First, remove the cabinet doors and all the hardware.

After removing the hardware, we recommend that the cabinets be thoroughly cleaned with a good cleaner degreaser to remove all grease and oils that normally buildup on kitchen cabinetry over time.

Once cleaned, we recommend applying a test sample of Extreme Bond Primer in an inconspicuous area.

Test
After preparing the surface, apply a test area of Extreme Bond, allow to dry properly and test for adhesion. Because of the exceptional adhesion of this product, sanding may not be necessary for most clean, paintable surfaces.

Once you have established good bonding/adhesion, you can prime the entire surface. Keep in mind that any surface prep short of clean, dry and dull or adhesion is poor, may compromise the service length of the system used. A quality wood filler/putty should be used to patch holes or imperfections in the surface.

Tip: Extreme Bond Primer is recommended because of its excellent adhesion, cover and ease of use.

Let the primer dry at least 24 hours and sand again 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.

Using an angled brush, first apply 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.

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

Tip: Emerald^® Urethane Trim Enamel, Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin Sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinet top coats because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, which means a smooth and durable finish on cabinets, doors and trim. As for brushes and rollers, the Purdy^® Clearcut^® Dale™ brush and WhiteDove™ roller are recommended.

Let your first coat dry for about 24-48 hours, then apply a second coat in the same manner.

Again, wait 24-48 hours and once the second coat is dry, you can reinstall your existing hardware, or add new hardware to complete the makeover.

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.

Check out our most popular colors for your most important projects to develop your color palette and create like a pro. See the colors we used for this design below.