How to paint MDF kitchen facades with your own hands: tools and materials

Furniture requires protection from external factors. If we are talking about a kitchen set, then it is affected by changes in temperature and humidity. To create a protective barrier, you can apply coloring. Kitchen facades should be painted using suitable paints and varnishes. The process and intricacies of the work will be discussed in detail below.

Necessary tools for painting

They can resort to painting kitchen facades when the old coating has become unsightly and has lost its decorative qualities. It may also be necessary to change the color when renovation work has been done and the shade does not suit the new design. You can decorate by making a unique design.

For work you need to prepare the following tools:

  • Rollers and brushes, tool material is selected to match the selected paint. For water-based ones, they are suitable from velor; for varnishes, stains or acrylic types, they are suitable from natural materials;
  • A primer mixture is also suitable for paint for kitchen facades;
  • Degreasing solvent;
  • Sandpaper, felt and wool;
  • Construction hair dryer;
  • Masking tape;
  • Screwdriver;
  • Drill;
  • Latex gloves.

It is easy to paint wooden and MDF facades.


For work you need to prepare tools.

Interior solutions

Create a cozy atmosphere in a spacious kitchen or visually enlarge a small one? A riot of colors or a restrained design in pastel colors? Owners of small kitchens are traditionally advised to adhere to minimalism and not to overload the space with details. A feeling of comfort and relaxation is created by pleasant little things and walls in warm colors, which can be combined in different ways. The choice depends on your wants and needs, and we will share some ideas for updating your kitchen and revitalizing your surroundings.

Ornament

A repeating pattern unifies the space. Simple images can be made using masking tape, and for more complex shapes, use a stencil.

Gradient

Kitchen fronts and drawers are an ideal place for the ombre technique. A smooth color transition from dark to light shades looks impressive on furniture.

Bright accents

If you decide to stick to a calm monochrome color scheme, a bright spot will build the composition and help the interior not become boring.

Elements of decoupage

Decals on cabinet doors or countertops fill the home with coziness.

Vintage effects

Picturesque abrasions, beloved by decorators, create a fabulous, mysterious atmosphere.

Choosing paint composition for kitchen furniture

Repainting should begin with the selection of paint and varnish material; it will affect the final result. Acrylic products are often chosen for various materials, including wood. But in conditions where there is frequent contact with water and temperature exposure, this type does not show the required resistance. Only acrylic paints in spray cans will do.

It is optimal to paint furniture facades with auto enamels; they have the following advantages:

  • A durable protective film is created after drying;
  • Withstands mechanical stress;
  • Durability;
  • Rich color palette.


It is optimal to paint furniture facades with auto enamels.

Common mistakes

Painting is a complex and time-consuming process, so unpleasant mistakes often occur during work, leading to defects and defects:

  • Lack of varnish coating on the surface, as a result of which the paint soon wears off, scratches and deteriorates;
  • Touching a grease-free surface, or completely neglecting this stage. The paint will peel off and lay unevenly;
  • The ingress of foreign debris onto an undried surface of paint or varnish;
  • Painting parts without first removing the old layer;
  • Low humidity, during work it should be at least 70%;
  • Application of very thick materials, resulting in the formation of “shagreen”. This defect cannot be corrected, so it is worth testing the material on a test sample in advance;
  • Lack of personal protective equipment. Paint and varnish are very difficult to wash off and can cause irritation to the skin;
  • Poor ventilation of the room can lead to poisoning from harmful fumes;
  • Not enough paint. When mixing it with the color, you need to add a small reserve;
  • Violation of storage standards for materials, as a result of which they become unsuitable for use.

Paint for facades made of different materials

Before painting your kitchen set, you need to take into account all the nuances of choosing a paint composition. At home. It is important to determine what material the facade is made of: chipboard, MDF, solid wood and others. After all, the paint must be suitable for the material and create good adhesion to it.


It is important to determine what material the facade is made of: chipboard, MDF, solid wood and others.

Solid wood kitchen facades

Solid wood is a durable material that is characterized by wear resistance. The set can last a long time, and if you refresh its color, you can enjoy the furniture for many years. The choice of product is made based on the following criteria:

  • Dimensions of the product, if the area is too large, then painting work can be expensive;
  • Depending on the texture of the front part, it is better to apply automotive enamel to smooth areas.

Auto enamel will help create a reliable barrier on the tree from external influences.


The set can last a long time, and if you refresh its color, you can enjoy the furniture for many years.

