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"Expert Tips for Achieving a Professional Finish When Painting Kitchen Cabinets"

A question we are constantly asked: "Can I paint my kitchen cabinets?"

Yes! Yes! And Yes again. Yes you can. Easily. Effortlessly. With a sliver of the budget you would need to get a new kitchen.

"Is it easy?"

YES! It couldn't be easier. With our slightly-magical Frenchic Paint collections, you don't need to prime or seal your painted kitchen cabinets any longer. Just paint, and begin using.

"What colour should I use?"

We have a rainbow of colours for you to choose from. From soothing neutrals and dazzling whites to bold and jewel tones or pastel shades, the possibilities are limitless.

Let us help.


The kitchen is often the heart of a home, where people come together to work, study, dine and celebrate with friends and family. It's often the highest priority for renovation because it's the space everyone gravitates towards – it should feel genuinely welcoming and uplifting. However, not everyone can afford an entire kitchen overhaul with brand-new appliances, counters and cabinets, which is why many choose to refresh old surfaces with easy-to-use, self-priming chalk & mineral paint for kitchen cupboards. High-quality chalk paint gives cupboards and cabinets a facelift on a wallet-friendly budget. It completely transforms drab-looking interiors, and there's a wide range of shades to browse, from classic neutrals to jewel tones and vibrant blues, yellows and plums.

If you're ready to get started, keep reading for our easy step-by-step painting guide. We also run through what products you need, how to prepare your surfaces and the best methods for an unbeatable finish.

Should I Buy New Cabinets Or Paint My Old Ones?

Painting cabinets is quicker, simpler and more cost-effective than replacing them, and you can achieve an equally stunning result. Nevertheless, you should check the condition beforehand because some may be beyond saving.

If cupboards are functional and structurally sound, but just a little worse for wear, all you need is a fresh lick of paint. To avoid the faff of filling old holes and drilling new ones for replacement handles, you can even revamp your existing handles.


What Is The Best Paint To Use On Cabinets?

Forget oil-based or latex mixtures that tend to be smelly and require faffy priming – the best paint for kitchen cabinets and cupboards is chalk/mineral paint. Besides its low odour and minimal VOCs, chalk paint requires only simple preparation and is easy to apply. This makes it an excellent choice for DIYers with any level of experience.


Do I Need To Prime Cabinets Before Painting?

No primer is needed if you’re using self-priming paint, including Frenchic’s Lazy Range or Al Fresco collections – which are both suitable for kitchen cupboards.


How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets In 4 Easy Steps

Now we've answered the most pressing questions, it's time to start painting. You can apply your Frenchic paint in four stress-free steps:

  1. Clean

  2. Lightly sand (optional, but recommended)

  3. Apply paint

  4. Finishing touches

Before starting, you need:


1. Clean

Kitchen cabinets get mucky, so start with a meticulous clean. It’s best to remove cupboard doors before taking off hinges and handles. Give the doors a good scrub with sugar soap, which is an excellent degreaser – so even unseen grease is removed.

Next, rinse away the soap with clean water and a lint-free cloth. Allow surfaces to dry completely.

2. Lightly Sand

Once surfaces are clean and completely dry, hand sand them to abrade the surface, especially if the surface is smooth and glossy. Although not a compulsory step, doing so will help the paint adhere more efficiently. At this stage, you are not looking to take anything off. You're just going to be scratching up the surface to create some grit. After doing so, be sure to wipe away any dust with a damp cloth, then dry.

3. Apply Paint

Now the preparation is over, it's time to paint. For the best finish, use a good quality paintbrush and some like a small roller as well. Work with the grain of the wood, hold the brush around 45 degrees, and use long strokes with light pressure.

Follow the instructions on the tin for drying times between coats, and pay attention to the recommended rate of coverage. Take extra care of the surface at first, after three weeks, surfaces are highly resistant to scrapes, knocks and stains.

4. Finishing Touches

If you want to complete the look and revamp your existing cupboard handles, Frenchic Frensheens are a great choice. Choose one of five metallic colours and mix with Finishing Coat.

Apply this mixture to your handles just like a metallic paint. It works on almost any material and produces a highly durable finish, as you can see in our video tutorial.



Are You Ready To Transform Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Are you ready to transform your kitchen with minimal fuss and expense? If so, browse through our paint colours and follow the straightforward steps in this handy guide.

For further tips and tricks, follow us on our Facebook page UAE Frenchic Fan Forum and our FB and Insta page When Shabby Meets Chic - we offer plenty of expert advice to make renovating easy.

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