Prep Like It’s Half the Job (Because It Is)
Proper preparation is what separates a flawless cabinet paint job from a forgettable one. Before you open that paint can, take the time to set yourself up for success by following these essential prep steps:
Remove Hardware and Components
Take off all cabinet doors and drawers to make the surfaces easier to reach and paint evenly.
Remove all handles, hinges, knobs, and other hardware.
Label each piece for easy reassembly later.
Deep Clean Every Surface
Clean all cabinet surfaces thoroughly using a degreaser to remove any built up grease or residue, especially in kitchen spaces.
Don’t overlook the edges, corners, and frames paint won’t adhere to a dirty surface.
Sand Lightly but Thoroughly
Light sanding helps paint grip better. Use 120 to 150 grit sandpaper for a smooth, even surface.
Focus on dulling the sheen of the old finish rather than stripping down to bare wood.
Always wipe away dust with a tack cloth or damp rag after sanding.
Mask Off with Painter’s Tape
Use painter’s tape to protect counters, walls, floors, or any surface adjacent to the cabinets.
Cover floors with drop cloths to catch dust and drips.
Prime for Performance
Apply a stain blocking primer to help paint stick and to prevent old stains or wood tannins from bleeding through.
Use a brush or roller suited for your surface for even coverage.
Need help with general prep techniques? Check out our step by step painting guide.
Choose the Right Paint and Tools
When it comes to painting cabinets, the materials and tools you pick make a noticeable difference in both the finish and how long it lasts. Here’s how to set yourself up for a professional quality result.
Choose Durable Paint That Lasts
Not all paints are created equal especially in high use spaces like kitchens. Look for:
Acrylic latex paint: Offers easy cleanup, quick drying, and low odor
Enamel based paint: A bit more work, but provides a hard, durable finish
Both are great options, depending on your comfort level and kitchen traffic. Just make sure the paint is labeled for cabinetry or trim work.
Pick the Right Finish: Semi Gloss or Satin
For cabinets, two finishes rise above the rest:
Semi gloss: Bright, easy to clean, ideal for busy kitchens
Satin: Slightly softer sheen, hides minor imperfections, still wipes clean easily
Avoid flat or matte finishes, which can absorb stains and are harder to clean over time.
Tools of the Trade: Brush, Roller, or Sprayer?
Each tool has its strengths, so the best choice depends on your style and setup:
Brush: Best for edges, corners, and detailed areas
Foam roller: Smooth application with minimal texture, ideal for flat surfaces
Paint sprayer: Gives the most professional and even finish, but expect more prep and cleanup
Recommendation: Combine a roller for broad surfaces and a brush for the finer details.
Don’t Skip the Angled Brush
A high quality angled brush makes trim work and edges dramatically easier. It allows for more control and sharper lines especially around hardware impressions and inset panels.
Pro Tip: Invest in a 2 inch angled sash brush designed for latex paints. It’s a small tool with a huge impact on your final look.
Apply Paint Like You Care
This is where patience starts to pay dividends. Start with thin, even coats of paint don’t glob it on. Drips are your enemy and once they dry, they’re miserable to fix. If you’re using a brush or roller, work in the direction of the wood grain and keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
Each coat needs time to dry fully before you move on. Not just touch dry actually dry. That means following the paint can’s dry time instructions, not your gut.
Once dry, a light sanding between coats gets you that next level, smooth as glass finish. Use a fine grit sanding sponge and wipe down with a tack cloth after.
Two coats is the absolute minimum. Three is ideal especially on high touch zones like cabinet doors and handles. Taking the time now saves frustration (and early touch ups) later.
Let It Cure, Not Just Dry
Here’s where most DIYers lose patience and end up regretting it. Just because your cabinet doors are dry to the touch doesn’t mean they’re ready for action. The paint needs time to cure, not just dry. That hard, durable finish that resists chips and scrapes? It doesn’t come overnight. Give it a full 7 to 14 days, depending on humidity and airflow in your space.
Also, don’t make the rookie mistake of propping doors upright while they dry. Gravity will warp them slowly and silently. Lay them flat on a clean surface and leave them be. This stage isn’t flashy but it separates quick jobs from lasting ones.
Want to sharpen your room painting skills too? Don’t miss our full tutorial on how to paint a room.
Finishing Touches That Matter
Now’s not the time to lose focus. When reinstalling cabinet doors and hardware, take it slow. Line things up properly, use a steady hand, and never force a screw through fresh paint scratches and chips at this stage are painful setbacks. If needed, give yourself a day buffer after curing to make sure everything is rock solid.
Stick felt pads or rubber bumpers inside the doors and drawers. It’s a small add on that protects the paint and softens closures. No one wants slamming doors undoing their hard work.
Finally, don’t leave your tools in a sad pile. Clean brushes and rollers right hot water, mild soap, and patience. Wrap them properly or hang them dry. Sharp tools are ready tools, and knowing they’re prepped for the next job saves time and headaches later.
Finish strong so your work looks just as good next year as it does today.
Final Word: Don’t Rush the Craft
Painting cabinets isn’t hard but doing it right takes time, and that’s where most people stumble. It’s tempting to skip steps, slap on thick coats, or rehang doors before the paint’s fully cured. Don’t. Every shortcut shows up later as chipped edges, sticky drawers, or uneven gloss.
The payoff for doing it right? A clean, pro looking finish that lasts for years. Doors that open and close cleanly. Surfaces that wipe down without peeling. Cabinets that don’t just look refreshed they look built to last.
So take your time. Prep like you care. Clean as you go. And above all, let the paint cure before putting everything back together. Your future self quietly admiring flawless cabinets over morning coffee will be glad you did.
DIY & Home Improvement Specialist
