If you’re considering giving your kitchen a fresh new look by painting your cabinets, you’ve come to the right place. Painting kitchen cabinets can transform the heart of your home, making it look modern, clean, and inviting. However, a durable, long-lasting paint finish requires more than just slapping on a coat of paint. With over 20 years of experience in residential painting, I’ve gathered essential tips that can ensure your kitchen cabinets maintain their beauty for years to come.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of repainting flat panel kitchen cabinets—like the ones you often see in modern kitchens. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional painter, these steps will help you achieve a smooth, durable, and professional finish. Plus, I’ll share my tried-and-true tips and a couple of bonus tricks to make your paint job stand out.
Understanding Your Cabinets and the Painting Process
Before diving into the painting process, it’s important to understand that not all kitchen cabinets are created equal. The process varies significantly depending on the material and finish of your cabinets. For example, oak cabinets with a glossy polyurethane film require a very different approach compared to flat panel cabinets that have been previously painted.
In this article, I focus on flat panel cabinets that were previously painted. These are generally easier to repaint because they have a smooth surface and don’t require spraying. Instead, we use a combination of a brush and a special mohair roller to achieve a fine finish that looks almost like it was sprayed.
Step 1: Remove Hardware and Thoroughly Clean
The first step in any cabinet painting project is to remove all the hardware—handles, knobs, and hinges. This is usually done by unscrewing the screws from the back of the cabinet doors. Removing hardware not only makes the painting process easier but also helps avoid messy paint jobs around the hardware.
After hardware removal, the most important step is cleaning. Kitchen cabinets are notorious for accumulating grease, oil, and grime from cooking, not to mention dust and dirt from everyday use. If you paint over this residue, the paint will not adhere properly and will peel or chip prematurely.
For cleaning, I recommend using a strong degreaser. One of my favorites is CD Degreaser, but there are many effective products available. Use a wet rag soaked in the degreaser solution and wipe down every surface carefully, including the edges and even the insides if you plan to paint them.
Here’s a quick tip: use green scrubbies while cleaning. They provide just enough abrasion to remove stubborn grease and other chunky debris without damaging the cabinet surface.
Step 2: Sanding for a Smooth Surface
Once your cabinets are spotless and dry, the next step is sanding. Sanding creates a slightly rough surface that helps the new paint adhere better. For flat panel cabinets, I use a flat panel sander or sanding sponge pads. I prefer the flat panel sander because it allows me to apply some weight and sand evenly back and forth.
Use a medium grit sandpaper, like 120 or 150 grit, depending on how soft or rough your cabinet surface is. The goal is to lightly scuff the surface without gouging or damaging it.
After sanding, clean off the dust thoroughly—vacuum the area and wipe everything down with a damp cloth. This cleaning after sanding is crucial to avoid dust particles contaminating your paint finish.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Paint and Application Method
For this project, I used Benjamin Moore’s Advance paint. It’s a waterborne alkyd paint with a pearl finish that provides excellent durability and a smooth finish perfect for kitchen cabinets. One of the reasons I love this product is its balance between ease of use and professional-grade results.
To apply the paint, I use a mohair roller—specifically a velour roller about 6 inches wide. This type of roller has a very short nap, which helps leave a finish that looks almost like it was sprayed, without the mess and prep work of an actual sprayer. For flat panel doors like these, the mohair roller is ideal.
After applying the first coat, let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before moving on.
Step 4: Sand Between Coats for a Professional Finish
One of the most overlooked steps in cabinet painting is sanding lightly between coats. This step removes any small imperfections or “chunkies” that may have settled in the paint and helps the next coat adhere better, creating a stronger, smoother finish.
After the first coat is fully dry, lightly scuff the surface using fine sandpaper—220 grit or finer works great—or even a brand new green scrubbie. Be gentle; you want to remove the roughness without sanding through the paint layer.
Then, wipe down the dust with a damp rag or tack cloth before applying the next coat. This process significantly improves the durability and appearance of your cabinets.
Bonus Tip 1: Use the Mohair Roller for a Spray-Like Finish
Many people think that to get a smooth, professional finish on cabinets, you need to use a paint sprayer. While sprayers can produce excellent results, they require extensive masking and prep work and can be intimidating for DIYers.
Using a high-quality mohair roller is a fantastic alternative. It produces a finish that closely mimics the smoothness of sprayed paint, especially on flat panel cabinets like these. Plus, it’s easier to control and less messy.
If you’re hiring a painter, ask if they use a mohair roller for your cabinets. If you’re doing it yourself, visit your local paint retailer and ask for a velour or mohair roller designed for smooth finishes.
Bonus Tip 2: Allow Adequate Curing Time
Many people make the mistake of assuming that once the paint is dry to the touch, their cabinets are ready for heavy use. This is not the case. Paint curing is a chemical process that continues long after the surface feels dry. For kitchen cabinets, which face daily wear and tear, allowing sufficient curing time is essential for durability.
Depending on the product, curing can take anywhere from 10 to 20 days. During this period, the paint hardens and bonds fully to the surface, maximizing its resistance to scratches, chips, and stains.
Be patient and gentle during this time. Avoid slamming cabinet doors or hanging heavy items on knobs. This extra care can greatly extend the life of your paint job.
Summary: The Three Key Tips for Lasting Kitchen Cabinet Paint
- Clean Thoroughly: Removing all grease, oils, and dirt before painting is the most important factor for paint adhesion and longevity.
- Wipe After Sanding: Use a damp rag or tack cloth to remove all sanding dust before painting to prevent rough finishes.
- Lightly Sand Between Coats: Scuffing between coats improves adhesion and creates a smooth, durable surface.
By following these steps and applying the bonus tips—using a mohair roller and allowing proper curing time—you’ll achieve a kitchen cabinet paint job that looks professional and lasts for years.
When to Hire a Professional Painter
If you find the process overwhelming or want to ensure a flawless finish, don’t hesitate to hire a professional. Trusted House Painter offers a directory of local painters ready to help with your kitchen cabinet project. Professional painters have the tools, experience, and knowledge to handle various cabinet types—including tricky glossy oak finishes—and can save you time and headaches.
Visit Trusted House Painter to find local professionals or request multiple quotes for your project.
Final Thoughts
Painting your kitchen cabinets is a rewarding DIY project that can dramatically improve the look of your kitchen. Whether you’re refreshing previously painted flat panel doors or tackling a more complex wood finish, the key to success lies in preparation, the right tools, and patience.
Remember, clean surfaces, proper sanding, and careful application are your best friends in achieving a long-lasting finish. And when in doubt, professional painters are just a click away to help you achieve your dream kitchen.
Happy painting!
