Gather Your Supplies

• High-quality primer – Primer helps the paint adhere to the cabinet surfaces. For laminate or wood cabinets, use an oil-based primer. For metal or vinyl cabinets, use a water-based primer.
• Paint – Choose a high-quality cabinet paint such as semi-gloss or satin in your desired color. Oil-based paints provide the most durable finish.
• Paint brushes – You’ll need angled sash brushes for the cabinet frames and a high-quality trim brush for doors and drawers.
• Paint roller – Choose a short nap roller for applying paint evenly.
• Sandpaper – Lightly sand surfaces to help the paint adhere.
• Tack cloth – Use this to remove dust before painting.
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths
• Rags, paint thinner, and cleaning supplies

Prepare the Cabinets

Proper prep work ensures your paint job will last. Here’s how to get your cabinets paint-ready:

• Remove the doors, drawers, and hardware. Remove or protect any appliances and fixtures.
• Lightly sand cabinet frames, doors, and drawers to roughen surfaces and promote paint adhesion.
• Clean thoroughly and degrease all surfaces with a deglosser or TSP substitute. This helps the paint stick.
• Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth.
• Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth.
• Apply painter’s tape around edges and borders to protect walls and counters.
• Lay down drop cloths in your workspace.
• For laminate cabinets, scuff sand using 220-grit sandpaper to dull the glossy surfaces.

Prime Cabinets

Priming ensures better paint coverage and a smooth, professional finish.

• For wood cabinets, use a high-adhesion oil-based primer such as Zinsser Cover Stain. This seals the wood grain and provides extra bonding power.
• For laminate or thermofoil cabinets, use a water-based bonding primer like Zinsser BIN Shellac-Base.
• For metal or vinyl cabinets, opt for a water-based primer made for slick surfaces.
• Apply primer in thin, even coats using a paintbrush or roller.
• Allow the primer to fully dry overnight before painting. This prevents uneven drying or bumps.

Paint Cabinets

Carefully apply cabinet paint using these tips:

• Work in a Dust-Free Area – Paint in a dust-free environment to prevent debris from embedding in the finish.
• Maintain a Wet Edge – Maintain a wet edge as you paint by brushing into freshly painted areas. This prevents lap marks.
• Brush Vertically First – Brush paint in vertical strokes first, then horizontal strokes for an even coat.
• Use Symmetry – Paint the same flat plane in one continuous motion from side to side or top to bottom.
• Paint the Inside First – Paint cabinet interiors and doors first. Then paint outer frames and sides.
• Inspect Between Coats – Check for drips or rough spots and sand them smooth.
• Allow Proper Dry Times – Let each coat dry completely according to manufacturer guidelines before adding another coat.
• Apply at least 2-3 Paint Coats – For best coverage, apply two to three thin, even coats rather than one thick coat.
• Remove Tape Promptly – Pull off painters tape promptly after painting before the paint dries completely.

Follow the product instructions for proper dry time between coats. Lightly sand and wipe clean between coats for best results.

Reinstall and Cleanup

Once the final coat is completely dry:

• Reinstall doors, drawers, and hardware using a cabinet alignment tool if needed.
• Remove any paint drips along edges using a utility knife. Don’t scratch freshly painted surfaces.
• Seal with a clear polyurethane for extra protection if desired.
• Clean paintbrushes thoroughly in paint thinner according to directions.
• Touch up any final spots and enjoy your refreshed cabinets!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of paint should I use on kitchen cabinets?

For the most durable and scratch-resistant finish, use an oil-based enamel paint or an oil-based alkyd paint specially formulated for cabinets and trim. Latex or acrylic paints will also work, but may show more wear over time.

How do I achieve a smooth painted finish?

Proper prep work and applying multiple thin coats of paint will give you the smoothest results. Be sure to sand surfaces thoroughly prior to priming and painting. Then apply at least 2-3 thin coats, sanding lightly between coats.

How long does it take for cabinet paint to cure?

Oil-based cabinet paints take up to 7 days to fully cure, while latex paints cure in about 30 days. Avoid scrubbing or replacing cabinet items until paint has fully cured.

Should I spray or brush paint my cabinets?

Brushing may take more time and effort, but provides better control for a smooth finish. Spray painting requires more prep work and can have greater overspray.

Can I paint over varnished or stained cabinets?

Yes, you’ll need to prep laminate and stained cabinets by deglossing and scuff sanding the surfaces prior to painting so the new paint can properly adhere.

