How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Refreshing your kitchen by painting cabinets is a smart, cost-effective alternative to a full renovation. Kitchens see plenty of daily wear and tear, including grease splashes, regular cleaning, and constant use, so proper preparation and the right products make all the difference in achieving a durable finish. Taking the time to clean, sand, and prime thoroughly helps prevent peeling and chipping, so your results last longer. With a clear, simple guide, DIY enthusiasts can achieve a smooth, lasting finish with confidence.

Step 1: Choose your paint

Start by choosing a paint finish that balances durability and appearance. For ease of wiping cupboards down, semi-gloss or satin paints are recommended, as they’re easy to clean and provide a subtle sheen that won’t highlight brush or roller marks. Anything flatter can feel chalky and attract dirt, while high-gloss finishes tend to expose imperfections. For most projects, a mid-sheen finish offers the best balance of practicality and appearance. Look for paints specifically designed for cabinets or furniture which cure to a harder finish that resists knocks and grease.

In terms of colour, white remains a popular choice in kitchen trends, along with soft greys, warm greige tones, muted sage greens, and dusty blues. Painting your cabinets white, or a very pale shade, also gives you the flexibility to introduce accent colours elsewhere.

Step 2: Clean and cover

Preparation is key to ensuring your paint adheres well and lasts. Start by emptying your cupboards and clearing countertops, then protect surrounding areas with dust sheets and masking tape to keep everything clean. Use a degreaser like sugar soap to deep clean all surfaces, paying special attention to greasy spots around handles, hobs, extractor fans, and under cupboards. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and make sure everything is completely dry.

Step 3: Sanding and priming

Next, give the cabinets a light sand with 220 or 400 grit sandpaper, depending on the finish of your cabinets. Cabinets with an open grained finish like oak for example, you should use a heavier grit sandpaper. After sanding, remove cupboards, lay them flat and brush on a primer coat. When they are dry, flip the cupboards over to prime the other side. Once the primer is completely dry, give the cupboards a light sanding to smooth out brush strokes. For a really smooth finish repeat the process and use a finer sandpaper the second time. Then vacuum and wipe your cabinets with a tack cloth to clean away any debris. If your cabinets have knots or resinous patches, seal these areas first to prevent stains from bleeding through.

Step 4: Painting

Use a good-quality brush or smooth roller to apply paint to the cupboards. Apply a thin coat and let your kitchen cabinets dry flat to avoid drip marks. When dry to the touch, turn them over and paint the other side. Wait a few hours before applying a second coat. You should note several thin coats are better than two thick ones. It not only gives a better finish but also makes it more hard-wearing. Discover our full range of paints for kitchen cabinets or why not check out our article which includes pros and cons and our best paints for kitchen cabinets if you're looking for an experts recommendation.

Step 5: Changing the hardware

While your cabinets are drying, consider replacing handles and knobs to give your kitchen an updated look. Modern finishes like brushed brass or matte black are popular choices that coordinate well with many kitchen styles.

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