Kitchen facades made of MDF

The paint for kitchen facades made of MDF can be chosen in different ways. This material is not as picky as many others. The choice is made based on budgetary possibilities. But auto enamels are also better suited due to their special stability. You can replace some of the elements using glass. Then the headset will be transformed even more.


The paint for kitchen facades made of MDF can be chosen in different ways.

Plastic kitchen facades

The plastic base is resistant to temperature and moisture. But painting is complicated by poor adhesion of the material. Therefore, you only need to choose compounds that say on the packaging that they are acceptable for working with plastic.


The plastic base is resistant to temperature and moisture.

MDF veneered facades

Veneered MDF is more expensive than usual and belongs to the highest class. It imitates natural wood with high quality, so it looks stylish. It is important to select paint and paint carefully so as not to spoil the set. Acrylic spray paints are fine. And auto enamels will help paint straight areas.


It imitates natural wood with high quality, so it looks stylish.

Selection of composition and application method

What to consider when choosing

  • Resistance of the material to dampness - splashes and steam can destroy even a very strong base if its internal voids are open. The structure is destroyed when water is absorbed, the coating expands and cracks. During drying, the fibers and pores shrink, creating deformations that lead to peeling of the finish.
  • Resistance to high temperatures - proximity to a hob, oven, or other equipment causes deformation of the top layer and base. Polymer particles do not withstand heat well and begin to melt at temperatures up to 100 degrees. A stream of hot water is enough to render them unusable.
  • Resistance to aggressive environments - detergents, powders, acetic acid and substances containing alcohol react with many materials, corroding them and leaving marks on them.
  • Durability - Wet rooms are used more heavily than living rooms. Doors and drawers wear out quickly. The coating wears off or receives mechanical damage - dents, chips, scratches. It must have high wear resistance.
  • Adhesion - the composition is often selected depending on whether it can be used to repaint glossy kitchen facades. The smoother they are, the better they shine, and the less pronounced the relief on which the enamel can “catch.” Chipboard panels, unlike solid wood, do not have open pores and natural irregularities. They are not able to absorb the solution. As a result, it peels off quickly.
  • Environmentally friendly - it is not allowed to use solvents and additives that can be harmful to health. They should not emit harmful substances not only under normal conditions, but also at high humidity and temperatures above room temperature.
  • Resistance to ultraviolet rays. Low quality products quickly fade in the sun.

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Types of compositions

  • Acrylic - they are quickly erased and destroyed under the influence of vinegar and acids contained in products. Acrylic solutions do not tolerate dampness and heat well. If handled with care, they will last a long time if there is no sink or stove nearby. They have a wide palette. Non-toxic. Aerosols and mixtures are available for application by brush and roller.
  • Oil-based, alkyd enamel - they are toxic and not intended for areas where food is prepared. Drying oils and varnish create an unpleasant odor even at room temperature. They are a fire hazard. Their performance is worse than that of their analogues. They don't hold up well and take a long time to dry.
  • Water-based - easily washed off with water.
  • Auto enamel - well suited for damp rooms with constant temperature and humidity changes. Does not fade and withstands loads well. The aerosol strengthens the structure and protects it from destruction, making the surface more elastic. Available only in cans. Colors can be mixed to create new shades.

Only auto enamels are well suited for treating all areas, including problem areas. Acrylic should not be used near the sink or stove. But, if you need to treat parts of the headset that are in a safe environment, it is better to use a spray can.

Color palette

The variety of colors is impressive, you can easily choose the desired shade. There are ready-made shades that can be mixed if necessary to obtain the desired shade. Pigments can be added to the white base color to achieve the tone you like. There are also additives that provide the following effects:

  • Matte, this option is usually chosen for furniture;
  • Chameleon You can paint all the cabinets in the set, but stick to one tone so as not to overload with color, because the effect is complex. It is advisable that the shade be still somewhere in the interior;
  • Gloss is also popular;
  • Mother of pearl, experts recommend using it as an accent solution;
  • Glow, looks stylish;
  • Shimmering.

In order for the shade to turn out well, it is important to monitor the density of the layer and also dry it under natural conditions. Then the paint will adhere securely.

Be sure to read the instructions from the manufacturer, where the nuances of application may be prescribed.


The variety of colors is impressive, you can easily choose the desired shade.

Restoration Tips

Restoration of furniture facades requires precision work and cannot be rushed. To get a perfectly smooth coating that is free of chips and other defects, you will need high-quality paints. They tend to be expensive. But the end result of the work is worth it. As a result, we get a smooth and beautiful surface. Such furniture looks no worse than new, factory-made ones. But to get a quality result you need to know a few nuances.

