Would you like to breathe new life into a tired kitchen space without spending a small fortune on a complete refit? So long as you are fairly happy with the current layout – and the cabinets are structurally solid, the simple act of repainting them can be transformative.

All this can be accomplished with just a little effort and next to no monetary investment if you know where to shop. Just think, if you’re prepared to do the work yourself, you could save enough to buy some stylish handles and worktop surfaces to elevate your kitchen to the next level.

If you’re looking for pointers on how to style your kitchen on a budget – read on. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right paints, through to adding a professional finish to your cabinet doors. Are you sitting comfortably? Then let’s begin…

Stock Up with the Right Paint

Before committing to a particular paint and colour for your kitchen, there are a number of factors that you should consider. When it comes to paint type, you may opt for emulsion if you want to achieve a colourful look or a paint with an eggshell or satin finish, if a shiny finish is what you’re aiming for.

Cooler, lighter tones are popular at the moment – particularly whites, blues and greys. But, you should examine a few different shades before committing to get a good idea what would best complement your kitchen. Once you have made your decision, find a reputable specialist paint retailer and stock for the project.

Remove the Cabinet Doors

The first part of the job is removing the kitchen cabinet doors. In most cases, this doesn’t require much expertise – kitchen cabinet doors are usually hinged and can be unclipped. If you tend to paint in a horizontal direction, removing the doors will help ensure a smoother finish, with fewer ‘drips’ and runny streaks.

If you are working in an enclosed space and removing the doors is not feasible, the next best option is to cover the hinges with masking tape whilst carefully covering the metalwork. Remove the handles prior to painting – and be sure to place sheets or paper to help keep the floor clean.

Am I Ready to Paint?

While you can start painting right away, if you would like to achieve the best possible finish, some prior preparation is needed:

How Should I Prepare my Kitchen Cabinets?

Make sure you clean your doors to remove the long-term buildup of grime. To ensure a thorough clean, make sure you use a powerful degreaser.

And, to make sure that the paint will grip, you should give the surface a light sanding. 150-250 grit paper should be best for this task. Once it is smooth and even, remove the dust with a damp cloth before allowing the surface to dry completely.

Use a Primer for the Cabinets

You should apply a primer to the cupboard doors before the top coat. The best type of primer to use depends on what type of paint you plan to use for the top coat. As an example, if you wish to use a gloss paint, we would advise using a gloss undercoat to prepare the cabinet doors. Or, if you are aiming for a matt finish, then a matt undercoat may be more suitable.

If you are unsure, consult an expert at your local paint store and they will advise you on which products would best suit your requirements. Bear in mind that some paints do not need a primer at all. These are usually furniture-specific paints and the fact that a primer is not required should be stated on the tin.

Paint Your Kitchen Doors

It’s time to turn your attention to the kitchen doors. If the paintwork is beginning to fade and crack, it’s time to rectify that. When it comes to painting your kitchen doors, take your time and allow the layers to build up. Be patient and allow a minimum of 4 hours’ drying time for the primer – and 24 hours for each subsequent coat.

If you simply try to throw layers of paint onto the door haphazardly, you won’t achieve an attractive finish. Be thorough and try some light sanding and scrub away any dust between applying coats.

You should apply at least two coats to achieve a good quality, colorful finish. For a modern, flat tinish, use a foam roller. A standard brush should help you achieve a more classical look.

Get Ready to Change Up Your Kitchen

We hope you now have plenty of ideas for how to renovate your kitchen without breaking the bank. With just a little imagination, know-how and hard work, you can create a kitchen to be proud of. No matter what you have in mind for your kitchen space, we wish you the best of luck with your kitchen renovation endeavours!