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.