How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro

Before learning how to paint your kitchen cabinets, it’s important to determine if you should paint them. Answering these three questions can help you make that decision.

1: What Are Your Cabinets Made Of?

Some cabinet materials take paint beautifully. Others, not so much.

Great candidates for painting include:

- Solid wood
- Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
- Wood veneer over plywood

These materials sand well, hold primer properly, and produce a smooth, durable finish.

Materials that can be painted with extra prep include:

- Laminate
- Thermofoil
- High-gloss factory finishes

These can be painted, but they require thorough cleaning and degreasing, sanding or deglossing, and a high-quality bonding primer.

2: Are They Structurally Sound?

Do the doors open and close properly? Are the cabinet boxes solid and not sagging? Is there no peeling, warping, or swelling from water damage? Are the hinges secure? Are the frames sturdy?

If the answer to each of these questions is yes, painting can be a smart option. If not, replacing the cabinets may be a more cost-effective choice. Paint won’t fix structural problems.

Step 3: Is the Layout Worth Keeping?

Paint changes appearance but not function.

If you dislike your kitchen’s layout, storage capacity, or workflow, you might want to consider bigger changes to the space. That said, if you like the layout, painting is a low-cost and effective way to upgrade the space. 

Once you’re sure you want to paint your cabinets, the next step is deciding on color. 

Choosing Your Paint Color

Start by looking at the elements you can’t easily change, like your countertops, backsplash, flooring, and appliances. Your cabinet color should relate to these materials in both tone and undertone. 

It’s also important to consider lighting. The amount of natural light, bulb temperature, and even cabinet finish can dramatically impact how a color looks.

Finally, keep in mind that cabinets are a major visual feature that have a big impact on your kitchen’s look. Timeless, low-saturation colors tend to age better than bold or trendy shades.

Getting all this right requires sampling a range of colors. Luckily, Samplize makes that easy. Here’s how it works:

1. Explore the Possibilities

Start by going here and browsing our huge collection of colors from leading brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams. Order your favorites, and your large-format peel-and-stick samples will arrive on your doorstep the very next day. 

2. Peel and Stick 

Every one of your samples will be painted (not printed) with two coats of real paint, so you’ll be able to really see how each shade actually looks in various conditions. Make sure to test one sample on an inconspicuous spot on your cabinets first and then feel free to apply them all side by side. 

3. Choose With Confidence

Take your time, here. Turn the lights on and off. Close and then open any blinds or curtains. Wait for sunrise, midday, and sunset. Get a second, third, and even fourth opinion. If after all that you haven’t found your ideal cabinet color, just repeat these steps until you do.

Once you have your color, you’re ready to prepare for the big painting day. First, make sure you have everything you need. 

Tools and Materials Checklist

For prep:

- Screwdriver or drill for removing hardware
- Degreaser or TSP (trisodium phosphate) for cleaning your cabinets
- Bucket and microfiber cloths
- Sandpaper (120–220 grit) and sanding block or orbital sander
- Wood filler and putty knife

For painting:

- High-quality primer
- Cabinet-grade paint designed for durability and frequent cleaning
- Angled and straight brushes
- Small foam or microfiber rollers
- Paint trays
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
- Painter’s tape

Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Space

Clear countertops, cover floors with drop cloths, and tape off walls or appliances. This protects surfaces from drips or splatters.

Step 2: Remove and Label Everything

Take off cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Keep screws and knobs organized in labeled bags to make sure you can easily return each piece to its correct spot later.

Step 3: Deep Clean and Degrease

Use your degreaser or TSP to remove grease, oil, and grime from all surfaces. This allows primer and paint to adhere properly, preventing peeling or uneven coverage.

Step 4: Sand for Adhesion

Lightly sand all surfaces to create texture for the primer to grip. This also removes old finish imperfections, ensuring a result that looks professional.

Step 5: Repair and Caulk

Fill any dents, scratches, and holes with wood filler and caulk gaps around edges or seams. This will help the result look seamless and polished.

Step 6: Prime Correctly

Apply your high-quality primer. This blocks stains, improves paint adhesion, and ensures a uniform color and sheen.

Step 7: Paint

Apply your paint in thin, even coats. Use brushes for corners and rollers for flat surfaces. Allow sufficient drying time between coats to prevent streaks and drips.

Step 8: Protect the Finish

Once your paint is dry, consider adding a clear protective topcoat for extra durability in high-traffic areas. This extends the life of your cabinets and makes cleaning easier.

Step 9: Reassemble

Once everything is dry, carefully reattach doors, drawers, and hardware.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Pay Attention to Temperature and Humidity. Avoid painting on very humid days, since excess moisture can slow curing and affect adhesion. If the room feels comfortable and has light airflow, your paint will dry and level properly.

Take Your Time. Rushing leads to drips, uneven coverage, and mistakes. Allow paint and primer to fully dry before applying additional coats or reassembling.

Consider Hardware Upgrades. New knobs, pulls, or hinges can elevate the look of freshly painted cabinets and complement your color choice.

Ready to Begin?

Painting kitchen cabinets is a quick and impactful way to revitalize the space, and it all starts with finding the right color. Explore the possibilities and find your ideal hue here.