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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 and pre-treat wood prior to any stain project.
Required product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
Estimated Price
$0.00
The following product(s) is required to properly prep and pre-treat wood prior to any stain project. 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 stripping is needed.
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.
The Home Depot logoSold Exclusively at The Home Depot

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