Painting cabinets is an affordable way to refresh an outdated kitchen without a full renovation. With proper preparation and patience, a DIY cabinet paint job can look professional and last for years. We’ve used the method described here to transform cabinets in multiple kitchens and other rooms, so this process is reliable and repeatable. Follow the steps below for a successful cabinet makeover.
The kitchen in this tutorial came from our second house, which had solid oak cabinets and wood paneling. While these instructions focus on painting wood cabinets, the approach is similar for other cabinet materials. If your cabinets are already painted or are from a brand like Ikea, the same basic steps still apply with a few tweaks.
Steps To Painting Cabinets
Below is an overview of the cabinet painting process. It requires time, careful prep, and some elbow grease, but nothing overly technical. Larger kitchens are more repetitive, but no step is especially difficult.
- Remove cabinet doors and hardware
- Patch cracks and holes (optional)
- Lightly sand all surfaces
- Apply a liquid deglosser
- Prime one coat
- Paint two coats
- Rehang cabinet doors
- Reinstall cabinet hardware
This project can be done by one person but moves faster with help. Proper surface prep is the most important factor for a durable result, so don’t rush steps 2–5.
Time required depends on kitchen size and drying times, so expect the work to span several days. Make space in a garage, sunroom, or spare room to lay out doors and drawer fronts while they dry.
How To Paint Cabinets Video Overview
You can watch these steps in action in the included video overview. There is also a shorter version available that demonstrates the core process for a quick reference.
Note: the same video is also available on YouTube.
Supplies Needed To Paint Cabinets
The supplies for painting cabinets are similar to other paint projects, and you may already have many of them:
- Primer
- Paint (satin or semi-gloss recommended)
- Small 4″ or 6″ foam rollers
- Roller trays
- Short, angled paint brush
- Drop cloths
- Painter’s tape
- Painter stands or tripods
- Electric sander and sandpaper
- Electric drill & driver
- Liquid deglosser
- Wood filler (optional)
- Putty knife (optional)
A paint sprayer can speed the job if you’re comfortable using one, but hand-painting with brushes and rollers produces excellent results without the complexity of spraying.
What paint should I use to paint my cabinets?
Water-based latex paints formulated for cabinets or trim are the best choice for DIY cabinet painting. They clean up easily, don’t yellow like some oil-based paints, and now deliver durable, smooth finishes. Choose a high-quality cabinet or trim paint and buy the best you can afford for a long-lasting result.
Step 1: Remove cabinet doors & hardware
Carefully unscrew doors and remove hinges, knobs, and pulls. Keep hardware organized in labeled bags or boxes. Label each door with painter’s tape to make reassembly simple. Remove drawers and, if possible, detach drawer fronts for easier painting.
We don’t usually paint cabinet interiors, so you can leave most items in place, but cover or move anything that might collect sanding dust.
Step 2: Patch cracks and holes (optional)
If you’re changing hardware locations or replacing knobs with pulls, use wood filler to patch existing holes and hinge marks. Apply with a putty knife, let it dry, and sand smooth. A second application may be needed to fully fill the hole once the filler shrinks.
Step 3: Lightly sand all surfaces
Thorough prep sanding is the most important part of a long-lasting cabinet paint job. Lightly sand all surfaces to be painted using an electric sander with medium-grit paper (around 120). The goal is to scuff the existing finish to help primer bond, not to strip to raw wood. Hand-sand corners and details as needed.
Sanding produces dust, so work in a ventilated area or outdoors when possible. Cover nearby surfaces when sanding frames in place. Once sanding is complete, wipe surfaces with a tack cloth to remove remaining dust.
Step 4: Apply a Liquid Deglosser
A liquid deglosser (liquid sandpaper) helps etch finishes and remove residual grease so primer and paint adhere better. Apply with a rag, paper towel, or spray bottle and let it soak in; rinsing is not necessary. Some do use chemical cleaners like TSP first, but a deglosser specifically prepares glossy surfaces for paint and is recommended in addition to sanding.
Step 5: Prime One Coat
Primer is essential for good coverage and adhesion. Apply a thin, even coat of a quality all-surface primer. For light paints you can use white primer straight from the can; for saturated or dark colors consider tinting the primer to the final color. Use an angled brush for edges and a small foam roller for flat areas to minimize brush strokes and drips.
Prop doors on painter stands to make painting easier and to avoid contact with wet surfaces. If you paint both sides of doors, follow a specific order that lets one side fully cure before flipping to avoid dings. Prime frames and boxes in place, protecting surrounding areas with tape and drop cloths.
Step 5: Paint Two Coats
After primer has fully dried per the manufacturer’s instructions, apply your chosen paint in two thin, even coats. Use a brush for edges and a foam roller for flat sections. Thin coats lead to a smoother, more durable finish than one thick coat. Allow adequate drying time between coats and watch for drips.
Two coats are typically enough for good coverage and durability. Once completed, let the painted pieces cure fully before handling.
Step 7: Rehang cabinet doors
Once paint is fully dry and cured, reattach hinges, hang doors, and slide drawers back in. To avoid accidental scuffs, allow an extra day of curing time before heavy handling or reloading cabinets.
Step 8: Reinstall cabinet hardware
Reattach knobs and pulls. If you filled old holes and need new placements, measure carefully and use a hardware template for consistent, accurate hole locations. A template saves time and helps avoid misaligned hardware.
How long does it take to paint kitchen cabinets?
In one project, painting the cabinets took 15 days from start to finish, but much of that time was waiting for coats to dry and cure, not continuous work. The project can be completed over nights and weekends without taking extended time off.
How much does painting cabinets cost?
Painting cabinets yourself is significantly cheaper than replacing them or hiring professionals. In a past project, we spent about $300, with half the cost going to new hardware. If you reuse existing hardware, expect lower costs. Typical expenses might include sandpaper ($10), deglosser ($10), primer (around $30 per gallon), paint ($80–$120 per gallon), and supplies ($40–$60). Total materials commonly range from about $170 to $230. If you need to purchase tools like an electric sander or drill, factor in additional cost or consider borrowing them.
Other Cabinet Painting FAQs
Common questions answered quickly:
Do I need to apply a sealer or topcoat?
No. Quality cabinet or trim paints typically do not require a separate sealer or polyurethane topcoat. In some cases a topcoat can yellow over time, so it’s usually unnecessary.
What finish paint should I use on cabinets?
Satin or semi-gloss finishes are recommended for cabinets because they are durable and easy to clean. High-gloss looks professional but is best applied with a sprayer to avoid visible roller or brush marks. Avoid flat or eggshell finishes for cabinetry since they are harder to wipe clean.
What color should I paint my cabinets?
Color choice is personal. Classic whites are versatile, but bold and muted colors are popular too. Always test color samples on a full door or large swatch to see how lighting affects the hue. Whites can read warm or cool, so sample a few to find the tone that suits your space.
More Kitchen Cabinet Projects
If you want additional budget-friendly updates, consider projects like adding crown molding, prepping cabinets properly, painting Ikea cabinets, installing new hardware, organizing small kitchens, adding hidden hinges, or staining cabinets darker without heavy sanding.
Update: Our painted cabinets are still holding up well after time and use.
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