Surface preparation and painting algorithm

Before painting the kitchen set with your own hands, the furniture is prepared. It is necessary to remove all fittings; it is better to remove the doors from the cabinets.

The old finish is removed to improve adhesion and leave a clean surface. Extra elements will not allow the layer to lie flat. The base is degreased. After the material is leveled, the cracks are puttied.


The old finish is removed to improve adhesion and leave a clean surface.

Benefits of DIY painting

To transform your kitchen furniture, you don’t need a big investment; you just need to buy paint. Painting the set is not a difficult task. If you have never done this, you can easily cope with this job.

The environment in the kitchen affects our emotions and sensations.

This kind of furniture renovation is the most common option. Here you do not need to be a specialist and have extensive experience in this matter. The method is very economical, but the result will exceed all expectations. Coloring will take a fairly short time, without much effort.

Even the simplest method - painting the kitchen unit - will significantly change the appearance.

Grinding

When the putty solution dries well, the base is brought to perfection. Use coarse sandpaper and sand the surface until it is smooth. Then replace the sandpaper with a smaller version so that the smoothness becomes better.

It is optimal to choose the sandpaper grain numbers P400 or P600.


When the putty solution dries well, the base is brought to perfection.

Materials and accessories

Not many materials are required to transform the interior:

  • Glizal to create an additional decorative effect.

  • Brushes together with rollers.

  • Screwdrivers. It's better to take a screwdriver.

  • A special hair dryer used in construction.

  • Sandpaper or hand sander.

Primer

Priming is necessary so that the layer adheres well to the surface, and the composition will also help remove remaining flaws. You need to select a primer solution based on the type of wooden material that will be primed. The tool is a roller or brush, drying will take approximately 24 hours.


Priming is necessary so that the layer adheres well to the surface, and the composition will also help remove remaining flaws.

Facade painting

How the paint and varnish material will be applied is decided based on the task at hand and the color of the composition. But first of all, in any case, the ends of the parts are painted.

If you choose a spray gun as a tool and have no experience working with it, then it is advisable to try painting on an unnecessary object. It's also useful to do this after setting up the tool to make sure the settings are correct.

The coating is usually done in multi-layers, three are usually enough, but sometimes they decide to do more to get a rich layer. Each new layer is applied after 10-15 minutes for setting to occur. If they paint dark wood in a light tone, its texture will be completely obscured and the design will not be preserved.


The coating is usually done in multi-layers, three are usually enough, but sometimes they decide to do more to get a rich layer.

What to pay attention to

First of all, the paint should adhere to the material from which your furniture is made. Laminated chipboard and other particle boards are almost impossible to paint, and not every coating is suitable for varnished and glossy products.

Because kitchens are used for cooking and cleaning, paint must withstand temperature changes, water and detergents. Intensive use of surfaces imposes restrictions on the choice of paints and varnishes.

Don’t forget about safety: the family spends a lot of time here, so dyes should not be harmful to health.

An ideal coating retains color for a long time, does not fade or turn yellow, but also leaves room for further changes.

It turns out that the main qualities of paint that you should focus on when choosing look like this:

  • moisture resistant and durable
  • environmentally friendly
  • opaque and reliable
  • fits on any materials

Finishing and decorative processing

The process should be completed by polishing. Use sandpaper to remove defective parts, then use linen cloth impregnated with special products and polish the furniture. In order for the effect to be high-quality, the application is done quickly, and in three layers, each must dry for 12 hours.

Decoration is carried out on a dried coating, and finally the surface is treated with finishing compounds. There are the following options for decoration:

  • Creating an aged coating. Patinated material is used, which is spread over the cabinet using a sponge or brush. Next, the surface is polished;
  • Decoupage, the effect is obtained using the decoupage technique;
  • You can draw a variety of patterns; for this you need stencils; there are ready-made templates for sale, or you can make them yourself;
  • Chaotic irregularities and patterns can attract the eye. To create them, you can simply apply paint with a sponge, stamps, brushes, etc.;
  • You can combine several colors, highlighting textured details, you can also paint the inside and outside in different tones, highlight the ends;
  • Sometimes they resort to decorative details. Pebbles, rhinestones, etc. are glued on.

There are no restrictions in terms of decor, you shouldn’t overdo it, but you can show your imagination. And create an original design, not forgetting about the skillful implementation of the idea into the overall interior.


Patinated material is used, which is spread over the cabinet using a sponge or brush.

How to choose the right paint?

