How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: Steps to Paint and Prepare Kitchen Cabinets for Painting

Looking for tips on how to paint kitchen cabinets that will give them an inexpensive facelift?

Instead of spending a lot of money to have them replaced or refaced, you can enjoy step-by-step instructions on how to give them a fresh coat of paint.

Painting your cabinets can really brighten your kitchen decor, and make your cabinets look like new!

Below you can read step-by-step on how to paint kitchen cabinets and prepare them for painting...

Step 1 - How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
First, you will need to remove all cabinet doors and hardware from the cabinets. You will want to be especially careful removing the hinges by removing the bottom ones first, so that you will not cause damage to the door or bend the bottom hinge.

Step 2 - How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Next, you will need to clean the cabinets with warm soapy water, or bleach water to kill any mold. This is an important step to remove any grease or grime before you sand or add paint.

Step 3 - How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
To remove the surface finish of the cabinets, you will need to sand or use a cabinet de-glosser. Using a cabinet de-glosser is recommended because it doesn't create the mess that sanding does. Follow recommended instructions on the label of the de-glosser. Allow to dry before beginning the next step.

Step 4 - How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Now you are ready to prime your cabinets. This will allow the paint to hold better on the surface of the cabinets. An oil based primer is recommended for more durability. You will want to have nice even brush strokes and go over any drips. Prime the front and inside of all the cabinets doors... believe me, they will look much better when you open them if you paint the inside of the door. Allow the primer to dry before adding your paint, but you will want to add the paint very soon after the primer is dry. the paint will hold to the primer better when it is fresh.

Step 5 - How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Now apply your paint. An oil based paint is recommended but you can use a gloss paint. Oil based will just provide a more durable surface, which is important when painting cabinets. Be sure to use even brush strokes or roll your paint for a smooth surface. Allow plenty of time to dry before putting your hardware back on.

You can also add to your cabinet facelift by replacing or painting your hardware!

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