Conclusion

With the right tools, patience and painting technique, you can achieve a painted kitchen cabinet makeover with a pro-grade finish. Preparing your cabinets thoroughly and applying multiple thin coats of quality paint will ensure your new paint job stands up to the wear and tear of your kitchen. Maintain your finish by cleaning gently and avoiding abrasive chemicals. Your fresh coat of paint can make over your kitchen cabinets affordably.

From the Pros: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Here is an extensive guide on how to paint kitchen cabinets like a professional to achieve a beautiful, durable finish.

Gather Your Painting Supplies

Before starting your kitchen cabinet painting project, gather these recommended supplies:

• Paint brushes – Angled sash brushes to paint cabinet frames, high-quality trim brushes for doors and drawers.
• Paint roller – A short nap roller will apply the paint smoothly and evenly.
• Paint – For cabinets, choose a top-quality satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss enamel cabinet paint. Oil-based paints are most durable.
• Primer – Use an oil-based primer for wood cabinets or a water-based primer for laminate.
• Sandpaper – Lightly sand surfaces before painting to help the paint stick. 180-220 grit.
• Tack cloth – To remove any dust before painting cleaned surfaces.
• Drop cloths – To protect floors and countertops from paint drips.
• Painter’s tape – For taping off edges and borders.
• Rags, paint thinner, cleaning supplies – For cleanup.

Prepare Cabinets for Painting

Proper preparation helps ensure your painted cabinets will have a flawless, professional finish:

• Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware. Remove or protect any fixtures.
• Clean thoroughly and degrease all surfaces with a deglosser or TSP substitute.
• Lightly sand to scuff up the glossy laminate or wood surfaces for better adhesion.
• Fill any small holes or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth when dry.
• Use a tack cloth to remove any dust before painting.
• Apply painter’s tape around the edges and borders to protect walls and counters.
• Lay down drop cloths in your workspace.
• For laminate cabinets, scuff sand using 220 grit sandpaper to dull the surface.

Prime Cabinets Before Painting

Priming helps the paint stick to the cabinets, preventing uneven coverage or peeling.

• For wood cabinets, use an oil-based primer like Zinsser Cover Stain.
• For laminate cabinets, use a water-based primer such as Zinsser BIN Shellac-Base.
• For metal or vinyl cabinets, use a water-based primer for slick surfaces.
• Apply primer in thin, even coats using a paintbrush or roller.
• Allow primer to dry fully overnight before painting.

Paint Cabinets with Care

Follow these tips when applying the cabinet paint:

• Work in a dust-free space to avoid debris in the finish.
• Maintain a wet edge as you paint to prevent lap marks between coats.
• Brush vertically first, then use horizontal strokes.
• Paint the same flat plane in one continuous motion from side to side.
• Paint cabinet interiors and doors first before outer frames.
• Check for any drips or rough spots; sand them smooth.
• Follow dry time instructions before adding another coat.
• Apply at least 2-3 thin, even coats for best coverage.
• Remove painter’s tape promptly after painting before the paint dries.

Reinstall Cabinets and Finish Up

Once the final coat is completely dry:

• Reinstall doors, drawers, and hardware. Use a cabinet alignment tool if needed.
• Carefully remove any paint drips along the edges with a utility knife.
• Seal with polyurethane for extra protection if desired.
• Thoroughly clean brushes and supplies.
• Touch up any final spots and admire your refreshed cabinets!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of paint is best for kitchen cabinets?

For the most durable and scratch-resistant finish, use an oil-based enamel paint or an oil-based alkyd paint made specifically for cabinets and trim.

Should I spray paint or brush paint my cabinets?

Brushing takes more time and effort but provides better control for a super smooth finish. Spray painting requires more prep and risks overspray.

How long does it take for cabinet paint to cure?

Oil-based cabinet paints take up to 7 days to fully cure. Latex paints take about 30 days to cure and harden completely.

How do I get a perfectly smooth painted finish?

Sand surfaces thoroughly before priming. Then apply at least 2-3 thin, even coats of paint, lightly sanding between coats.

Can I paint over stained or varnished cabinets?

Yes, you’ll need to properly prep laminate and stained cabinets by deglossing and scuff sanding so the new paint can adhere.

Conclusion

With the proper tools, preparation, and painting techniques, you can achieve a flawless, professional-looking DIY kitchen cabinet paint job. The key is meticulous prep work, high-quality primer and paint, and applying multiple thin coats. Your fresh coat of painted cabinets can make over your kitchen in a weekend.