Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

Last Updated on October 14, 2011

Depending on the complexity of your project, your list of needed materials may vary, but a great place to start is with a paint tray, drop cloth, painter’s tape, rollers and brushes, stir sticks, and paint. It is of course possible to paint your cabinet doors while they are still attached to your cabinets, but to make things easier on yourself you will probably want to remove them before you begin and prepare a flat, clean surface where you can paint them and leave them to dry.

Next you’re going to want to thoroughly clean your cabinets with a sponge, mild soap, and warm water or a household cleaning solution. Remember to make sure the cabinets are well rinsed and dry before you begin painting. Inspect your cabinets for any scratches or nicks, and fill them using putty and a putty knife if necessary. You may also choose to lightly sand the area you will be painting to help the primer and paint adhere to the surface. As an alternative to sanding, you may instead apply an even coat of primer-sealer. To do this, simply use a disposable foam brush and begin in the center, following the wood’s grain as you move to the outside of your surface.

Now you are ready to begin painting. Use a nice brush to apply the paint (the better the brush the better the finish). One of the best ways to achieve a professionally finished look is to apply a few very thin coats. You may want to do one thick coat to get the process done faster, but you will actually use fewer brush strokes and have a shorter drying time if you apply multiple thin layers of paint. The end result will also look much nicer and will be a lot more durable. Allow the paint to completely dry between coats. When the paint is dry and you are happy with the results, reattach your cabinet doors and enjoy!