Save $10,000! DIY Kitchen Makeover for Under $250! Painted Kitchen Cabinets using Miracle Paint
, by Ryan Casuga,
4 min reading time
Revamp Your Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro – A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're looking to refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank, you're in the right place! Join Leah Cook from Sandpaper & Wax Design as she takes us through her DIY kitchen cabinet makeover journey—a project that saved her thousands of dollars and added instant value to her home.
💡 Did you know? Refinishing your kitchen can increase your home’s value by up to 2%—and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune! With a few days of work, patience, and the right products, you can achieve professional-quality results at home.
The Challenge: A Kitchen in Need of a Refresh
After eight years, four kids, and no updates, Leah's kitchen had worn-out cabinets, surface damage, and an outdated look. She received a $10,000 quote from a contractor but decided to tackle the project herself.
She refinished 52 cabinet faces—a big job, but one she knew she could handle with the right tools and techniques.
Step-by-Step: Leah's DIY Cabinet Makeover Process
Step 1: Prepping the Space & Protecting the Floors
✔️ Tape and Cover: Leah applied two protective layers—a base layer of tape and an additional brown paper layer—to protect the floors and baseboards.
✔️ Remove Cabinet Doors: Taking off the doors makes painting easier and ensures smooth, even coverage.
Step 2: Cleaning & Sanding the Cabinets
A clean surface is crucial for a long-lasting finish:
✔️ Degrease & Clean: She wiped everything down using Amy Howard’s Clean Slate to remove built-up grease and grime.
✔️ Light Sanding: A quick sand with fine-grit sandpaper helps remove imperfections and allows paint to adhere better.
✔️ Clean Again: After sanding, Leah wiped the cabinets down one more time with Clean Slate to remove dust.
🛠 Pro Tip: Don’t skip cleaning! Even if your cabinets "look clean," oils and residues can prevent paint from sticking properly.
Step 3: Priming for a Smooth Finish
To ensure an ultra-durable and professional-looking finish, Leah applied:
✔️ One Coat of Zinsser Shellac-Based Primer – This acts as a bonding primer to prevent stains from bleeding through.
✔️ Let It Dry Overnight – Allowing primer to fully cure makes for a strong, smooth foundation.
✔️ Check for Drips & Sand Again – Any drips or rough spots were lightly sanded before moving to the next step.
✔️ Spraying vs. Rolling: She opted for a spray gun for fast, even coverage but also used a high-density foam roller for detail work.
✔️ Thin Coats for Best Results:Multiple thin coats prevent drips and streaks, creating a smooth factory-like finish.
✔️ Dry Time: She let each coat dry for at least 24 hours before adding another layer.
🛠 Pro Tip: If you see any drips or imperfections, let it dry fully before lightly sanding and reapplying paint.
Step 5: Final Touches & Cabinet Reinstallation
With the painting complete, Leah:
✔️ Reinstalled the Cabinet Doors – After allowing proper drying time, she carefully re-hung each door.
✔️ Touched Up Edges – Using Amy Howard’s Taper Brush, she fixed any small imperfections for a seamless look.
✔️ Updated the Pantry Door – Leah also painted her worn-out pantry door in the same Bauhaus Buff Miracle Paint for a cohesive design.
The Final Reveal: A Stunning DIY Transformation
With just a few days of work and the right products, Leah completely transformed her kitchen cabinets—giving them a brand-new look without spending thousands!
✔️ Cost Savings: A $10,000 project done for a fraction of the price!
✔️ Professional Results: With Miracle Paint’s durable finish, the cabinets look brand new and will hold up for years.
✔️ Increased Home Value: A fresh, updated kitchen will attract buyers and boost home value.
You Can Do It, Too!
If you’ve been dreaming of a kitchen refresh, now is the time! Whether you’re prepping your home to sell or simply want a space you love, this DIY cabinet painting method will save you money and give you stunning results.
💡 Want more expert painting tips?Shop Miracle Paint and start your own DIY kitchen makeover today!
