How to Paint Inside Kitchen Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Can you paint the inside of kitchen cabinets? Yes, you absolutely can! Painting the inside of your kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to freshen them up, protect the wood, and even add a pop of color. This guide will walk you through each step, from preparing your cabinets to choosing the right paint, so you can achieve a professional-looking finish.

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Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin, assemble all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand will streamline the process and prevent interruptions.

• Cleaning Supplies:
  • Degreaser (like TSP or a TSP substitute)
  • Clean cloths or rags
  • Sponge
  • Bucket
• Preparation Tools:
  • Screwdriver or drill
  • Painter’s tape
  • Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
  • Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
  • Sanding block or orbital sander
  • Tack cloth
  • Wood filler (if needed)
  • Putty knife (if needed)
• Painting Equipment:
  • Cabinet painting primer (oil-based or water-based)
  • Best paint for kitchen cabinets interior (see section below for recommendations)
  • Paintbrushes (angled brush for trim, small brush for corners)
  • Paint roller (foam roller or short-nap roller)
  • Paint tray with liners
  • Stir sticks
  • Safety glasses
  • Respirator or mask

Deciding on the Best Paint

Choosing the right paint is essential for a durable and beautiful finish. Here’s what to consider:

• Type of Paint:
  • Acrylic Latex Paint: This is a popular choice for painting kitchen cabinets interior because it’s durable, easy to clean, and low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
  • Alkyd Paint: Alkyd paint (oil-based) provides a hard, durable finish. However, it has stronger odors and requires mineral spirits for cleanup. It’s also more prone to yellowing over time, especially in lighter colors.
• Sheen:
  • Satin or Semi-Gloss: These sheens are ideal for kitchen cabinets because they are easy to clean and resistant to moisture. Satin has a slightly softer look, while semi-gloss provides more shine.
• Color: Consider the overall style of your kitchen and the amount of light it receives. Lighter colors can brighten up a small space, while darker colors can add drama.

Recommendations for Interior Cabinet Paint Finish

Paint Type	Sheen	Pros	Cons
Acrylic Latex	Satin/Semi-Gloss	Durable, easy to clean, low VOCs, resists chipping	May require more coats than alkyd paint
Alkyd	Semi-Gloss/Gloss	Very durable, smooth finish	Strong odors, requires mineral spirits for cleanup, prone to yellowing over time

Cabinet Painting Preparation

Proper preparation is key to a successful paint job. Skimping on this step will result in a less-than-perfect finish. Therefore, follow these steps for how to prep kitchen cabinets for painting:

Step 1: Empty the Cabinets

Remove everything from inside the cabinets, including shelves, drawers, and any hardware (hinges, knobs, pulls).

Step 2: Clean the Surfaces

• Degrease: Use a degreaser like TSP or a TSP substitute to remove grease, grime, and food stains. Follow the product instructions carefully.
• Rinse: Wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any residue from the degreaser.
• Dry: Allow the cabinets to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Protect the Surrounding Areas

• Cover Countertops and Floors: Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect your countertops, floors, and appliances from paint splatters.
• Tape Edges: Apply painter’s tape along the edges of the cabinet frames and any areas you don’t want to paint.

Step 4: Sand the Surfaces

• Purpose of Sanding: Sanding creates a slightly rough surface that the primer and paint can adhere to.
• Sanding Process:
  • Use 120-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the interior surfaces of the cabinets. Focus on removing any existing imperfections or glossy finishes.
  • Follow up with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.
• Clean Up Sanding Dust: Use a tack cloth to remove all sanding dust. A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment can also be helpful.

Step 5: Repair Any Damage

• Fill Holes and Cracks: Use wood filler to fill any holes, cracks, or imperfections in the wood.
• Sand Smooth: Once the wood filler is dry, sand it smooth with 220-grit sandpaper.
• Clean Again: Remove any sanding dust with a tack cloth.

Priming the Cabinets

Applying a primer is an essential step for painting inside kitchen cabinets. It helps the paint adhere better, blocks stains, and provides a uniform surface.

• Choosing a Primer: Use either an oil-based or a water-based primer. Oil-based primers are excellent for blocking stains and providing a smooth surface, but they have stronger odors and require mineral spirits for cleanup. Water-based primers are low in VOCs and easy to clean up.
• Applying Primer:
  • Stir the primer thoroughly.
  • Use a paintbrush to apply primer to the corners, edges, and any intricate details.
  • Use a foam roller or short-nap roller to apply primer to the larger surfaces.
  • Apply a thin, even coat of primer.
• Drying Time: Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Light Sanding (Optional): If the primer feels rough after drying, lightly sand it with 220-grit sandpaper and remove the dust with a tack cloth.

Painting the Cabinet Interior

Now it’s time to apply the paint! Take your time and work carefully to achieve a professional-looking finish.

