How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Equipment:
- 10-inch micro roller handle
- Cordless drill or screwdriver
- Cleaning sponge
- Clean bucket
- Foam sanding block
- Shop vacuum
- Tapered sash brush
- Paint tray
Materials:
- Water-based latex paint
- Primer
- Plastic sheeting
- Painter’s tape
- TSP (trisodium phosphate) or degreaser
- 120- and 220-grit sandpaper
- Sanding sponge
- 10-inch micro paint roller covers
- Sealable plastic bags
- Shop towels
- Paint tray liners
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Tools
- Remove everything from your kitchen cabinets and drawers.
- Lay down plastic sheeting on the floor and tape the edges.
- Set up a work table or sawhorses on the plastic.
- Gather all your tools and materials, including the sander, sandpaper, brushes, roller and covers, buckets, paint, and primer.
Step 2: Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware
- Number each cabinet door and drawer front with painter’s tape for easy replacement later.
- Remove the hinges from the cabinet boxes and bag the hinges and screws separately.
- Remove all fixtures (handles and knobs) and bag them separately.
Step 3: Remove Drawers and Drawer Fronts
- Number the drawers and drawer fronts with painter’s tape.
- Unscrew the drawer pulls and drawer fronts from the drawers.
Step 4: Clean Cabinet Boxes
- Use a degreaser or TSP to clean the cabinet boxes.
Step 5: Sand Doors, Drawer Fronts, and Boxes
- Sand all surfaces of the doors, drawer fronts, and cabinet boxes to scuff them up for better primer and paint adhesion.
Step 6: Prime Doors and Drawer Fronts
- Apply primer to the doors and drawer fronts using a roller and brush.
- Allow the primer to dry for at least two hours.
- Lightly sand the primer with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth down any bumps or drips.
Step 7: Prime Cabinets
- Clean the dust off of the cabinet boxes.
- Apply painter’s tape to the kitchen walls or backsplash to protect them from paint.
- Prime the cabinet boxes using a roller and brush.
- Allow the primer to dry for at least two hours.
- Sand the cabinet boxes with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth down any bumps or drips.
Step 8: Paint Cabinets
- Apply paint to the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and boxes using a roller and brush.
- Allow each coat of paint to dry for at least two hours.
Step 9: Put Cabinets Back Together
- Replace the drawer fronts on the drawer boxes.
- Reattach the hardware on the drawers.
- Slide the drawers back into place.
- Replace the hinges for the cabinet doors and cabinetry.
- Screw the cabinet doors back onto the cabinet fronts.
- Reattach the hardware on the cabinet doors.
Tips for Success
- Use a high-quality paint and primer.
- Take your time and don’t rush the process.
- Follow the instructions carefully.
- Clean your brushes and rollers after each use.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before using your cabinets.
When to Call a Professional
- If your kitchen is larger than 10 feet by 10 feet.
- If you don’t have the time or experience to paint your cabinets yourself.
- If you have any special needs or requirements.
FAQ
- Can I just paint over my kitchen cabinets?
No, it’s best to sand and prime your cabinets before painting them to ensure a high-quality finish.
- When preparing cabinets for paint, do you need to use primer?
Yes, primer is essential for ensuring that the paint adheres properly to the surface of your cabinets.
- Can I paint my kitchen cabinets without taking them down?
It’s best to remove the doors from your kitchen cabinets before painting them. The entire cabinets do not need to be removed before painting, but removing the doors and drawers makes sanding easier and helps you avoid paint spots on the pulls, handles, and hardware.
- Do you paint both sides of kitchen cabinet doors?
It’s common to paint cabinet doors both inside and out. If you do not plan to paint the inside of your cabinet doors, they will not need to be sanded or primed. You can use painter’s tape to achieve straight lines along the edges of each door.
- What kind of paint do you use on wood cabinets?
The best paint to use depends on if you currently have paint on your cabinets (keep it the same). You can also sand, strip, and start fresh with water-based latex, oil-based, or alkyd options.
- What happens if I skip sanding and go right to painting my cabinets?
Sanding gives your cabinets the best surface for paint to adhere to, discourages peeling, and looks more polished. You can skip sanding if you are painting over a cabinet that has already been painted using the same type of paint; this is faster, but remember any imperfections in the prior paint job may show through.
