How to Refresh Kitchen Cabinets With Paint

Does your kitchen feel stuck in a time warp? Old cabinets can drag down your whole space, but replacing them is pricey. The good news: a fresh coat of paint can bring cabinets back to life and transform your kitchen for a fraction of the cost. With a little patience and the right know-how, this DIY project will elevate your space and add value to your home. Ready to take on a rewarding kitchen upgrade? Let’s get those cabinets looking their best.

Project Snapshot

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a budget-friendly renovation project that instantly boosts your kitchen’s appearance. It’s beginner-friendly with the right preparation and delivers high-impact results in just a few days. You’ll enjoy an updated, modern kitchen that looks clean and fresh. Whether you prefer classic white, trendy grays, or bold colors, painting offers total customization. Make your kitchen the heart of your home again.

Tools and Materials

You’ll need a screwdriver or drill for removing hardware, painter’s tape, sanding blocks or sandpaper, a tack cloth, primer, high-quality cabinet paint, brushes, and foam rollers. Don’t forget plastic sheets or drop cloths to protect your counters and floors. Paint clothes, gloves, and a mask will help keep things tidy and safe. Choose paints formulated specifically for cabinets for a smooth and durable finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by removing all doors, drawers, and hardware from your cabinets. Use painter’s tape to protect edges and label each piece for easy reassembly later. Sand all surfaces lightly to remove old gloss and help paint adhere, then clean up dust with a tack cloth. Apply a bonding primer designed for cabinets to create a smooth base for paint. Once the primer is dry, use a brush for tight corners and a foam roller for flat panels to apply cabinet paint, following the direction of the wood grain for a professional look. Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly before applying a second coat for best coverage. When everything is completely dry, reattach hardware and reinstall doors and drawers.

From the Toolbox

A client once called Handydads for help after attempting to paint their cabinets with wall paint, resulting in streaks, chips, and sticky cabinets. Our team quickly sanded down the mistakes and used proper cabinet paint, restoring the kitchen to a flawless finish. The client was amazed at how much brighter and cleaner the space felt afterwards. With the right products and method, cabinet painting delivers results worth celebrating. Sometimes, a professional touch makes all the difference.

Top 5 Mistakes

Rushing the prep phase and not cleaning cabinets thoroughly can lead to poor adhesion. Skipping primer results in uneven color and possible peeling. Using regular wall paint instead of cabinet paint leads to chips and stains. Forgetting to label doors and hardware creates headaches during reassembly. Applying thick coats instead of thin layers causes drips and uneven finishes.

Tool and Material Recommendations

Invest in a high-quality angled brush for edges and a smooth foam roller for doors and drawer fronts. Use cabinet-specific degreasing cleaners before you start. Zinsser or Kilz primers are reliable choices. For paint, Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel offer excellent durability and a beautiful finish. Microfiber rollers help apply the paint smoothly and minimize streaks.

Quick Tips and Hacks

Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid paint fumes. Always sand lightly between coats for the smoothest finish. Attach cabinet doors to a drying rack so you can paint both sides without sticking. Keep a small container for screws and hardware to avoid losing them. Inspect your work in daylight to spot and correct any missed areas or streaks.

Need a Hand?

If the scope feels overwhelming or you want flawless results, Handydads is here to help. Our experts deliver professional cabinet painting and kitchen upgrades that last. Contact Handydads today to enjoy a kitchen that looks brand new without the hassle.