preparation.

First, empty your cabinets and clean them thoroughly. Scrub down the surfaces to remove any grease or grime. For the best results, consider deglossing previously painted cabinets with a chemical deglosser or light sandpaper. This helps the new paint adhere better.

Cleaning and Lightly Sanding

Give your cabinets a once over with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust. Then lightly sand them with fine-grit sandpaper, wiping away dust with the tack cloth as you go. The sanding opens up the pores of the cabinets just enough for the new paint to grab on.

Priming

For the most professional-looking finish, apply a coat of primer. Primer helps provide an even base coat and prevents the old color from showing through. Use a primer specifically meant for painting laminate or previously painted cabinets. Let it dry as directed.

Painting

You're ready to paint! Use a high-quality paint meant for cabinets in an enamel or satin sheen. Thin coats are best - you can always add more, but you can't take it away! Wait for each coat to dry completely between applications.

With some elbow grease and patience, you'll have a kitchen that looks like it was remodeled by pros. The results will be well worth the effort!

Choosing the Right Paint for a Flawless Finish

Color Matching

When painting cabinets, using the exact shade is key. Start by checking if your cabinets have a brand and color code. If not, bring a door or drawer front to be color-matched at your local hardware store. They can scan it to find an exact or custom-blended match. For the most seamless result, buy all the paint you need at once.

Sheen Selection

For cabinets, a satin or semi-gloss sheen is best. These provide a smooth, wipeable finish without too much shine. Avoid flat paints, which won’t stand up to cleaning, and glossy paints, which show more imperfections. Satin or semi-gloss also helps hide minor damage or repairs to cabinet surfaces.

Primer for Problem Woods

Certain wood types, like pine or oak, have strong grains that can bleed through paint. For these, apply a coat of oil-based primer before painting. The primer blocks stains and provides a smooth base for your color. Once dry, you can apply two coats of your cabinet paint. Using a primer is well worth the extra effort for a professional-looking finish.

Topcoat for Protection

Add a clear topcoat like polyurethane over your final coat of paint. This protects the finish and provides an easy-to-clean surface. For the hardest finish, choose an oil-based polyurethane and apply at least two coats. Water-based polyurethane dries faster but may require an extra coat. The topcoat is a critical final step to help your painted cabinets withstand daily use.

With the right prep, products, and technique, you'll achieve a flawless finish and color match on your cabinets. Take your time through each step and the end result will be cabinets that look like new for years to come.

Mastering the Simple Technique to Match Your Existing Cabinet Color

Matching your cabinet color is easier than you think. The key is finding the right paint sample to begin with. Here’s how to master this simple technique in a few easy steps:

Start With Your Cabinet Door

Take one of your cabinet doors off its hinges so you have a good-sized sample to bring to the hardware store. Make sure to bring pieces from different areas of the kitchen since the color can vary depending on the lighting.

Find Close Color Matches

At the store, head to the paint samples section. Look for shades in the same color family as your cabinets, holding each sample up to your cabinet piece to check how well they match. Don’t go for an exact match, but instead aim for something slightly lighter or darker, as an exact match won’t account for the cabinet wood underneath and may end up looking off.

Test the Samples

Once you’ve narrowed down to 3 or 4 good options, paint test swatches of each on an inconspicuous area of your cabinets, like the inside of a door or drawer front, and check how each looks in different types of lighting. The right shade should blend in with your existing cabinet color.

Buy With Confidence

With your perfect match in hand, you can buy paint with confidence. For the best results, choose a high-quality enamel or cabinet paint in a satin or semi-gloss sheen. Apply 2-3 coats, letting each coat dry completely between applications.

Matching your cabinet color may take a few attempts, but with this simple technique, you’ll achieve a professional finish that blends seamlessly with the cabinets you already have. With the variety of paint samples available, you're sure to find a shade that's not too much, not too little, but just right.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Matching painted cabinets might seem tricky, but with a little effort, it's totally doable. Just take your time to clean the cabinets, use painter's tape, apply primer, and don't forget multiple thin coats of paint.

Test out samples first, and make adjustments as you go until you nail the right color. It may take some trial and error, but with this simple trick, you'll have your kitchen looking fresh in no time. The sense of accomplishment will be so worth it. Enjoy those beautifully matched cabinets! Contact us for professional help with your kitchen remodel.