Paint kitchen cabinets if you want to give your kitchen a clean, modern look without tearing everything out. In Singapore, kitchen renovations are often costly and time-consuming, especially in HDB flats and condos. Painting your existing kitchen cabinets is a smart way to refresh your space without a full renovation. I went through this process myself in a 4-room HDB flat in Tampines. With careful planning, good products, and some patience, I was able to completely transform my kitchen over a weekend.
If your cabinets are still in good shape but look old or outdated, painting them can make a big difference. Here’s exactly how to paint kitchen cabinets yourself, using materials easily available in Singapore. Also, LS Painter Singapore offers the best residential painting, house painting, and commercial painting services in Singapore.
Why Painting Kitchen Cabinets Makes Sense in Singapore
Many Singapore homes come with built-in cabinets made of laminate, plywood, or MDF. Over time, these materials can fade, peel, or become stained, especially in kitchens that get a lot of daily use. Full cabinet replacement can cost from $3,000 to over $10,000. But if the structure of your cabinets is solid, painting is a much cheaper option. It also causes less disruption compared to hacking and rebuilding.
Singapore’s humid weather affects how paint sticks and dries. That’s why proper surface preparation and the right type of paint are important. When done properly, painting kitchen cabinets can last for years, even in humid conditions.
What You’ll Need
Here is a list of tools and materials commonly available in Singapore hardware stores like Selffix, Horme, and Home-Fix:
- Flathead screwdriver (for removing cabinet handles and hinges)
- Degreaser or kitchen cleaner (Mr. Muscle or Sugar Soap)
- 220-grit sandpaper or sanding sponge
- Painter’s tape
- Plastic sheet or drop cloth (to protect floors)
- Dust cloth or vacuum cleaner
- Wood filler (for scratches or small holes)
- Oil-based or bonding primer (Nippon Paint and Dulux have good options)
- Semi-gloss or satin cabinet paint (moisture-resistant is best)
- Small foam roller and angled paintbrush
- Disposable gloves and a mask (for safety)
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in Singapore
1. Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware
Use a screwdriver to take off all doors, drawers, handles, and hinges. Keep the screws in labeled bags so you don’t lose them. It’s easier to paint doors when they’re taken off and placed flat on a surface.
2. Clean All Surfaces
Spray a degreaser on all cabinet surfaces. Wipe off grease, dust, and food residue. In many Singapore kitchens, grease builds up over time due to daily cooking. Cleaning is a must before painting.
3. Sand the Cabinet Surface
Use 220-grit sandpaper to sand every surface that you plan to paint. This helps the primer stick better. Suppose your cabinets are laminated, and sand them lightly but thoroughly. Wipe off all dust using a damp cloth.
4. Apply Primer
Use a bonding primer suited for wood or laminate. Use a brush for the corners and a small roller elsewhere to apply one even coat. Let it dry completely. In Singapore’s climate, drying may take longer. Use a standing fan to speed up the process if needed.
5. Paint Kitchen Cabinets
After the primer dries, you should paint the first layer onto the cabinet. Use the roller for large areas and the brush for detailed edges. Make sure the first coat is fully dry before putting on a second one. Two coats are usually enough. Avoid painting during very humid or rainy days.
6. Reattach Hardware and Doors
When the last coat is dry, put the handles, hinges, and doors back into place. Use the labels you made earlier to match the doors to their original places. This keeps everything aligned properly.
Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets in Singapore
Look for a paint that can resist moisture, stains, and heat. Satin and semi-gloss paints are simpler to clean. Nippon Paint Aqua Bodelac and Dulux Vivid White are good options. These are commonly available in Singapore and perform well in humid kitchens.
How Much Does Kitchen Cabinet Painting Cost?
- DIY cost: Around $120 to $250, including paint, primer, and tools
- Professional service: Around $400 to $1,200, depending on the number of cabinets and surface condition
Painting is ideal for small to medium-sized kitchens. For large kitchens, hiring a professional might save you time and effort.
Conclusion
To paint kitchen cabinets in Singapore, all you need is the right tools, proper prep work, and quality paint. You can quickly make your kitchen feel new with this easy upgrade, and it won’t cost nearly as much as new cabinets.
Whether you live in an HDB flat or a private apartment, following these steps will help you achieve a clean, modern finish. With the right paint and patience, you’ll get results that look professionally done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can paint over laminate cabinets commonly found in Singapore HDB and condo kitchens. However, preparation is key. You must clean the surface thoroughly, lightly sand it, and use a bonding primer designed for non-porous surfaces. This helps the paint adhere and prevents peeling or bubbling later.
Semi-gloss or satin finishes work best for kitchen cabinets in Singapore. These finishes are durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean. Avoid matte finishes as they absorb stains and are harder to wipe down, especially in kitchens where humidity and grease are constant.
Set aside two to three full days. The process includes cleaning, sanding, priming, adding two coats of paint, and making sure it dries properly. In Singapore’s humid climate, drying may take longer, so using a fan or dehumidifier helps speed things up.
No, it’s not recommended. Remove all doors and drawers before painting. Doing this helps you cover every area evenly and stops paint from dripping on the edges. It also gives a more professional, clean finish and makes reinstallation easier.