First, let's figure out which paint material will achieve the greatest effect. There are quite a lot of paint options on the market, but not every composition is suitable for treating facades.

It is better to avoid acrylic varnishes and paints: they do not have a sufficient level of stability to be used specifically in the kitchen. The aggressive environment and humidity spoil such materials too quickly. Even vinegar and fruit acids are enough. But what to paint with if such popular acrylic paints are banned?

Auto enamel in this case will be the best choice. The following properties make the composition suitable for painting kitchen furniture:

  • wide choice of colors;
  • good resistance to any damage;
  • durability, service life;
  • resistance to heat and moisture in large quantities.

Is it possible to repaint the façade?

It is possible to repaint the facade, but it is important to thoroughly clean it of the old finish. So that poorly adhering paint does not create defects that will be very noticeable on the new layer. Also, an old smooth coating will make it difficult for the elements to adhere; you need to get a rough base, then the quality of the paint will be high.


It is possible to repaint the facade, but it is important to thoroughly clean it of the old finish.

Compounds suitable for metal

Regardless of the processing method or the chosen type of furniture paint, you must first prepare the metal surface. Preparation consists in the fact that the metal must be completely cleaned, sanded and coated with paint using a primer. In some cases, it will be preferable to use a spray gun.

Today you can use several different techniques for painting metal furniture surfaces, for example, craquelure. With this method you can use almost any paint. First, the metal surface is cleaned with fine sandpaper and then coated with a coloring compound using a primer. After that, a special substance for cracking is applied on top of the base layer - you need to make sure that it is suitable specifically for metal. After the formation of the desired effect is completed, this layer is covered with another layer.

It is possible to add some shades of luxury to furniture objects using gilding. To obtain the maximum gilding effect, the material being processed must be completely free of dirt. Then follows the procedure of high-quality cleaning of the surface with sandpaper and covering it with several layers of paint and varnish.

How to remove old paintwork

To make it easier to remove the previous layer, you can heat it with a hair dryer, then the adhesion decreases and the layer itself comes off a little. There are also special washes on sale, but you need to remember that they have a strong smell, and you need to wear a respirator and create effective ventilation when working inside a building.

Or you can use sandpaper; you can use it to remove the layer, but the process will not be quick. A lot of dust is also generated to make the process easier; it is vacuumed regularly. Make sure not to touch the façade material itself and not lose the desired evenness. This method is used if other options are not available.

Not in all cases it is necessary to remove the entire layer; sometimes it is enough to ensure roughness to obtain optimal adhesion. But only if the paint holds well.


To make it easier to remove the previous layer, you can heat it with a hair dryer, then the adhesion decreases and the layer itself comes off a little.

Repainting the kitchen facade will help to update the interior of the room on a budget, because the kitchen set is one of the important elements in this area. You need to choose high-quality paint so as not to spoil the furniture and get a beautiful design. You can carry out the work yourself, the main thing is to follow the painting technology. Do not neglect the preparatory part so that the paint lays evenly and no flaws remain.

How to paint a facade correctly - more detailed stages of work

Preparation

The first step is to remove the facades from their hinges to make them easier to process. Cover the hinges with tape to prevent paint or primer from getting on them.

If the facades are made of chipboard, then it is necessary to remove the PVC film, which is the top covering of such furniture. Remove this film using a hair dryer. Don't forget to put on gloves and a respirator first: the melted film can emit a toxic odor. Remove the film carefully - it is best if not a piece of it remains at all.

After this, wipe the surface and remove dust from it.

Grinding

You can sand the surface of the facades using sandpaper or a special machine, if you have one. Sanding also removes old paint from MDF facades. If it is not possible to remove the old coating by sanding, then you can use special solvents to make the task easier.

After the facades have been cleaned and sanded, carefully remove all dust from them. And degrease. Dust can be removed with a damp sponge, and degreased with a solvent.

Primer

For this work, use a special composition intended for wood. If your kitchen fronts include plastic parts, then purchase your own composition for them, specifically designed for plastic. Before using the primer, shake it thoroughly to distribute the components more evenly.

To obtain a more even surface, the primer can be applied to the wooden facade in two layers. After each layer, you must wait for it to dry completely before applying the next one.

To speed up and simplify the priming process, you can use special aerosol compositions - they are very convenient to apply and are evenly distributed over the surface. After you have thoroughly treated the surfaces with a primer, you need to wait a day before painting the wooden facade.

Painting

To thoroughly paint kitchen facades without gaps or bald spots, paint twice. Apply paint in one direction. If you use several shades, carefully cover the transition border with tape so that the borders are clear.

