How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets | Behr
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How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Refresh your kitchen and add a pop of color by painting your cabinets.

For Best Results:

If you are painting a kitchen cabinet that was previously painted with a glossy paint, thoroughly scuff-sand or degloss the surface for proper adhesion.

Suggested Tools & Supplies

  • BEHR® Paint

  • Primer (optional)

  • Brush (2"-2½")

  • Paint Key

  • Paint Tray

  • Paint Tray Liner

  • Drop Cloth

  • Roller Cover and Frame

  • Sandpaper (150-220 Grit)

  • Painter's Tape

  • Screwdriver

  • Cloth Rags

  • Step 1

    Grab your tools.

  • Step 2

    Find your perfect color.

    TIP:

    Browse our gallery of kitchen images for color and style inspiration.

  • Step 3

    With a screwdriver remove hardware, doors and drawers.

  • Step 4

    Clean the surface of the kitchen cabinets. 

  • Step 5

    Gently sand the surface to help remove any gloss from the previous coating. 

  • Step 6

    Wipe off the excess dust.

    TIP: When painting over new kitchen cabinets, you will want to use a coat of primer.

  • Step 7

    Tape off the counter and cut in using a paint brush.

  • Step 8

    Using a roller, paint the panels and hard to reach areas starting from the inside out.

  • Step 9

    With the paint brush, apply paint on the top of the frame. Once the top of the frame is complete, move on to paint the side of the frame. 

    TIP: Apply paint in the same direction of the wood grain.

  • Step 10

    Now grab the cabinet doors and drawers and lay them flat on a saddle. 

  • Step 11

    Start painting on the inside and move out toward the edges.

    TIP: To ensure that color is as rich as possible, consider adding a second coat.

  • Step 12

    Allow paint to completely dry. Replace doors and drawers before reinstalling the hardware.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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What sheen do I need?
How much paint do I need?
8 Oz. Sample
1 Gallon
1 Quart
5 Gallon
The following product(s) is required to properly prep uncoated and previously coated concrete surfaces.
Required product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
Estimated Price
$0.00
The following product(s) is required to properly prep uncoated and previously coated concrete surfaces. Only available in store at Home Depot.
Required 3rd party product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
The 9 in. x 1/4 in. Polyester Adhesive Roller Cover has a hard texture, making it ideal for applying all types of adhesives to smooth surfaces. It can be used for stippling and applying sand paints.
The following product(s) is recommended when a topcoat clear finish is desired.
Recommended product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
Estimated Price
$0.00
$0.00
Product price is estimated. Pricing could change based on your local Home Depot pricing.
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