Proper preparation is 80% of a successful cabinet painting project. Rushing through prep is the #1 reason DIY cabinet paint jobs fail. This comprehensive guide covers every step of cabinet preparation, from cleaning and degreasing to sanding and priming, so you get professional results.
Why Cabinet Prep Is Critical
Cabinets endure more wear than almost any other painted surface in your home. They're constantly touched, exposed to grease and steam, and opened/closed thousands of times. Without proper prep:
- Paint won't adhere – Grease and gloss prevent bonding
- Paint will chip – Poor adhesion leads to peeling
- Finish looks amateur – Dust and defects show through
- Results don't last – You'll be repainting in 1-2 years
💡 Pro Tip
Professional cabinet painters spend 60-70% of their time on prep. If you're cutting corners on prep, you'll pay for it in the finish quality and longevity.
Cabinet Prep Steps (In Order)
Remove Hardware & Doors
Take off all doors, drawers, and hardware. Label everything for easy reinstallation.
Tips:
- Number doors/drawers with painter's tape
- Bag hardware by location
- Take photos before removal
Clean & Degrease
Remove all grease, grime, and oils with TSP or degreaser. Kitchen cabinets accumulate years of cooking residue.
Tips:
- Focus on areas near stove
- Clean both sides of doors
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning
Fill Holes & Repair
Fill any holes, dents, or damaged areas with wood filler. Sand smooth when dry.
Tips:
- Use auto body filler for large repairs
- Apply in thin layers
- Let dry completely before sanding
Sand All Surfaces
Sand to remove gloss and create 'tooth' for primer adhesion. Use 120-150 grit initially.
Tips:
- Sand in direction of grain
- Don't skip edges and corners
- Vacuum/tack cloth after sanding
Prime Everything
Apply appropriate primer based on cabinet material. This is the foundation for your finish.
Tips:
- Use shellac for tannin-rich woods
- Apply thin, even coats
- Sand lightly between coats
Final Light Sand
Sand primed surfaces with 220 grit for ultra-smooth finish before paint.
Tips:
- Very light pressure
- Remove all dust before painting
- Check for any missed spots
🧹 Cleaning & Degreasing
Kitchen cabinets accumulate years of grease, cooking oils, and grime. This invisible layer will prevent any paint from adhering properly.
Best Cabinet Cleaning Products
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate)
Heavy-duty cleaner. Mix with water, scrub, rinse thoroughly. The gold standard for cabinet prep.
Best OverallKrud Kutter
Ready-to-use degreaser. Spray, wipe, rinse. Easier than TSP, very effective.
Easy to UseDawn + Warm Water
Mild degreaser for lightly soiled cabinets. Not strong enough for heavy grease.
Light DutySimple Green
All-purpose cleaner. Good for general cleaning, may need stronger product for kitchen grease.
General Purpose⚠️ Don't Skip Degreasing
Even if cabinets look clean, they have oils from hands and cooking. These oils prevent paint adhesion. Always degrease!
🪵 Sanding Guide
Sanding creates "tooth" – tiny scratches that give primer something to grip. Without proper sanding, paint sits on top of the surface and easily chips off.
Sandpaper Grit Guide
| Grit | Use | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 80-100 | Heavy stripping (rarely needed) | Removing old paint, major repairs |
| 120-150 | Initial sanding | First sanding of finished cabinets, creating tooth for primer |
| 180-220 | Smoothing | Final sand before primer, between coats |
| 220-320 | Fine finish | Between primer and paint, ultra-smooth finish |
| 400+ | Ultra-fine | Buffing between topcoats for glass-smooth finish |
Sanding Techniques
Hand Sanding
Best for detail work, edges, and profiles. Use sanding sponge for contours. More control, less aggressive.
Orbital Sander
Faster for flat surfaces. Use on cabinet door fronts and drawer fronts. Don't apply too much pressure.
Sanding Block
Keeps sandpaper flat for even sanding. Better than sanding with bare hands for flat surfaces.
💡 Vacuum Between Grits
When switching to finer grit, vacuum and tack cloth the surface. Coarse grit particles scratch the surface if left behind.
🎨 Choosing the Right Primer
Primer is the foundation of your paint job. The right primer prevents tannin bleed, improves adhesion, and ensures durability.
Shellac-Based (BIN)
Best for wood cabinets, especially oak or cherry. Blocks tannins that cause yellow/brown bleed-through. Strong odor, quick dry.
Best for: Oak, cherry, walnut, knotty pineBonding Primer (Stix, Gripper)
Adheres to difficult surfaces including laminate, thermofoil, and previously painted cabinets. Essential for slick surfaces.
Best for: Laminate, thermofoil, glossy surfacesOil-Based Primer
Excellent adhesion and stain blocking. Longer dry time and strong odor. Traditional choice for cabinets.
Best for: Any wood, maximum durabilityLatex Primer
Easy cleanup, low odor. May raise grain on raw wood. Use only if cabinets are already painted or sealed.
Best for: Previously painted, quick projects❌ Common Prep Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Degreasing
Even invisible grease prevents adhesion. Always clean first!
Not Sanding Enough
Light scuff isn't enough for glossy surfaces. Sand until sheen is gone.
Wrong Primer
Latex primer on oak = tannin bleed. Match primer to cabinet type.
Rushing Dry Time
Painting over uncured primer causes adhesion problems.
Forgetting Edges
Door edges and drawer edges need prep too. Don't skip them.
Dust in Workshop
Sanding creates dust that lands in wet paint. Clean work area!
Frequently Asked Questions
Use 120-150 grit for initial sanding, 180-220 for smoothing, and 220-320 between coats for ultra-smooth finish.
Yes, sanding is essential for paint adhesion. Even with bonding primer, light sanding helps paint grip the surface.
Use TSP or degreaser like Krud Kutter. Scrub all surfaces, rinse thoroughly, and let dry completely before sanding.
Shellac-based (BIN) for wood with tannins, bonding primer for laminate/glossy surfaces, oil-based for maximum durability.
Skip the Prep Work
Cabinet prep is time-consuming and messy. Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes handles all preparation for flawless, long-lasting results. Get your free estimate!
Get Free Estimate 📞 (980) 408-8122