Update: We have a much newer cabinet-painting post with more photos, details, and even a video for you here.
If you can paint a wall (and even if you can’t), you can paint your kitchen cabinets. This project follows a few straightforward, proven steps that make it hard to mess up if you follow them. Before we fully remodeled our kitchen, we painted the original 50-year-old knotty pine cabinets to tide us over. Below is the dark, dated kitchen we inherited:
And here’s the fresh “after” after only a few hours of prepping and painting:
Here’s how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Decide your look. Take paint swatches home and choose your colors. If you plan to swap out hardware, buy it now so you can check screw spacing. Older cabinets often have different hole spacing than modern hardware, so confirm compatibility before you start. Wash doors and drawer faces with mild soap and water to remove grease and grime; a clean surface helps paint adhere better.
Step 2: Remove doors, drawers and hardware. Take off all hardware and hinges, whether you’ll reuse them or replace them. Store screws and small parts in labeled bags so you don’t lose anything. Remove doors and lay them flat on a drop cloth in a well-ventilated area so you can paint them all at once and reach the cabinet frames easily.
Step 3: Fill existing holes if needed. If new hardware won’t align with existing holes, use wood filler to close the old holes. One tube is usually enough. Match the filler color as closely as you can, though exact matching isn’t critical since you’ll be painting over it.
Step 4: Sand if necessary. Sanding depends on the existing finish. Matte, absorbent surfaces usually don’t need sanding; very glossy surfaces do. Lightly sanding with fine-grit paper or an electric sander will rough up glossy finishes and help paint stick. If your cabinets are old and potentially painted with lead-based paint, test for lead before sanding and follow safety precautions.
Step 5: Prime with the right product. Use an oil-based primer for kitchen cabinets, especially if grease stains or wood tannins are present. Oil-based primers block stains that some water-based products won’t. Apply one coat with a quality roller (wool or polyester) and use a brush for grooves and tight spots. A good primer makes the surface “tacky” so the topcoat bonds properly. Consider using a dedicated brush and roller for priming and then replacing them for the finish coat to ensure a smooth result.
Step 6: Paint the cabinets. Apply two coats of latex paint in a semi-gloss finish for easy cleaning. Wait the recommended time after priming before painting; many people can prime and apply two coats of paint in one day if drying times allow. Use a high-quality wool or polyester roller for a sleek finish; a small foam roller can help with control. Use an angle-tipped brush to reach corners and detail work for neater lines.
Tip: If you plan to paint both sides of doors, paint the inside first, let them cure for several days, then paint the outside. This prevents damage to freshly painted surfaces when flipping pieces over.
Step 7: Allow proper curing time. After two finish coats, give the paint time to cure. Many experts recommend waiting at least three days before rehanging doors and using drawers; five days is even better, especially in humid conditions. Rehanging involves touching, screwing and aligning, which can mar paint that isn’t fully cured.
Step 8: Reassemble carefully. Reattach hinges, reinstall doors and drawers, and add hardware. If installing new hardware, measure carefully and double-check placement before drilling to avoid unnecessary holes and touch-ups. Taking your time when drilling ensures perfectly centered hardware and a professional look.
Note on non-solid surfaces: If your cabinets are laminate, veneer, or another composite, bring a door or drawer sample to a paint professional at your local store for recommendations. Roughing up the surface, priming with a product formulated for laminates, and using high-quality enamel or oil-based paints can yield a durable finish, though it won’t perform exactly like paint on solid wood.
That covers the basics of refinishing cabinets. The last step is to enjoy the result—invite friends over or celebrate quietly every time you walk into your refreshed kitchen. A weekend or a few weeknights can deliver a dramatic transformation without a large budget.
For inspiration, here are a few client before-and-after examples:
A little paint can go a long way. With planning, the right materials and patience, you can give your kitchen a fresh, updated look without a full renovation. Happy painting!
In need of a furniture painting tutorial? We’ve got you covered.
Update: We have a much newer cabinet-painting post with more photos, details, and even a video for you here.