In the last few years, colorful kitchens have come back in style. A great color on kitchen cabinets can make the space feel more sophisticated, vibrant, and welcoming.
While painting is a surefire way to upgrade kitchen cabinets on a tight budget, doing it right takes careful planning and preparation. One top consideration is the significant impact that wood type has on the success of any painting project.
Do you know which woods are ideal for painting and which ones need extra prep work before you start? If not, let’s explore the basics of painting kitchen cabinets and the best wood choices for your project.
Ideal Wood Traits for Paint-Grade Cabinet Doors
When you’re picking wood for paint-grade cabinet doors, it’s important to consider four key characteristics.
1. Smooth and Uniform Texture
The best wood for painted cabinets has a smooth surface, almost like a blank canvas. The smoothness allows the paint to go on evenly for a clean, sleek finish. Woods with uneven texture can absorb paint differently in various areas, leading to an inconsistent look.
2. Minimal Grain Pattern
The less grain in the wood, the better. When wood has a lot of grain, the paint might not cover it evenly, and this can make cabinet finishes look uneven. Choose cabinet-grade wood with just a little grain for a smoother paint job.
3. Stability and Durability
In most homes, kitchen cabinets go through a lot every day. The wood they’re made from must be strong, stable, and resistant to damage. It should also handle changes in heat and moisture without bending or cracking to ensure painted cabinets stay looking good for a long time.
4. Ease of Sanding and Finishing
Before painting, you might need to sand cabinets to make them smooth. To facilitate, you might opt for wood that’s easier to sand down. Doing so makes your prep work quicker and easier, especially if you’re doing it yourself.
Popular Wood Types for Paint-Grade Cabinet Doors
Here are some of the most popular kinds of wood for your painted kitchen cabinet doors.
1. Poplar
Poplar is a favorite choice for paint-grade cabinet doors since it’s not too expensive and gives a lovely, smooth finish when prepared properly. While it might need a bit more work in the manufacturing process compared to other woods, it’s great for painting.
Poplar tends to have color variations, so a primer might be needed to block stains. You might also need to use more paint to cover than, for example, soft maple, which is more uniform in color.
2. Soft Maple
Many designers and contractors swear by soft maple for its smooth finish. It’s also easy to paint maple cabinets since the wood grain usually doesn’t show through the paint. This makes soft maple a user-friendly option for those new to painting cabinets.
Additionally, soft maple is affordable, making it a great choice for homeowners looking to update their cabinet doors without spending a lot of money.
3. Birch
Birch has a light, sometimes slightly yellowish color. Its grain is simple and mostly straight, which makes it visually appealing. An interesting trait of birch is that it develops a yellowish-red hue as it ages. Although birch might be a bit expensive, it needs less primer and sealer, which is a plus. It’s also harder and more durable than pine, alder, and soft maple.
4. Alder
Alder naturally shifts from dark to light brown when exposed to air. Its even grain pattern and texture make it ideal for painting, especially for home uses like cabinetry.
Because it’s softer and less dense than maple, though, alder might not hold paint as long. However, with the use of top-quality primer and paint, along with a good sealant, alder cabinets can stay looking great for years to come.
5. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is made by breaking down either hardwood or softwood into fibers. These fibers are then glued together to form the board. MDF is often used in paint-grade cabinet doors, both as the panel in recessed designs and sometimes as the panel in raised panel doors. MDF paints very well, as it gives a smooth finish.
6. Hard Maple
Hard maple is the most used type of maple in cabinetry. Usually a light blonde color, it’s heavier and more durable than soft maple.
Hard maple has much less tannin in it compared to woods like cherry and oak. Plus, its lighter color means you need fewer coats of paint to get good coverage. However, you still need to prime the surface before painting.
7. Plywood
Plywood comes in various grades and types, so you can choose one that best suits your painting needs and budget. Some higher-grade plywoods have fine surfaces that are particularly well-suited for painting. It’s also much more affordable than solid hardwood.
8. Oak
While some might see oak cabinets as challenging to paint, you can achieve fantastic results with the right approach. Oak is incredibly hard, durable, and resistant to dents compared to softer woods, making it a practical choice for busy kitchens.
The main hurdle in painting oak is its open, porous grain which the paint alone can’t fully smooth. To achieve a smoother surface on oak, you may need to use specialized fillers.
9. Cherry Cabinets
Cherry, like maple, is a strong hardwood known for its closed grain, which results in a smooth finish when painted. However, cherry wood doesn’t get quite as smooth as maple due to small knots and pits in the wood. You can easily fix these tiny imperfections with wood filler, so they don’t show through the paint.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Wood for Paint-Grade Cabinet Doors
Choosing the right wood for your cabinet doors involves several important considerations:
Your Budget:
First off, consider how much you can spend. Some woods, like poplar, are more affordable. Others, like cherry, cost more. Pick one that fits your budget but still does the job well.
Your Style:
What do you want your kitchen to look like? Are you going for a sleek, contemporary design or a vintage, farmhouse aesthetic? Think about the final look you want and how the wood’s characteristics will contribute to it.
Environmental Considerations:
Look for woods from sustainable sources or those certified by environmental organizations. Also, consider the wood’s lifecycle and its impact on the environment, from harvesting to disposal.
Availability and Sourcing:
Check how readily available the wood is. Exotic woods might offer a unique look but can be hard to find and are expensive. Local woods, on the other hand, might be more accessible and affordable.
Tips for Proper Preparation and Painting of Wood Cabinet Doors
Once you’re ready to give your wooden cabinet doors a fresh coat of paint, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Remove Doors and Hardware:
Start by taking off the cabinet doors and removing all hardware. This makes it easier to paint and ensures you don’t get any color on the handles and knobs.
Prepare the Cabinets:
Clean the cabinets thoroughly. Any grease or dirt can ruin a paint job. Wipe them down with a degreaser or a mix of water and mild soap.
Sand and Smooth the Surface:
Sand the cabinets lightly to help the paint stick better. Use fine-grit sandpaper and go over the whole surface. After sanding, wipe off any dust for a smooth base.
Use Primer:
Apply a good primer before painting. Primer helps the paint adhere and last longer. It also ensures the true color of the paint shows up on the cabinets.
Choose the Right Paint and Finish:
Finally, pick the paint and finish that suits your style and needs. For kitchens, a semi-gloss or satin finish is often best because it’s easier to clean. Make sure to choose a paint that’s suitable for wood and cabinet use.
We Can Help Bring Your Vision to Life
The key to a great kitchen makeover is using the right materials and preparation. The experts at Holland Custom Cabinets stand ready to help you transform your kitchen or other living space with insight and expertise gleaned from nearly 50 years manufacturing and installing custom cabinets for thousands of satisfied customers. Call us at 619.443.6081 or connect with us online to ask questions or discuss your project.
