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Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

Immerse Yourself In Our Latest Stories

Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

Immerse Yourself In Our Latest Stories

Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

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Modern bohemian kitchen design with copper hardware, farmhouse fireclay sink and bold blue cabinetry.
How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets
May 24, 2021

We’ll be frank here: Painting your kitchen cabinets is a big job. But, it’s worth it in the end. A great paint job can make your entire kitchen look new.

Follow the steps below to learn how to paint your cabinets more easily and efficiently. You won’t have to think about repainting them for a LONG time!

Let’s get started!

Flatlay shot of kitchen cabinet paint supplies.

Photo Courtesy Of: www.goodhousekeeping.com

Flatlay shot of kitchen cabinet paint supplies.

Photo Courtesy Of: www.goodhousekeeping.com

What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

DO NOT start painting until you have all of your supplies:

  • Screwdriver
  • Flat medium-sized paintbrush
  • Medium to fine-grit sandpaper
  • Dropcloth
  • Painter’s tape
  • Paint primer
  • Paint

Optional: Paint stripper and scraper, wood filler, and putty knife.

PRO TIP: Paint a small spot on your cabinet before you get started to make sure you like the color.

PRO TIP: Paint a small spot on your cabinet before you get started to make sure you like the color.

1. Label and Remove Your Cabinets

1. Label and Remove Your Cabinets

Make sure to label your cabinets with painter’s tape and a marker so you know which door goes where. Unscrew and remove all of your cabinet doors and drawers before you start painting.

2. Sand and Clean

2. Sand and Clean

It’s important to sand your cabinets before you paint even if they haven’t been painted before. Sanding will prep the surface to help the primer stick.

First, strip any old paint. Then, sand away. Make sure to get the corners too (use a folded sheet of sandpaper to get into those cracks and crevices).

Next, use a vacuum to remove all the dust. And finally, give all the surfaces a quick clean with a simple kitchen degreaser.

Priming cabinets to paint kitchen cabinets.

Photo Courtesy Of: www.bhg.com

Priming cabinets to paint kitchen cabinets.

Photo Courtesy Of: www.bhg.com

3. Time to Prime

3. Time to Prime

First, prime the frame of the cabinets. Then, do the shelves, doors, and drawers. Remember to paint with the grain of the wood, using a flat brush for fine details, corners, and edges. You can use a foam roller for any flat surfaces.

Let the primer coat dry completely.

If it doesn’t look perfect, that’s ok. But remember to sand down any raised brush strokes to keep a smooth surface for painting.

PRO TIP:For laminate cabinets, you must use a bonding primer.

PRO TIP: For laminate cabinets, you must use a bonding primer.

Beautiful color swatches to choose from for your kitchen cabinet paint color.

Photo Courtesy Of: www.goodhousekeeping.com

Beautiful color swatches to choose from for your kitchen cabinet paint color.

Photo Courtesy Of: www.goodhousekeeping.com

4. Let’s Paint

4. Let’s Paint

Now, you’re ready to paint. Paint with the grain of the wood and only in one direction to maintain a uniform look. Use a flat brush for more detailed and smaller areas and a foam roller for larger flat areas.

Don’t try to paint it all in one go. Two light coats will look better than one heavy coat.

PRO TIP:Avoid high gloss or flat finish paints. A semi-gloss or satin finish acrylic latex paint is best for kitchens. They are easy to clean and don’t show finger marks.

PRO TIP:Avoid high gloss or flat finish paints. A semi-gloss or satin finish acrylic latex paint is best for kitchens. They are easy to clean and don’t show finger marks.

Modern bohemian kitchen with bold moroccan ceramic tile, butcher block countertops and blue cabinetry.
Modern bohemian kitchen with bold moroccan ceramic tile, butcher block countertops and blue cabinetry.

Are You Ready for a Newer Looking Kitchen?

Are You Ready for a Newer Looking Kitchen?

Painting your cabinets might be tough, but if you follow the steps above, you can get the whole job done in a day—maybe even an afternoon with a helping hand!

You’ll be amazed at how fresh and new your kitchen looks. If you don’t have the time or money for a full kitchen renovation, a cabinet makeover is the way to go.

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