Step 1: Apply the First Coat of Paint

• Stir the Paint: Stir the paint thoroughly before each use.
• Apply Paint:
  • Use a paintbrush to apply paint to the corners, edges, and any intricate details.
  • Use a foam roller or short-nap roller to apply paint to the larger surfaces.
  • Apply a thin, even coat of paint. Avoid applying too much paint at once, as this can lead to drips and runs.
• Wet Edging: “Wet edging” is a painting technique that allows you to maintain a wet edge of paint to avoid lap marks and ensure a smooth, consistent finish. This technique is especially useful when painting large surfaces or when using paints that dry quickly. To achieve a great result using wet edging, use these rules:
  • Load your Brush or Roller Properly,
  • Work in Small Sections
  • Maintain a Wet Edge

Step 2: Allow the Paint to Dry

Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Drying times can vary depending on the type of paint, the temperature, and the humidity.

Step 3: Apply the Second Coat of Paint

• Light Sanding (Optional): If the first coat of paint feels rough, lightly sand it with 220-grit sandpaper and remove the dust with a tack cloth.
• Apply the Second Coat: Repeat the painting process, applying a second thin, even coat of paint.
• Drying Time: Allow the second coat of paint to dry completely.

Step 4: Inspect and Touch Up

Inspect the painted surfaces for any imperfections, such as drips, runs, or missed spots. Touch up these areas with a small brush and allow the paint to dry.

Painting Kitchen Cabinet Doors

If you plan to paint your kitchen cabinet doors, consider these steps. Painting kitchen cabinet doors requires a slightly different approach than painting the cabinet interiors, but the basic principles are the same.

1. Remove Doors: Take doors off the hinges.
2. Clean, Sand and Prime: Clean, sand, and prime the doors as you did the cabinet interiors.
3. Paint Doors: Apply two thin, even coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely.
4. Reinstall Doors: Reinstall the doors once the paint is fully cured.

Painting Kitchen Cabinet Shelves

Painting the shelves inside your kitchen cabinets is as important as painting the cabinet walls. Follow these steps for painting kitchen cabinet shelves:

1. Remove Shelves: Take shelves out of the cabinet.
2. Clean, Sand, and Prime: Clean, sand, and prime the shelves as you did the cabinet interiors.
3. Paint Shelves: Apply two thin, even coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely.
4. Reinstall Shelves: Reinstall the shelves once the paint is fully cured.

Tips to Avoid Brush Marks

Achieving a smooth, professional finish without brush marks can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible. Here are some kitchen cabinet painting tips to help you avoid brush marks when painting inside cabinets without brush marks:

• Use High-Quality Brushes and Rollers: Invest in high-quality brushes and rollers designed for smooth finishes.
• Apply Thin Coats: Avoid applying too much paint at once. Thin coats dry more evenly and reduce the risk of brush marks.
• Sand Between Coats: Lightly sanding between coats helps to smooth out any imperfections and creates a better surface for the next coat of paint.
• Use a Paint Conditioner: Add a paint conditioner to your paint to improve its flow and leveling properties.
• Practice Your Technique: Practice your painting technique on a piece of scrap wood before painting the cabinets.

Reassembling and Finishing Up

• Remove Tape: Once the paint is completely dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape.
• Reinstall Hardware: Reinstall the hinges, knobs, and pulls.
• Replace Shelves and Drawers: Replace the shelves and drawers inside the cabinets.
• Clean Up: Clean up any paint splatters or drips.

Kitchen Cabinet Painting Tips

• Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Painting can release fumes, so make sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
• Take Your Time: Don’t rush the process. Take your time and pay attention to detail.
• Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the paint, primer, and cleaning products you are using.
• Consider Spray Painting: If you want a super smooth finish, consider using a paint sprayer. However, this requires more preparation and practice.

Troubleshooting

• Drips and Runs: If you get drips or runs, let the paint dry completely, sand them smooth, and touch them up with a small brush.
• Uneven Coverage: If you have uneven coverage, apply another thin coat of paint.
• Paint Not Adhering: If the paint is not adhering properly, make sure you have properly sanded and primed the surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long does it take to paint the inside of kitchen cabinets? The time it takes depends on the size of your kitchen and the number of cabinets. A small kitchen might take a weekend, while a larger kitchen could take several days.
• What kind of paint should I use for the inside of kitchen cabinets? Acrylic latex paint is a popular choice because it’s durable, easy to clean, and low in VOCs.
• Do I need to prime the inside of kitchen cabinets before painting? Yes, priming is essential for proper adhesion and a smooth finish.
• Can I paint over laminate cabinets? Yes, but you’ll need to use a special primer designed for laminate surfaces.
• How do I clean painted kitchen cabinets? Use a mild soap and water solution to clean painted kitchen cabinets. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

Painting the inside of your kitchen cabinets is a rewarding project that can transform the look and feel of your kitchen. With careful preparation, the right supplies, and a little patience, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that you’ll be proud of for years to come.