TL;DR – in short

• You can repaint kitchen furniture yourself, but not every front makes sense.

• The most important things are: preparation , degreasing and good paint .

• The most common mistake is taking shortcuts in painting.

• Sometimes replacing fronts is cheaper than repairing a failed painting job.

If you just want a “temporary” effect, painting will be enough.
If you want peace for years – read carefully.

What Your Furniture Is Made Of and Why It Matters

Not every front reacts the same to paint.

• Lacquered MDF – the best candidate for painting

• Laminated MDF – possible, but more difficult

• Laminate – risky, without a good primer the paint will not hold

• Veneer/wood – it is possible, but requires experience

If you don't know what you have, check the edges of the fronts. That's where the truth lies.

What you need (really)

Not lists from the supermarket, just the minimum that works:

• paint for kitchen furniture (not "for everything")

• primer that increases adhesion

• sandpaper or sanding sponge

• degreaser

• a flock roller or a good quality brush

It's not worth skimping on this. A 40 PLN paint job can kill the entire project.

How to repaint kitchen furniture step by step

4

1. Disassembly

Remove fronts, handles, hinges.
Painting "on the hanger" is asking for streaks.

2. Degreasing

This is the most important stage.
The kitchen is always greasy. Even if it "looks clean."

3. Dulling

You don't have to strip the MDF down to bare metal.
The point is to give the paint something to stick to.

4. Foundation

Without it, the paint will peel. Period.

5. Painting

2 thin layers.
Don't correct every 5 minutes - that's the biggest mistake.

6. Drying and curing

Dry ≠ resistant.
The paint reaches full hardness after a few days.

What you need to watch out for

• Do not paint in damp conditions

• Do not shorten the drying time

• Do not mix paint systems

• Don't count on it "being okay"

In the kitchen it "somehow" doesn't work.

Is painting kitchen furniture worth it?

It depends on the purpose.

Painting makes sense if:

• the kitchen is temporary

• the fronts are in good condition

• you accept minor imperfections

It makes no sense if:

• the fronts are swollen

• the veneer is peeling off

• you want a "like new kitchen" effect

In such cases, replacing just the fronts may be a better move.

Practical conclusions

• Painting is a short-term solution

• The most work is done before painting, not during it.

• Poorly prepared fronts will always come out after some time

• Sometimes it's less nerve-wracking to replace than to repair.

FAQ – frequently asked questions

Can you repaint kitchen furniture without sanding?
Technically, yes. Practically, it's not worth it. Durability will be poor.

What paint is best for kitchen furniture?
One that is resistant to washing, steam, and scratches. Not a "universal" paint.

Does painting laminate fronts make sense?
Only with the appropriate primer. Otherwise, the paint will peel off.

How long does painted kitchen furniture last?
If done well, several years. If done incorrectly, several months.