Yes, you absolutely can paint high gloss kitchen cupboards, and it's one of the smartest financial decisions you'll make for your kitchen. We've transformed thousands of kitchen cabinets at The Spraying Team, and the results consistently blow our clients away. When done correctly, painting kitchen cabinets with a high gloss finish delivers a premium, factory-like appearance that rivals brand new fitted kitchens at a fraction of the cost.
Kitchen cabinets make up nearly 40% of a full kitchen renovation cost, with replacement costs ranging from £4,000 to £10,000. By contrast, professionally spraying gloss kitchen cabinets costs between £800 and £1,500, while a DIY approach runs approximately £200 to £400 for supplies. That's a saving of 50 to 75% compared to full replacement.
High gloss kitchen cabinets have surged in popularity, and for good reason. Gloss paint reflects up to 70% of light, making your entire kitchen appear brighter and more spacious. This is particularly valuable in smaller or darker rooms where every bit of reflected light counts.
The practical benefits are equally compelling. Gloss surfaces resist moisture and stains far better than matt finishes, making them ideal for the steam, grease, and daily wear that kitchens endure. When properly prepared and applied, gloss kitchen cupboards can maintain their stunning appearance for over 10 years.
The preparation process determines 80% of your final result. Gloss finishes magnify every surface imperfection, so meticulous preparation is non-negotiable.
Start with thorough cleaning using sugar soap to remove grease, grime, and cooking residue. Apply the sugar soap with a kitchen scourer for stubborn areas, then rinse with a damp cloth. Allow surfaces to dry completely before proceeding.
Next comes sanding. Light sanding with 120-grit sandpaper provides the key to better adhesion. You don't need to strip the existing finish entirely, but you must create a surface that new paint can grip. For heavily damaged areas, use heavier grit sandpaper to smooth out deep scratches or dents.
Remove all dust with a tack cloth before moving to the next stage. Any dust particles will create bumps in your smooth gloss finish.
Quality materials make the difference between a professional result and an obvious DIY job. Here's what you need:
Paint Selection:
Application Tools:
Safety Equipment:
The total cost for these materials ranges from £200 to £400, depending on the size of your kitchen and paint quality chosen.
Remove kitchen cabinet doors and drawers first. This allows better access and prevents drips on hinges and hardware. Mark each door's location to ensure easy reassembly.
Apply primer if your chosen paint isn't self priming. Even with self priming paint, badly stained or previously dark surfaces benefit from dedicated primer. Allow primer to dry completely according to manufacturer specifications.
When start painting, work systematically. Begin with door frames, then move to doors themselves. Apply thin coats rather than attempting to achieve full coverage in one pass. Thin coats dry more evenly and reduce the risk of drips or brush strokes.
For the smoothest possible finish, lightly sand between coats with 220-grit sandpaper. This removes any slight imperfections and ensures paint adheres properly for the next layer.
The final coat requires particular attention. Work in a W pattern with your brush or roller, then smooth out in long, even strokes. This technique minimizes brush strokes and creates the seamless finish that makes gloss kitchen cabinets look professional.
Professional spray painting delivers results that are virtually indistinguishable from factory-finished cabinets. Spray paint creates an ultra-smooth surface without any brush marks or roller texture.
If you're using traditional application methods, a foam roller produces the smoothest finish among hand tools. Follow immediately with a high quality brush to eliminate any texture, working in the direction of the wood grain where visible.
Temperature and humidity significantly affect your final sheen. Paint in conditions between 10°C and 25°C with relative humidity below 70%. High humidity can dull the gloss finish or create a tacky surface that never fully cures.
Most gloss paints reach full cure in 7 to 30 days. While surfaces may feel dry to touch within hours, avoid cleaning or heavy use during the full curing period to prevent damage.
DIY painting gloss kitchen cupboards is absolutely achievable with proper preparation and patience. However, several factors favor professional application:
Time Investment: A typical kitchen takes 3-5 days for complete DIY painting, including drying time between coats. Professional teams complete the same work in 1-2 days.
Equipment Access: Professionals use spray systems that create superior finishes compared to brush and roller application. They also control environmental conditions to optimize paint performance.
Guarantee: Professional work typically includes guarantees of 2-5 years, providing peace of mind for this significant investment.
Cost Comparison:
Skipping surface preparation ruins more gloss cabinet projects than any other factor. Gloss kitchen cabinets painted over inadequately cleaned or unsanded surfaces will chip, peel, or show every fingerprint and imperfection.
Rushing between coats is another frequent error. Each coat must dry completely before applying the next. Attempting to speed the process with heaters or fans often creates uneven finishes or trapped moisture.
Using low-quality materials to save money typically costs more in the long run. Cheap paint won't withstand daily wear, requiring complete repainting much sooner than quality products.
Properly painted gloss kitchen cupboards require minimal maintenance but benefit from regular care. Clean with mild soap and water, avoiding abrasive cleaners that can dull the finish.
Wear rubber gloves when cleaning to prevent oils from your skin marking the surface. A damp cloth removes most marks easily thanks to the non-porous nature of gloss finishes.
Touch-up paint becomes important for maintaining appearance. Keep leftover paint for minor repairs, as exact colour matching becomes difficult over time due to fading and product changes.
High gloss kitchen cabinets work brilliantly in both traditional and contemporary kitchen styles. Light colours maximize the brightness benefit, while darker shades create dramatic, sophisticated looks.
Consider your entire kitchen when choosing colour. Gloss kitchen cabinets become a dominant visual element due to their reflective properties. They should complement your worktops, splashbacks, and appliances.
If you're wondering which colours are the most popular for kitchen resprays, popular colour choices include crisp whites, warm greys, and bold navy blues. Each creates a different atmosphere while maintaining the practical benefits of gloss finishes.
Kitchen upgrades return up to 80% of their cost at resale, and cabinets are among the first features buyers notice. Fresh, glossy cabinets provide immediate visual impact that suggests quality throughout the home.
The numbers speak for themselves:
This represents exceptional value for money, especially considering the dramatic visual transformation achieved.
Transform your kitchen with professional gloss cabinet spraying that delivers factory-quality results at a fraction of replacement cost. As a trusted spray painting company, our experienced team has perfected techniques that ensure your gloss kitchen cupboards look stunning and last for years.
We handle every aspect of the process, from initial surface preparation through final quality checks. Our controlled environment ensures optimal conditions for paint application, while our guarantee provides complete peace of mind.
Contact The Spraying Team today for your free, no-obligation quote. We'll assess your specific requirements and provide transparent pricing for transforming your kitchen cabinets with beautiful, durable high gloss finishes that you'll love for years to come.
