A NEW KITCHEN FOR AROUND $100

I received an email tonight from someone who heard from a friend of mine that I painted the cabinets in my old kitchen and she wanted to know how I did it....so I figured, why not respond in a blog post and hopefully help some of you too?

So here’s the lowdown on the big kitchen redo.

Here’s the before picture. Some people enjoy oak, some people can make it work…I found it completely suffocating. I dreamed of clean, crisp, ivory cabinets, and I finally thought “Hey, what’s holding me back here?!”. So I finally just did it, and I'm sooo glad I did.

Step 1:
I removed the doors, numbering each of them and making a map so it would be a piece of cake to reinstall them. See those numbers on the blue tape? I made sure they were next to their door at all times.

Step 2:
I cleaned and lightly sanded the doors and cabinet frames and then applied Gripper brand primer. I let the primer dry 24 hours before applying the first coat of paint. I know it’s tempting to paint sooner, but don’t!...go to a movie, have a hot bath, take the kids to McDonalds, but don’t touch those cabinets before 24 hours are up.

Step 3…4…5 (honestly, this step feels like it will never end, but hang in there!)
I applied 3 coats of satin latex paint (I used Ralph Lauren Architectural Cream) to the cabinet frames and doors, allowing at least 4 hours between each coat - even more is better. However, I’ve since heard that oil based paint is much more durable, and if I needed to paint cabinets again I think I’d go that route – but if you go with latex you’ll still be in good shape.

Step 6:
I applied one coat of clear, non-yellowing polyacrylic topcoat to make the finish more durable. I know…you don’t want to paint one more stroke at this point, but believe me, it’s worth it.

Step 7:
Reinstall cabinets and be so thrilled with yourself that you numbered and mapped out the cabinet placement…oh yeah, you’re a rockstar!

Step 8:
Install some fabulous cabinet hardware. I bought mine for a steal on eBay. I think it was $1-$2 per knob or pull! It’s worth it to do some searching for the right hardware for the right price.

Step 9:
Then enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

This whole process took me about 2 weeks of evenings and weekends, and I thought I was going to die at moments, but IT WAS WORTH IT! I honestly think it helped our house sell. Seriously, our house sold in 1 week, in THIS market!

I hope this helps!