Painted Kitchen Cabinets

We did it! We finally painted our hideous pink cabinets. After much deliberation, we decided to paint them instead of stain them. This was mostly because we realized that the cabinets had been white washed/painted with a coral white color. As we painted the walls, replaced the appliances, and finally replaced the flooring, the white washed cabinets became more and more pink. So, we decided to paint them!

First, we moved everything out as best as we could and removed the doors. The doors went into the garage where they were cleaned with TSP substitute and then sanded. The frames got the same treatment inside. Next, we primed the doors and frames with a high build, sandable prime. This was a bit overkill for our cabinets but it was recommended by This Old House. Next, we sanded down the prime to get rid of brush strokes (or at least try, that stuff was difficult to sand off!!! We had to change the grit from 220 to 100 because nothing was happening). This step took us like 4 hours. After cleaning off the dust with tack cloth it was time to paint!

We purchased a Wagner Paint Ready System at Lowes. It was $150 but was worth every penny. It made painting the cabinets a breeze and gave a very professional finish. The frames had to be painted by hand but that was just fine. I painted the frames inside while Andrew used the paint sprayer on the cabinets outside. We then gave them a second coat the next day. After drying for another 48 hours, we installed IKEA Metrik stainless steel handles. They have two sizes. We used the large handles on the main doors and the small handles on the drawers and little cabinets above the range and fridge. Next, we attached the doors to the frames.

I can't believe the transformation! I don't recognize my kitchen anymore and I think that is a good thing. ;)

We aren't finished with our kitchen remodel yet! Next we will be getting new counter tops to match the counters in our bathrooms and then Andrew will be installing a tile backsplash to finish the modern, clean look. One step at a time and painting the cabinets was one giant step!

This is a shot of the kitchen before we replaced the flooring.

Here is a before shot of the kitchen with the tile floors. As you can see the cabinets look a bit pink.

And here is our beautiful transformation. The color we used is Behr Stealth Jet. 

 I think it is a beautiful transformation! I am so thankful for a wonderful, hard working husband who helped our vision become a reality. Not bad for a $600 investment (it would have been less if we had not purchased a random orbit sander and paint sprayer)!

What do you think of the change?