Home Improvement and DIY
Clean, prep and coat each surface for a smoother finish
A cabinet door can look glossy and clean while still holding a thin film of cooking grease. Clean every surface before painting, or the new finish may not stick well.
Sound wood and previously painted cabinets may suit a careful DIY refresh. Laminate, thermofoil, damaged finishes, and heavy grease can require more specialized preparation and products.
Collect cleaner, cloths, sandpaper, filler, primer, cabinet-grade paint, tape, and tools before removing doors. Set up ventilation and follow product directions for protection and cleanup.
Remove doors and drawer fronts when possible, marking each with its original location. Take off knobs and pulls, and keep hinges and screws together in labeled bags.
Wash doors, drawer fronts, and frames with a cleaner suited to the existing finish. Pay extra attention around handles, then rinse as directed and let surfaces dry before repairs or sanding.
Fill dents and unused hardware holes, let the filler dry, and sand repairs flush. Remove only loose paint, then lightly dull glossy surfaces so primer has a better grip.
Select primer for the cabinet material and paint system. Check approved substrates and sanding directions; use a stain-blocking primer when product guidance calls for it to prevent bleed-through.
A brush reaches corners, a fine-finish roller covers flat areas, and a sprayer can reduce tool marks but needs more masking and practice. Apply thin coats, not one heavy layer.
Dry-to-touch paint can still dent or stick. Follow the manufacturer’s cure guidance, which may take days or longer, and keep doors from rubbing while the finish hardens.
Handle and reinstall doors only when the paint can withstand it, and avoid scrubbing fresh surfaces. Choose cabinet colors that pick up a quieter countertop undertone for a balanced room.
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