Cabinet Painting Tips: 15 Expert Secrets

Tip #1: Prep Like Your Results Depend on It (They Do)

Professional painters spend 50-70% of cabinet painting time on preparation. This includes:

• Deep cleaning: Remove all grease with TSP or degreaser
• Proper sanding: 150-220 grit for tooth and smoothness
• Filling imperfections: Holes, cracks, and grain
• Quality priming: The right primer for your surface

Result: Paint adheres properly and lasts 10-15 years instead of peeling in months.

Tip #2: Label Everything

Before removing doors and hardware:

• Number each door and drawer with painter's tape (inside edge)
• Use a system: U1 (upper 1), L3 (lower 3), D1 (drawer 1)
• Keep hinges and hardware in labeled bags
• Take photos of hinge placement before removal

Result: Easy reassembly with no guessing which door goes where.

Tip #3: Clean More Than You Think Necessary

Kitchen cabinets accumulate years of grease, especially near the stove. Standard cleaning isn't enough:

• Use TSP (trisodium phosphate) or Krud Kutter
• Clean ALL surfaces, including inside edges
• Let dry completely before sanding (24 hours)
• Wipe with tack cloth before priming

Tip #4: Sand Properly

Sanding creates "tooth" for paint adhesion and smooths imperfections:

• Grit progression: Start 120, finish 180-220
• Sand with the grain direction
• Use sanding sponges for profiled areas
• Electric sanders for flat surfaces, hand for edges
• Remove ALL dust with vacuum + tack cloth

Tip #5: Use Cabinet-Specific Paint

Regular wall paint will chip and wear quickly. Cabinet paint is formulated for:

• Harder, more durable finish
• Self-leveling (fewer brush marks)
• Stain and scratch resistance
• Better adhesion to wood and primer

Tip #6: Choose the Right Primer

Primer is essential for adhesion and stain blocking:

• Shellac-based (BIN): Best stain blocking, seals knots and grease
• Bonding primer: For laminate or glossy surfaces
• High-build primer: Fills grain and minor imperfections

Tip #7: Thin Coats Are EVERYTHING

The single most common DIY mistake is applying coats too thick:

• Thick coats drip, sag, and take forever to dry
• They're more likely to chip and peel
• They don't cure properly inside

Rule: If you can see brush strokes and the surface isn't fully covered, that's perfect for coat 1. Multiple thin coats build better than one thick coat.

Tip #8: Sand Between Coats

Light sanding between coats creates a smoother final finish:

• Use 320-400 grit sandpaper or sanding sponge
• Just scuff the surface — don't remove paint
• Remove ALL dust before next coat
• This helps each coat bond and removes any raised grain or dust nibs

Tip #9: Brush vs Spray — When to Use Each

Pro recommendation: Spray for door faces, brush for frames and edges. If only brushing, use BM Advance — it self-levels beautifully.

Tip #10: Work in the Right Conditions

• Temperature: 50-85°F for most paints
• Humidity: Below 70% for proper drying
• Ventilation: Good airflow speeds drying
• Dust control: Work in clean space, minimize foot traffic

Tip #11: Don't Rush Dry Time

There's a difference between dry to touch and fully cured:

• Dry to touch: 2-4 hours (can apply next coat)
• Dry to recoat: 16-24 hours (cabinet paint)
• Fully cured: 7-30 days depending on product

Critical: Don't close doors or put items on shelves until paint is cured. Early use causes sticking and damage.

Tip #12: Reinstall Carefully

• Wait minimum 2-3 days before reinstalling
• Use your labeling system to match doors
• Adjust hinges carefully — don't force
• Leave doors slightly ajar for first week if possible