Is it difficult to paint kitchen cabinets?

Not at all! With Rethunk Junk by Laura you can skip the sanding and priming - making this project so simple! Just clean first with The PREP, then get right to the fun part - the paint! With excellent durability and adhesion, you'll enjoy this budget-friendly update for years!

Ready to get started?

You're almost ready for an amazing transformation, but there are just a few things to do before you jump in. #1 - Remove handles and pulls from your doors and drawers. #2 - Protect your flooring from Prep overspray and paint drips & splatters. That's it! You're ready to get started!

One question we hear a lot is, "Should I remove the doors?" We like to leave the doors on because they can be very difficult to reinstall. If your hinges are external, just be sure to grab a Miracle Tapered Trim Brush and just trim around those hinges. It's fast and easy and will make your project so simple! Let's get started...

Three Simple Steps

  • Step 1 - Prep

    When it comes to prep work on your kitchen cabinets, take your time and be thorough. Generously spray your cabinets down with the Prep and allow it to soak for 2 minutes. Using a scrubby pad, apply gentle pressure to thoroughly clean the cabinets - paying extra attention to frequently touched surfaces and areas around the stove. Once you have scrubbed thoroughly, wipe away the Prep and residue. Then spray your cabinets again, let it soak, and wipe well with a lint-free cloth.

  • Step 2 - Paint

    Use a soft-bristle brush to apply Rethunk Junk by Laura Furniture & Cabinet Paint in your selected color. Starting with the upper cabinets, open the doors and paint the body of the cabinet and backs of the doors (if you're painting those) first. Allow to dry well before painting the fronts of doors. Move on to lower cabinets. By the time you have completed the first coat, it's generally safe to go back to where you started and apply the second coat.

  • Step 3 - Protect

    After your final coat and touch-ups have thoroughly dried, use a Miracle Sponge to apply Tuff Top. Watch out for drips and pooling. Tuff Top is a thin medium so two thin coats are recommended.

    Want to add a little interest and texture to your final coat? Consider using a Wash instead of Tuff Top. Rethunk Junk washes add protection and help make cleaning easier while also adding just a hint of color to your final finish.

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Still have questions?

A few more things to know...

How long does the paint take to dry?

The paint dries very quickly; however, the cure process takes a while. Your paint will be dry in 30-45 minutes. Once it is not "cool to the touch", the paint is dry. However, paint cures for approximately 4 weeks, depending on humidity and temperature. You can begin to use your cabinets gently as soon as the paint is fully dry, but keep in mind that with each passing day, the paint gets harder and more durable so exercise care during those first few days.

How long until I can use my painted cabinets?

We recommend allowing your freshly painted cabinets to dry with doors open overnight before reinstalling hardware and beginning to use them.

How do I clean my painted cabinets?

Great question! We recommend using Rethunk Junk's Everyday All-Purpose Cleaner for day to day cleaning. Level up your cleaning power by using their Weekly Multi-Surface Protectant to make your cabinets easier to clean!

Can I skip the Tuff Top protectant?

Rethunk Junk by Laura resin paint is a very durable paint. However, we do recommend the added protection of a sealer for kitchen cabinets. Adding Tuff Top or a wash will make your cabinets easier to keep clean and will help repel stains.

How do I get a smooth finish?

Rethunk Junk by Laura is a self-leveling paint that should dry free of brush marks. To encourage a smooth finish, be sure to use a light hand with your brush and do not overwork the paint. The more you brush back and forth, the more likely you will be to create a texture in the finish of your paint. Remember, the paint will dry quickly so you want to get it on and allow it to self-level before it dries. Using a continuous-spray mist water bottle can be helpful to keep the paint wet and encourage self-leveling.

How much paint will I need for my project?

Measure the linear feet of your kitchen cabinetry, then divide that number by 10. Your answer will be the approximate number of quarts your project will need.

Coverage is dependent upon many factors including the current color of your cabinets, the color of the paint, and how thick your coats of paint are. Most colors will require 2-3 coats of paint for full coverage.