Paint Walls and Trim
The final color transformation of your kitchen renovation. Proper painting techniques ensure your new space looks professionally finished and the paint will hold up to years of kitchen use.
Quick Summary
Time needed
2-3 days
Cost
$300-800
Difficulty
Moderate
Why Painting Quality Matters
After investing tens of thousands in your kitchen renovation, the quality of your paint job can make or break the final impression. Professional-looking paint requires the right products, proper preparation, and patience to let each coat dry completely.
Pro Tip: Kitchen paint takes more abuse than any other room. Cooking splatters, steam, grease, and frequent cleaning mean you need paint formulated specifically for kitchens. Don't skimp on paint quality in this room.
Take your time with this step. Rushing leads to drips, missed spots, and paint that doesn't cure properly. Your gorgeous new kitchen deserves a finish that will look great for years.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare All Surfaces
Even after construction cleanup, there's always more dust and debris. Thorough prep is the foundation of a great paint job.
Surface Preparation Checklist:
- •Fill all nail holes and imperfections with spackle or wood filler
- •Let filler dry completely (read product instructions)
- •Sand all filled areas smooth with 220-grit sandpaper
- •Vacuum all surfaces to remove sanding dust
- •Wipe down walls and trim with a tack cloth
- •Check for any remaining imperfections under angled light
Tip: Use a bright work light held at an angle to the wall to spot imperfections. They're much more visible with raking light than straight-on lighting.
2. Protect Your New Kitchen
Your new cabinets, countertops, and appliances need serious protection. One paint drip on quartz can be difficult to remove.
Cabinet Protection
Cover cabinet faces and boxes with plastic sheeting. Tape plastic to the ceiling side of upper cabinets and let it hang down like a curtain. For lowers, tape plastic to the countertop edge and drape over cabinet fronts.
Countertop & Appliance Protection
Use rosin paper or canvas drop cloths on countertops (not plastic—it's slippery). Cover appliances completely with plastic sheeting. Tape everything securely so it won't shift while you work.
Floor Protection
Even if flooring isn't installed yet, protect the subfloor. Paint stains on concrete or plywood can bleed through finished flooring. Use canvas drop cloths, not plastic sheets.
3. Prime All Surfaces
Don't skip primer, especially on new drywall and trim. It seals the surface, prevents absorption problems, and ensures even color.
Primer Selection Guide:
For New Drywall:
PVA primer (polyvinyl acetate) - seals porous drywall and provides uniform base
For New Trim:
Oil-based or shellac primer - prevents wood tannins from bleeding through topcoat
For Patches:
Spot-prime with same primer type as walls to prevent flash-through
Important: Let primer dry completely before topcoating. Rushing this step leads to poor adhesion and uneven coverage. Plan for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Apply First Coat
Professional painters follow a specific order for efficient, high-quality results. Take your time and work systematically.
Painting Order:
- 1.Ceiling (if painting) - paint first to avoid splatters on walls
- 2.Trim and molding - baseboards, crown, window/door casings
- 3.Walls - cut in edges first, then roll large areas
Cutting In Technique:
- • Load brush with paint about 1/3 of bristle length
- • Start 2-3 inches from edge, brush toward edge, then along it
- • Paint a 2-3 inch band around all edges before rolling
- • Work in 3-4 foot sections, keeping a wet edge to avoid lap marks
Rolling Technique:
- • Use a 3/8" nap roller for smooth walls, 1/2" for textured
- • Roll in a W or M pattern to distribute paint evenly
- • Don't overload the roller - multiple thin coats beat one thick coat
- • Maintain light, even pressure - don't press hard to squeeze out paint
- • Finish each section with light vertical strokes
5. Apply Second Coat
One coat is rarely enough, especially in a kitchen where coverage and durability matter. The second coat provides depth of color and uniform coverage.
