How many coats to hand-paint kitchen cabinets |Traditional Painter (2024)

FAQs

How many coats to hand-paint kitchen cabinets |Traditional Painter? ›

If you have a new pre-primed kitchen, then I would tend to apply 1 coat of high performance oil primer undercoat plus 2 finishing coats of oil eggshell, or one primer undercoat plus 2 coats of water-based paint. This is the absolute minimum for a high quality & durable finish.

When it comes to applying paint on kitchen cabinets, multiple thin coats will produce superior results compared to fewer thick ones. Two coats are generally recommended as a minimum; however, three coats may be necessary depending on several factors: Light-coloured paints applied onto dark may require more coverage.

Generally speaking, 2-3 coats total do the trick (primer first, then paint), so long as you keep in mind the quality of paint you're using, the condition of your cabinets, and how the color in question might interact with the existing color of your cabinets.

As you likely know, there are two major types of paint: oil-based paint and water-based (latex) paint. While specific rules may vary a bit based on situation and surface (more on that later), you typically want to use two coats of paint regardless of whether you are using oil-based or water-based paint.

For a professional company whose job it is to paint kitchen cabinets, the average time it will take them to paint an average-sized kitchen will range between 4-5 days. Most professional companies follow systems that allow them to be productive and efficient, delivering great results every time they work in your home.

For many cabinets, one coat is plenty, but if you're uncertain, a second coat won't hurt as long as it's not applied too thick. When it comes to the actual paint, you will need at least two coats. For some cabinets, though, you may need a third coat.

Is 3 coats of paint too much? Three coats of paint can be a little much, but it will depend on the colour and quality of your paint. Cheap paint generally is thinner and will need more coats, so three may be the right amount. High-quality paint is usually thicker and generally only needs two coats.

Paint Second Coat

Let your first coat dry for at least four hours, then apply a second coat in the same manner. To complete your kitchen cabinet makeover, wait 24-48 hours for the paint to completely dry, then reinstall your hardware. Or try new hardware for an even more updated look.

Pro tip: Sanding between coats of paint isn't always necessary, but is highly recommended when applying polyurethane over stain or raw wood.

Can painters do two coats in one day? ›

Adding a Second Coat

After your first coat of paint is dry, it's safe to recoat typically after four to six hours. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least three hours to recoat your paint or primer if it's water-based. Waiting 24 hours is best for oil-based paint and primer.

(Height + Width) × Price per linear inch

This formula is referred to as linear inch pricing and is geared towards flat, two-dimensional work, as well. It's a simple and straightforward way to price art — not just for you, but also for your buyers.

Another question we get asked a lot from DIY painters and other contractors is, “how many coats of paint do I need when painting the interior or exterior of a home. The general rule is that you should use two coats of paint.

Cost Per Hour

When hiring professional painters for your kitchen cabinet project, you can expect labor costs typically ranging from $20 to $50 per hour. The average cost per hour for a painting Tasker is $54, and ranges between $45 and $65.

First of all, it's going to take a serious time commitment.

To paint your kitchen cabinets in a manner comparable to a professional paint job could require over two hours of time per cabinet door or drawer if you're going to do it right, and several more hours for your base cabinets.

Kitchen cabinets are painted in industrial settings with industrial-grade paints and equipment that sprays the paint onto the wood surface with high velocity. It is usually lacquer or enamel-type oil-based paint and it might have undergone an additional curing process.

One gallon is usually enough to cover 12 cabinet surfaces.

However, it will save you a couple of weekends of prep work. The finish won't be quite as smooth as if your cabinets were professionally done. Having said that, the difference will be small unless you plan on using a high-quality paint sprayer.

It is typically safe to apply a second coat after four hours for latex paint and 24 hours for oil-based paint. Latex paint is dry to the touch in about one hour, while oil-based paint is dry to the touch in about six to eight hours.