You can add color to the surface using cans containing paint - in this case, the painted facade will look more professionally processed, since the coating will be distributed evenly. However, there is a danger that the paint will get on nearby surfaces, so they must first be protected with newspapers, paper or polyethylene.

If you are painting facades from an aerosol can, then before you start spraying, do not forget to shake the can thoroughly so that the paint inside it acquires a uniform color and consistency. It is necessary to apply 2-3 layers of paint. After each layer, wait until it dries completely. The average drying time is always indicated on the paint can.

Glizal

After the paint has dried, glisal is applied to give a decorative shine. This composition is prepared according to the instructions and applied to the painted surfaces with light movements. After drying, the updated facades can be installed in place. If you want to get matte facades, then do not use glisal.

If you want to create a shiny kitchen surface with your own hands without the streaks that are inherent in glazed paint, then coat the facades with varnish. Do not forget that this product has a very strong odor, so it is better to work with the windows open. You can paint MDF facades and others with varnish of any tone: shiny glossy or calm matte.

We are often asked a question by owners of kitchen furniture with a film facade - is it possible to paint MDF film facades that have become unusable on their own? As a rule, we upset such citizens, because when you receive painted facades from a reputable manufacturer, you often come across painting defects - bubbles, smudges. And in general, how can you paint an MDF base with milling (that is, with a pattern) on which there is a layer of “thermonuclear” glue. But it would be great to remove the peeling PVC film that is starting to peel off and paint the remaining intact base in any color you wish. Look at the photo of what happens with the film coating of MDF facades, by the way, the most popular material for custom kitchen facades since the early 2000s.

It's a real horror, isn't it! It seems that only a facade replacement service can help bring back to life this MDF Calvados Classic kitchen set that you want to quickly remove out of sight. However, the cost of replacing the facades with practical plastic or elegant painted MDF in such a small kitchen will cost the equivalent of $200. And if the kitchen is corner, and even with a pencil case? Here, impressive numbers loom on the horizon - $350-500. As they say, on the quiet it’s also a good idea to replace the old hinges with exactly the same ones, but shiny. After all, it’s somehow inconvenient to replace tarnished metal with new expensive doors!

Thus, if you also think about new handles, in addition to hinges, you will receive an amount commensurate with the cost of the basic set of a new kitchen. Everything is bad? Save money for a new kitchen and shudder every day, looking at the peeling film on the MDF facades?

We hasten to reassure you, dear visitors of our kitchen resource! Recently I had to deal with a young Minsk family from the wonderful residential area of ​​Loshitsa, who solved the problem quickly, incredibly cheaply and, as you will see in the following photographs below, very decently.

Instead of investing in replacing facades, try to glue the peeling film with instant glue or superglue, instead of buying self-adhesive film like Alcor and trying to cover milled MDF facades with it (surprisingly, there are still originals that cover facades with wood-look film) they consulted and... We bought Tikkurila paint for metal and wood surfaces.

Having first painted the heating radiator in the kitchen, and having made sure that the paint matched the texture and color, it was decided to paint the facades of the kitchen furniture with it. The kitchen itself has clever film doors from the once popular “SL” series from the Grodno manufacturer ZOV. Paired fronts on a swing cabinet have different shapes from each other.

First, the owner tore off all the film without exception, even from entire facades. The result was blanks lined on the reverse side with a white plastic backing, while the front side, devoid of the hated film, was left with bare MDF, stained with glue. I had to work hard to clear the glue sticking onto the surface of the MDF using sandpaper and a file.

Then, the owner, who has hands that grow out of nowhere, carefully painted all the facades using the tools shown above. Paint smudges that got on the white reverse side were removed immediately. Otherwise, there is no point in describing the process of painting MDF film facades with your own hands - each of us holds a brush in our own way. After the facades had dried, the owner painted them a second time. This way, a more durable coating was obtained and the shortcomings of the first coloring were hidden. See below for what happened as a result. Are you weak!???

The kitchen is one of the most significant places in the house. In the evening, coming home from work or school, the whole family sits down at the table, has dinner, and over a cup of tea tells how the day went, what ideas they want to bring to life. This is why the environment in the kitchen affects our emotions and sensations. The mood immediately deteriorates; you don’t even want to enter the room if the furniture doesn’t look right. Therefore, it is necessary to put the interior items in order. Even the simplest method - painting the kitchen unit - will significantly change the appearance.

The kitchen is one of the most significant places in the house.

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