Repainting your kitchen cabinets is a wonderful way to transform a kitchen without replacing the existing cabinetry. Whether you’re refreshing a traditional country kitchen or introducing a completely new colour scheme, a carefully chosen paint colour can make a remarkable difference. Unlike painting walls, kitchen cabinetry requires particularly thorough preparation. From removing grease and sanding existing finishes to priming and applying the final coats, here’s our step-by-step guide to achieving a beautiful, lasting finish with Edward Bulmer Natural Paint. Kitchen in Silver White with Invisible Green cabinetry What you’ll need Edward Bulmer Water-Based Eggshell in your chosen colour A suitable primer Degreaser Sandpaper in appropriate grades Paintbrushes or a suitable small roller Clean cloths Filler, if required Dust sheets Masking tape Screwdriver for removing handles and hinges Step 1: Remove doors and hardware For the best results, we recommend removing cabinet doors and drawer fronts where practical, along with handles, knobs and other hardware. Working on a flat surface makes it easier to prepare and paint each piece evenly, particularly around edges and decorative mouldings. Protect your floors and work surfaces with dust sheets, and make sure your painting area is clean, well ventilated and free from excessive dust. Step 2: Clean and degrease thoroughly Kitchen cabinets are exposed to cooking oils, grease and everyday handling, so thorough cleaning is one of the most important stages of preparation. Use a suitable degreaser, following the manufacturer’s instructions, to clean all surfaces you intend to paint. Pay particular attention to areas around handles, cooking appliances and frequently used cupboards. Wipe away any residue and allow the surfaces to dry completely before continuing. Etruscan Brown cabinets against Sky Blue walls Step 3: Sand the existing finish Sanding helps create a suitable surface for the new paint to adhere to. The amount of sanding required will depend on the material and existing coating. Glossy or previously varnished cabinets may need more extensive preparation than those with a sound, previously painted finish. Sand the surfaces evenly, paying attention to edges, corners and mouldings. Remove all dust using a vacuum and a clean cloth before proceeding. If you’re working with laminate, factory-finished cabinetry or an unknown coating, seek advice on the appropriate preparation and primer before painting. Step 4: Prime the surfaces Once the cabinets are clean, dry and properly prepared, apply a suitable primer where required. Our Water-Based Eggshell Primer is designed for use with our Water-Based Eggshell on suitable substrates. The correct primer and preparation will depend on the cabinet material and existing finish, so always consult the relevant technical data sheets before starting. Allow the primer to dry as directed before applying your topcoat. Kitchen in Passageway Pink with Canova cabinetry Step 5: Apply the first coat Stir your chosen paint thoroughly before use to ensure the pigments are evenly distributed. Using a suitable brush or small roller, apply the first coat of Water-Based Eggshell evenly across the prepared surfaces. Work methodically, following the direction of the wood grain where appropriate. Take care around panelled doors, mouldings and corners, where excess paint can collect. Avoid applying the paint too thickly, as thinner, even coats will help achieve a smoother finish. Allow the first coat to dry for the recommended period before recoating. Step 6: Lightly sand between coats Once the first coat is ready for recoating, inspect the painted surfaces for any dust particles, raised grain or other imperfections. If necessary, lightly sand with a suitable fine-grit abrasive to smooth the finish, taking care not to remove the paint unnecessarily. Remove all sanding dust before applying the next coat. Step 7: Apply the second coat Apply the second coat using the same method, working carefully to achieve an even finish across doors, drawer fronts and cabinet frames. Two coats will typically provide good coverage on a suitably prepared surface, although additional coats may be required depending on the substrate, existing colour and chosen shade. Follow the relevant technical data sheet for application and recoating guidance. Step 8: Allow the paint to cure Although the paint may be dry enough for careful handling before it has fully cured, newly painted cabinets should be treated gently while the finish develops its full hardness. Avoid heavy use, vigorous cleaning and unnecessary contact with painted surfaces during the curing period. Follow the product’s technical guidance before reattaching hardware and returning the cabinets to normal use. Persian kitchen cabinets by @kitandco Kitchen in Brunswick Green Deep and Lilac Pink by Charlotte Boundy Vert de Mer kitchen cabinets at Court of Noke Why choose natural paint for kitchen cabinets? Our Water-Based Eggshell is formulated with a plant-based binder and real earth and mineral pigments, offering a durable, attractive finish for suitable interior woodwork and cabinetry. Available in our full palette of colours, it allows you to create a kitchen scheme that complements everything from traditional joinery to contemporary interiors. Ready to transform your kitchen? Explore our natural paint colours and order a sample pot or A5 colour card to see how your chosen shades work alongside your cabinetry, worktops and flooring. For guidance on preparation, primers and application, please consult our Water-Based Eggshell technical data sheet. Our Colour Consultants are also happy to help you find the right colours for your kitchen. Kitchen with cabinets painted in Flock at Chatsworth
Court of Noke: Edward Bulmer’s historic Herefordshire home Step inside Court of Noke, Edward and Emma Bulmer’s Herefordshire home, and discover how more than 30 years of restoration, colour and considered decoration have shaped the house we see today.
Behind the Chatsworth Collection: 24 exquisite new paint colours Learn the story behind The Chatsworth Collection, a range of 24 new paint colours inspired by the interiors, heritage, and landscapes of one of this country’s most significant country houses.
At home with Sarah Davenport of That Rebel House Step inside the colourful Victorian home of Sarah Davenport, founder of That Rebel House, as she shares her approach to decorating with natural paint, vintage textiles and bold colour.
Bloomsbury colours: art, gardens and the women who inspired them Discover the colours behind the Garden Museum’s Gardening Bohemia exhibition, exploring the gardens and creative lives of four remarkable Bloomsbury women.
On the paint road at Manchester Art Gallery Paint has always ultimately been a backdrop to beautiful furniture, pictures and fabrics. This extends beyond the domestic space and into public spaces, so we are thrilled that we are now working with the Manchester Art Gallery as their official paint sponsors, it’s a joy to see our colours serve as backdrops to so much culture, history and beauty.
The Seven Best Hallway Paint Colours Read our advice on how to create a welcoming and harmonious hallway. Here we take a look at seven ways you can transform your space with natural colour and make an impact on entrance.
