How to use paint to add value to your Kitchen

Last Updated Sep 27, 2016 · Written by Kat Tate

Kitchens

If your kitchen screams more ‘80s kitsch’ than ‘mod chic’, it’s probably overdue for an upgrade. But taking on a total kitchen renovation isn’t for the faint hearted. It requires a sizable injection of funds, and a lot of planning, time, and effort.

So how can you add value to your kitchen without a complete re-build? Surprisingly, with paint. And while experts are divided on exactly how much value a paint job can add to your property, they do all agree that it does enhance and lift the overall look of the home. And, naturally, turn a dated kitchen into a fresh and contemporary space.

But while a few coats of paint may seem simple (and certainly those Pinterest pics seem to suggest that!) it is a project that requires some careful planning and skill. This handy guide should help you get started.

DIY or hire a pro painter?

The first question to ask is – will you paint the kitchen yourself, or hire an expert? While painting cabinets can be a fairly simple DIY project, it’s not for everyone. And if you’re doing a kitchen renovation to prepare your home for sale, you’ll want to ensure the very best polished finish. Of course, hiring a painter costs more than doing it yourself – but the investment will save you time and provide peace of mind that the job will be done properly and to a professional finish. And believe us – prospective buyers can tell!

If you do decide to hire a painter, be sure to get quotes. Then you’ll have a more accurate guide to costs, timings, and what’s involved in the project. You should also ask them about the type of paint that will be used, and their recommendations for the best paint to add value to your home and create a clean, timeless look that pleases even the fussiest buyers.

Know your materials

Thankfully, you can paint most surfaces in the kitchen. But while wood is hands-down the best material to paint over, laminate is a little trickier. Because you can’t sand it, it may not get that smooth sheen you desire. And the paint isn’t likely to last as long as if you paint over wood cabinets.

Choosing a paint colour

If you’re planning to live in your home long-term, you can afford to be a little liberal with your colour choice. However, if you do want to add value, it’s important to think ahead. What type of buyer will you attract? What will they want in a kitchen colour? Usually your safety bet is to stick with a non-offensive neutral or white – this keeps the kitchen classic and allows the next homeowner to make their mark on a blank canvas.

If you’re going for a deeper or more daring colour, take time to sit with the decision before going all in. You could paint a bit piece of canvas or plasterboard in your chosen colour. Prop it up in the kitchen and spend a week with it. See how it looks in different light. Does it complement the current décor, appliances, and splashback? See if you still love it later. Then, and only then, buy the tins.

When adding value, there’s a fine balance between spending and overspending. You want to invest in the best products, because cheap often looks cheap. But spend too much and you are likely to eat into that added value.

But when it comes to paint, it does usually pay off to invest in a better product. It will usually last longer, and produce a superior finish.

Preparing to paint

We know, we know, painting is the fun part. But before you race out to buy paint, it’s super important to take the time to prep. In fact, readying for the job is way more important than the actual painting. Why? Because a poorly prepped surface is unlikely to yield a professional polish.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Remove

Here’s what you need to do: take everything out of the kitchen that could get in the way. That means everything on and inside cabinets if you’re painting those, and anything on the walls if you’re giving them a lick of paint.

For cabinets, you need to then remove all the knobs and hinges. Be sure to keep these grouped together, so you know what goes back where. Pop them in individual bags with labels, to make this part easier. Do the same when you take out the drawers, so you know where each one lives.

2. Clean

Next, give the surfaces a good scrub. Make sure every bit of dust and dirt is removed, so you’re only working with clean surfaces.

3. Protect

Then, use masking tape to protect the areas you won’t be painting. This includes cabinet hinges or the bench top.

4. Sand

Lastly, you’ll need to sand the surface to get it smooth for painting. Be sure to choose the right grade of sandpaper for the wood – you’ll need a higher grade for stained cabinets.

If there are any imperfections, you can fill them with a filler. Then sand them again.

5. Prime

Priming is the next step, and the type you use again depends on the material. Bear in mind that some manufacturers sell paint that don’t need a primer – saving you time and money.

6. Paint

Yay, you’ve made it to the fun part – painting! You’ll probably need to do two coats, allowing the surface to dry between coats and maybe sanding too.

When the job is done and the final coat dry, peel off the tape, pop back the knobs and handles, and praise yourself for a job well done. Of course, if you hired a professional you can praise them – and then pay the bill!