How to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets

If you're ready to give your kitchen an updated look, start with repainting the cabinets. Giving the focal point of your kitchen a fresh coat of paint in a new, bold shade can elevate the entire space.

Get started with these easy-to-follow kitchen cabinet painting instructions.

Cost: $$
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 3 days

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STEP 1

Prep

First, remove the cabinet doors and all the hardware.

Tip: Put your hardware in plastic bags to keep it organized.

STEP 2

Clean

We recommend that the cabinets be thoroughly cleaned with a good degreaser to remove all grease and oils that buildup on kitchen cabinetry over time.

STEP 3

Prime

Apply a test sample of Extreme Bond Primer in an inconspicuous area. Allow to dry properly and test for adhesion. Because of the exceptional adhesion of this product, pre-sanding may not be necessary for most clean, paintable surfaces. Once you have established good bonding/adhesion, you can prime the entire surface.

Tip: Before priming, you may need to use wood filler/putty to patch holes or imperfections in the surface. These repairs will need to be sanded smooth before adding primer.

Tip: If you're painting over stains, consider this waterbased primer or this alkyd option.

Colors We Used

Like what you see? Here are the shades we used for this project.

More Color Ideas

SW 7048 Urbane Bronze

SW 7632 Modern Gray

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STEP 4

Sand

Let the primer dry at least 24 hours and sand over it using a very fine grit sandpaper.

Gently smooth out the primer coat, then wipe the primed cabinets with a damp cloth to remove any debris before applying your first coat of paint.

STEP 5

Paint First Coat

Using an angled brush, first apply a coat of paint to the recessed or detailed areas of the cabinet door.

Avoid getting brush marks on the flatter and smoother areas.

Next, immediately paint the remaining flat areas of the door using a mini roller.

Tip: When choosing a paint for your kitchen cabinet update, we recommend a durable option like Emerald^® Urethane Trim Enamel that can withstand the wear and tear of frequently used and cleaned areas.

Tip: Gently roll over any overlapping brush marks or paint drips to smooth the surface.

STEP 6

Paint Second Coat

Let your first coat dry for at least four hours, then apply a second coat in the same manner.

To complete your kitchen cabinet makeover, wait 24-48 hours for the paint to completely dry, then reinstall your hardware. Or try new hardware for an even more updated look.

WARNING! Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.