If you’re wondering about affordable ready-to-assemble cabinets, you may have seen the gorgeous shaker-style options available in the Current Cabinetry range. You might love the black, white, and gray tones that are trending right now. But if you’re after something a little different, you may be asking, “Can you paint RTA cabinets?”
You absolutely can paint RTA cabinets and achieve professional-looking results that rival factory finishes. Read more in this guide from Current Cabinetry, as we walk you through the process of painting ready-to-assemble cabinets.
How RTA Cabinet Materials Measure Up on the Paintability Front
From savvy remodelers expanding their customization options to dedicated homebuilders seeking cost-effective cabinet solutions, repainting cabinets opens up endless possibilities. However, before you grab a brush, consider what your cabinets are made of. How that material responds to different paint types directly affects your choice of paint and application tool.
Many ready-to-assemble cabinets feature medium-density fiberboard, particleboard, plywood, or solid wood:
- MDF cabinets are excellent candidates for painting. They have a smooth, uniform surface that accepts paint well.
- Plywood and solid wood cabinets take paint beautifully, but may require smoothing out the grain first.
- Particleboard cabinets are paintable, but the surface sometimes absorbs paint unevenly.
The door style and existing finish also matter. Shaker-style doors with flat panels will be easier to paint than ornate designs with deep carvings. A laminate or thermofoil finish needs a special primer designed for the slick surface.
Anyone Can Paint RTA Cabinets Like a Pro
Can you paint RTA cabinets? Yes, RTA cabinets from quality manufacturers designed with paintable surfaces are relatively straightforward to paint. The real question is how you can achieve durable, professional results, and that depends on your preparation steps and technique.
Many professional remodelers specifically choose RTA cabinets for projects with custom colors because they’re cost-effective. Plus, painting your own RTA cabinets gives you unlimited color options to match any design scheme or client preference exactly.
Let’s take a look at how to prepare, paint, finish, and cure your ready-to-assemble cabinets for gorgeous results. With proper cabinet surface preparation and the right products, you can achieve results that are virtually indistinguishable from factory-finished cabinets.
Cabinet Surface Preparation: The Foundation of a Successful Paint Job
How you prepare the cabinet surfaces will be your most critical step. Skip or rush this phase, and you’ll end up with an unprofessional paint job that chips, peels, or looks uneven.
Start by removing all the doors, drawers, and hardware, labeling each piece for an easier reassembly. Move on to cleaning every surface thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner to remove cooking oils, dirt, and residue.
Once that’s ready, can you paint RTA cabinets and achieve flawless results? Not quite. First, follow these key preparation steps:
- Sand all surfaces with 120-grit sandpaper: Sanding creates texture for the paint to grip. Rough up the surface without removing the existing finish completely.
- Wipe down everything: Use a tack cloth after sanding to remove all dust particles that could create bumps in your finish.
- Fill dents, scratches, or imperfections: Use a wood filler in the gaps. Once the filler dries, smooth and level the area.
Be sure to allow all surfaces to dry completely before moving to the primer application stage.
Primer Application for Maximum Adhesion to the Cabinet Surface
Applying primer isn’t optional if you want long-lasting results. A barrier between the cabinet material and your topcoat ensures proper paint adhesion. For most RTA cabinet materials, a high-quality bonding primer is a solid choice.
You’ll want to apply primer in thin, even coats. Use a high-quality brush for detailed areas and a foam roller for flat surfaces. Spraying primer is another excellent option if you have the equipment and experience.
Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically one to four hours). Once dry, lightly sanding it removes brush marks or imperfections, preparing an ultra-smooth surface for your topcoat.
Choosing the Right Paint for Kitchen Cabinet Durability and Beauty
Kitchen cabinet durability depends heavily on your paint selection. Cabinets face constant use, moisture, and cleaning, so use a high-quality acrylic latex paint or an alkyd enamel paint. “Cabinet and trim” or “door and trim” formulations are more durable than standard wall paint and resist chipping, scratching, and yellowing.
Most cabinets look amazing in semi-gloss or satin finishes, which are easier to clean and more moisture-resistant than flat finishes. Semi-gloss provides a slight sheen that’s attractive and practical, while satin hides imperfections better.
Top-Notch Finishing Techniques for Professional Cabinetry Aesthetics
How can you paint RTA cabinets for a professional finish? It’s all about your finishing techniques.
The key is applying multiple thin coats to help the paint dry faster. This also creates a smoother final look.
Use a high-quality synthetic brush for door frames and corners. For flat surfaces, a foam roller creates the smoothest finish. Professionals might also use a paint sprayer, but this requires a lot of practice and proper ventilation.
Apply at least two coats of paint, allowing proper drying time between applications.
Timing and Curing for Long-Lasting Results
Patience during the curing process ensures your newly painted cabinets achieve maximum durability. While paint may feel dry to the touch within hours, it takes much longer to fully cure and harden (one to two weeks). During the curing period, handle doors and drawers gently, and avoid placing heavy objects on the painted surfaces.
You won’t want to install hardware or reassemble your cabinets until the paint has cured. Wait at least 48 to 72 hours.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Painting RTA Cabinets
For the best results, you need to consider everything from painting timing to coat thickness. When you get started, watch out for these common painting mistakes to save yourself time, money, and frustration:
- Making inadequate preparations: Rushing through cleaning, sanding, or priming shows in the final result.
- Applying paint too thickly: Thicker layers take longer to dry and create drips, sags, and an uneven finish.
- Using the wrong type of paint: Bad paint and cheap brushes leave streaks and don’t provide adequate coverage.
- Failing to allow proper drying: Without enough time, the paint remains too soft and will be susceptible to damage.
The right paint, coat thickness, and curing are crucial in achieving gorgeous cabinet finishes. If you’re wondering, “In which month can you paint RTA cabinets for the best results?” know that temperature and humidity affect drying times, so choose your timing accordingly. Painting cabinets in a well-ventilated area with temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate humidity produces the best results.
Cost and Time Considerations for Remodelers
For remodelers and home builders, understanding the investment required for painting RTA cabinets helps with project planning and client estimates. Compared to pre-finished custom cabinets, this approach represents significant savings. Don’t forget to factor in your time, though.
Proper preparation, priming, and painting with adequate drying time between steps typically takes three to five days for a full kitchen cabinet range. Even so, offering painted RTA cabinets typically proves to be the economical choice. The cost savings on the cabinet boxes themselves make up for the added labor.
Current Cabinetry: Your Partner in Quality Cabinet Solutions
Can you paint RTA cabinets to deliver the quality and value people expect from a residential remodel or a new construction project? Yes, and our experts would love to help you explore some high-quality cabinet options in Baltimore, Maryland, and the surrounding areas. Painting cabinetry constructed from premium materials turns out beautifully.
Call Current Cabinetry at (410) 609-7077 today or visit us online to browse the possibilities.