Cabinets are touched all day, so a good finish depends on the process far more than on the colour you pick.
- Remove doors and hardware
- Degreasing is essential
- Sanding and bonding primer help paint grip
- Thin coats beat thick ones
- Cure time protects the finish
Prepare and label
Doors and drawer fronts are removed and labelled so they go back where they belong, along with hardware and hinges. Cabinet boxes are masked and the surrounding area is protected. Taking doors off allows every face and edge to be finished properly.
Clean and degrease
Kitchen cabinets collect grease and film that can’t be seen but stops paint from sticking. A thorough cleaning with a degreaser is the step most often rushed, and it’s the one that matters most to how long the finish lasts.
Sand and fill
A light sanding gives the surface a profile for primer to grip and smooths worn spots. On oak, where the grain shows strongly, a filler can be used if you want a smoother look. Dents and chips are repaired.
Prime and paint
A bonding primer goes on first, followed by several thin coats of a durable cabinet paint, with light sanding between coats where needed. Thin coats dry harder and look smoother than one thick one. Many homeowners are surprised by how much the process involves. Our guide to cabinet painting costs explains what drives the price.
Cure and reassemble
Paint feels dry long before it’s fully cured. Doors are reassembled once the finish is hard enough, and you should treat cabinets gently for a few weeks. If you’re deciding between painting and replacing, see cabinet painting or new cabinets.
Quick questions
Can cabinets be painted without removing the doors?
It’s possible, but removing doors and drawer fronts lets every face and edge be finished properly, which is a big part of a durable result.
How long do painted cabinets take to cure?
They feel dry quickly, but a full cure takes longer. Be gentle for a few weeks and avoid harsh scrubbing early on.
Thinking about your kitchen? Tell us about your cabinets and we’ll arrange a visit to quote the job.
