DIY cabinet refinishing can save you thousands while transforming your kitchen. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step — from prep to final coat — with professional tips for achieving the best possible results. Whether you're painting or staining cabinets, follow this guide for a successful project.
📊 Project Summary
Materials & Supplies Needed
Gather all materials before starting. Quality products make a significant difference:
Essential Materials
🎨 Paint/Stain
- Benjamin Moore Advance
- SW Emerald Urethane
- 2-3 gallons for average kitchen
🖌️ Primer
- Zinsser BIN (shellac)
- STIX (bonding)
- 1-2 gallons
📄 Sandpaper
- 120 grit (heavy prep)
- 180-220 grit (final prep)
- 320-400 grit (between coats)
🧹 Cleaning
- TSP or Krud Kutter
- Tack cloths
- Clean rags
Tools Needed
- Quality brushes: 2" and 2.5" angled (Purdy, Wooster)
- Foam rollers: 4" mini rollers for flat areas
- HVLP sprayer: Optional but gives smoothest finish
- Random orbital sander: Speeds up sanding
- Drill/driver: For removing hardware
- Drop cloths: Canvas or plastic
- Painter's tape: FrogTape or ScotchBlue
- Sawhorses/racks: For drying painted doors
Step 1: Preparation
Prep work determines 80% of your final result. Don't rush this phase.
Remove Doors & Hardware
- Number each door with painter's tape (U1, L1, D1, etc.)
- Take photos of hinge positions before removal
- Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware
- Place hardware in labeled bags
- Set up sawhorses or drying rack in garage/work area
Clean All Surfaces
- Mix TSP according to package directions (1/4 cup per gallon)
- Scrub all surfaces thoroughly — grease is paint's enemy
- Pay extra attention to areas near stove and handles
- Rinse with clean water
- Let dry completely — 24 hours minimum
Step 2: Sanding
Sanding creates "tooth" for paint adhesion and smooths imperfections.
Sanding Process
- Start with 120-150 grit: Remove gloss and smooth major issues
- Finish with 180-220 grit: Create uniform, smooth surface
- Sand with the grain direction
- Use sanding sponge for detailed/profiled areas
- Vacuum all dust thoroughly
- Wipe with tack cloth before priming
Step 3: Fill Imperfections
- Fill holes, dents, and damage with wood filler
- Use grain filler if you want a smooth, filled-grain look on oak
- Let filler dry completely (check manufacturer's time)
- Sand filled areas smooth with 180-220 grit
- Wipe with tack cloth again
Step 4: Priming
Primer is essential for adhesion and coverage.
Primer Options
| Primer | Best For | Dry Time |
|---|---|---|
| Zinsser BIN | Stain blocking, best adhesion | 45 min - 1 hr |
| STIX | Difficult surfaces, laminate | 1-2 hours |
| Kilz Original | General purpose | 1 hour |
Priming Process
- Apply thin, even coat of primer
- Don't try to achieve full coverage on first coat
- Let dry completely (follow can directions)
- Lightly sand with 320-400 grit
- Apply second coat if needed (dark-to-light changes)
- Sand lightly again before paint
Step 5: Painting
The moment you've been working toward. Thin coats are key.
Paint Application Tips
- Thin coats only: Multiple thin coats > one thick coat
- Work in order: Inside edges first, then flat areas, then outside edges
- Maintain wet edge: Don't let paint dry mid-surface
- Don't overwork: Apply, smooth once, and leave it alone
- Allow full dry time: 16-24 hours between coats for cabinet paint
Brush vs. Spray
| Brushing | Spraying | |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Good (with quality paint) | Excellent (factory-smooth) |
| Equipment | $50-100 | $100-400 |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Moderate |
| Prep/Cleanup | Minimal | Extensive masking |
Step 6: Reinstallation
- Wait minimum 48-72 hours before handling
- Use your labeling system to match doors
- Install new hardware if desired
- Adjust hinges as needed
- Leave doors slightly ajar for first week if possible
Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping Degreasing
Paint will peel. Always clean with TSP.
❌ Not Sanding Enough
Factory finishes need tooth for adhesion.
❌ Thick Coats
Causes drips, poor drying, and peeling.
❌ Using Wall Paint
Wall paint chips quickly. Use cabinet paint.
❌ Rushing Dry Time
Using cabinets too soon damages the finish.
❌ Leaving Dust
Dust under paint creates bumps. Use tack cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It requires patience, proper prep, and quality materials. Expect 40-80 hours for an average kitchen. Results can be excellent with proper technique.
Cabinet paint/stain, primer, sandpaper (120, 180, 220 grit), TSP, tack cloths, quality brushes or sprayer, drop cloths, tape, wood filler. Budget $500-1,500.
Plan 2-4 weekends (40-80 hours). Most time is prep and drying. Don't rush dry time between coats.
Paint is easier — hides imperfections and allows any color. Staining requires more skill and works best on oak/wood with visible grain.
Need Professional Results?
DIY not for you? Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes delivers factory-smooth cabinet finishes with professional HVLP equipment and premium products. Get your free estimate today!
Get Free Estimate 📞 (980) 408-8122