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Discover the cost to paint kitchen cabinets, including average prices, cost factors, and tips to help you budget and save on your next kitchen update.
How to Paint Particle Board Cabinets: 4 Steps to Success
You can transform cabinets with a bit of sanding, a coat of primer, and a quality can of paint
Get quotes from cabinet refacers and refinishers near you
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Get quotes from cabinet refacers and refinishers near you
No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
2 days
COST
$50 to $100
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Screwdriver
- Paint brush
SUPPLIES
- Plastic sheeting
- Painter’s tape
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Microfiber cloth
- Paint tray
Whether you’re unhappy with the color of your cabinets or they’re in dire need of a makeover, you can transform their look by learning how to paint particle board cabinets. This DIY project takes a weekend to complete (less time if you can enlist the help of a few helpers) and can make your cabinets look brand new with a few everyday tools and the right supplies. Our guide takes you step-by-step, from prepping a workstation to sanding and painting.
Prepping to Paint Particle Board Cabinets
Painting particle board cabinets is only tricky if you don’t take the necessary steps to prep beforehand. The more measures you put in place to ensure the paint goes on smoothly in the final steps, the better the transformation will look.
Set Up a Workstation
To paint particle board cabinets, you’ll likely need a top-notch paint primer so you don’t have to apply multiple coats of paint to cover up the finish. Depending on the primer’s ingredients, you’ll need to paint cabinet doors in a well-ventilated area so that you and others in your household aren’t overexposed to fumes. You’ll also want to designate an area where you can put cabinet doors on a flat surface to dry.
Cover Flooring and Appliances
Use plastic sheeting or drop cloths to cover the flooring and appliances near any cabinet frames or bases. This step keeps any paint splatter from getting on surfaces that can damage or stain it. It also helps to put painters tape in the areas where frames and bases meet the wall, ceiling, and backsplash to protect those areas from unwanted paint strokes.
Clean and Number Doors, Bases, and Frames
If you’re working on kitchen cabinets, you may need to wipe them down first to remove grease or grime. You can clean cabinetry with a wet microfiber cloth and a bit of dish soap, then let them dry. Another important way to prepare for painting particle board cabinets is to number and label each cabinet door with its corresponding frame or base so that you know which cabinets belong where once the final coat of paint is dry.
Remove Cabinet Doors
Photo: zoff-photo / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesUsing your screwdriver, unscrew your cabinet doors from their hinges, then unscrew the hinges from the cabinet frames and doors. Lay your cabinet doors flat on a table or a separate workstation so you can sand, prime, and paint them at a smoother angle.
Sand Bases, Frames, and Doors
Photo: sturti / E+ / Getty ImagesTake your 120-grit sandpaper and sand down the cabinet doors, bases, and frames. You’ll want to sand them down enough so that the particle board is scruffed, giving the primer something to adhere to and ensuring the cabinet has a good foundation for the final coats of paint. Just make sure you don’t sand them down so hard that you peel or chip the particle board.
Wipe Down Cabinets and Apply Primer
Once you’ve sanded down your cabinet doors, frames, and bases, take a wet microfiber cloth and wipe each surface to remove any leftover debris. After the cabinets are dry, pour your primer into the paint tray and roll or brush it on. It’s best to use a brush for inside corners and hard to reach areas, then a roller for the frames, bases, and flat parts of cabinet doors.
Paint Cabinets and Frames
Photo: Johner Images / Johner Images Royalty-Free / Getty ImagesNow, it’s time for the major transformation to take place. Pour your paint into a new paint tray and put on the first coat with a brush and roller. Take your time to ensure no drips are visible and that you fully coat every nook and cranny. You will need to use an oil-based paint with a semi-gloss or sheen finish since water-based paint can make the particle board swell.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
In most cases, painting particle board cabinets yourself is considerably less expensive than hiring a cabinet painting company to do it for you, but it will cost you time and energy. If you don’t have the spare time to finish this project solo, you can expect to pay around $90 per hour for labor, which can add up if you have a large kitchen or older doors that need extensive sanding or multiple coats of paint or primer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabinet refacing and refinishing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
5.0★ avg. • 2 total reviews
- Sue B.
Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriors - Jeanann S.
Very professional, knowledgeable and helpful! Completed the install on time and as expected.
Ward's Services - Adam E.
Cole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLC - Tom T.
We have bought and sold numerous times over the past 50 years. Sherman Hall and Top Line are top notch. Thorough and detailed, he explains every possibility, probability, and eventuality. High class and pleasant. The best.
Top Line Home Inspections, LLC - Aaron G.
Very easy to talk to, helped me enormously and will be back for more projects I have. Quick and knowledgeable, very professional and a high quality personality!
Elwood's Mobile Welding - Stacy S.
Couldn't ask for a better company. Josh and Dee were Very professional, efficient, courteous and takes major pride in their work. They will travel to come to your home and will still give you a fair price. They are honest and trust worthy. Their focus is on their work and their work is...
Supreme brick & chimney - Dave F.
My kitchen cabinets look brand new thanks to Custom Paint Jobs LLC. Their refinishing is exceptional.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - Kellyn D.
Koby and Kyle are amazing!! They were super fast and friendly, highly recommen!
All My Sons Moving & Storage - Joe S.
Ozie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & Storage - Andrew M.
The windows look great. And the team was excellent - considerate, professional and lots of fun!
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio
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