Before Second Coat:
- •Wait at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, after first coat
- •Lightly sand any drips or bumps with 220-grit sandpaper
- •Wipe down with tack cloth to remove dust
- •Inspect under raking light for missed spots or thin areas
- •Check weather - high humidity slows drying time significantly
Pro Tip: The second coat usually goes on faster and easier than the first. You're familiar with the space, and the sealed surface accepts paint more uniformly. This is your chance to perfect the finish.
Choosing the Right Paint
Kitchen paint needs to handle moisture, cooking splatters, grease, and frequent cleaning. These specific conditions require purpose-built products.
Wall Paint Selection
Sheen:
Satin or eggshell - easier to clean than flat, not as shiny as semi-gloss
Formula:
Look for "kitchen & bath" or "scrubbable" formulas
Quality:
Premium paints (Sherwin-Williams Duration, Benjamin Moore Aura) have better coverage and durability
Trim Paint Selection
Sheen:
Semi-gloss or high-gloss - most durable and easy to clean
Formula:
Acrylic latex or hybrid (alkyd-modified latex) for hardness
Quality:
Premium trim paints level better and resist yellowing
How Much Paint to Buy:
Walls: Measure room perimeter × ceiling height = square footage. Divide by 350 (coverage per gallon) = gallons needed. Round up and add 10% for waste.
Trim: Estimate 1 quart per 100 linear feet for baseboards, plus additional for crown molding, door/window casings.
Example: 10×12 kitchen with 8ft ceilings = (10+10+12+12) × 8 = 352 sq ft. Need 2 gallons for 2 coats.
Common Painting Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Surface Prep
Painting over dust, grease, or unfilled holes shows through the finish. Prep time is never wasted - it's the foundation of a professional result.
Not Letting Coats Dry
Rushing between coats leads to lifting, streaking, and poor adhesion. Follow the manufacturer's recoat times minimum, longer in humid conditions.
Using Cheap Paint or Tools
Budget paint requires more coats and doesn't hold up. Cheap brushes leave bristles in the finish. After spending thousands on your renovation, don't compromise on paint quality.
Removing Tape Too Soon or Too Late
Remove painter's tape while paint is still slightly tacky (about 1 hour after application). Too soon and paint can run; too late and you'll peel off paint with the tape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of paint should I use for kitchen walls and trim?
For kitchen walls, use a high-quality satin or semi-gloss latex paint that can withstand moisture and is easy to clean. For trim, use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint for durability and easy cleaning. Choose paints labeled as "kitchen and bath" or "scrubbable" for best results in this high-traffic, moisture-prone area.
Do I need to prime new drywall before painting?
Yes, absolutely. New drywall is extremely porous and will absorb paint unevenly, leading to blotchy coverage and wasted paint. Use a PVA (polyvinyl acetate) primer specifically designed for new drywall. This seals the surface and ensures your topcoat goes on smoothly and evenly.
Should I paint trim before or after the walls?
Professional painters typically paint trim first, then walls. This allows you to be less careful with trim painting (you can get paint on the walls), then carefully cut in the wall paint against the trim. However, some DIYers prefer walls first, then carefully paint trim with painter's tape on the walls. Choose the method you're more comfortable with.
How long should I wait between coats of paint?
Wait at least 4 hours between coats for latex paint in normal conditions (70°F, low humidity). However, for best results, wait overnight before applying the second coat. This ensures the first coat is completely dry and won't lift or streak when you apply the second coat. Read your specific paint's instructions for manufacturer recommendations.
How do I prevent paint from getting on my new cabinets and countertops?
Cover all new surfaces with plastic sheeting secured with painter's tape. Use high-quality tape (like FrogTape or 3M blue tape) and press edges down firmly. For extra protection on countertops, lay down rosin paper or canvas drop cloths under the plastic. Remove tape while paint is still slightly tacky to prevent peeling the paint with it.
Ready for the Next Step?
With walls and trim painted, it's time to add the finishing touches that complete your kitchen's professional look.