How Do You Paint Kitchen Cabinets? (And Why You Shouldn’t DIY It!)

Are you thinking about giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh, updated look? It’s easy to imagine grabbing a brush and knocking it out over a weekend, especially with all the DIY tutorials floating around online. But here’s the deal—painting cabinets is not a quick job. 

At Webfoot, we’ve seen plenty of well-meaning DIY attempts go sideways, leaving homeowners with uneven finishes, peeling paint, and the kind of regret that only comes after investing hours and a good amount of money into a project that didn’t turn out as planned.

The truth is: kitchen cabinets are a high-stakes project. They’re front and center in one of the busiest spaces in your home, and every little flaw will stand out. That’s why we always recommend hiring professionals with the tools, products, and expertise to do it right the first time. Painting cabinets, when done correctly, can be a great alternative to a full replacement, saving you time and money and avoiding the whole remodeling mess! 

Let’s take a closer look at what’s actually involved in painting cabinets and why this is not the place to DIY.

How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets

The Cabinet Painting Process—Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Room

Cabinet painting prep isn’t just about the cabinets—it’s about protecting the entire space.

• Clear out everything inside the cabinets.
• Clear the space so nothing gets in the way. 
• Cover countertops, floors, and surrounding surfaces to protect against dust and splatter.
• Create a controlled work area to minimize airborne dust.

Already sound like a lot? That’s just the beginning.

Step 2: Prep the Cabinets (This Is Where the Real Work Happens.)

Prepping cabinets is a tedious, time-consuming process—and skipping steps here is a recipe for disaster. 80% of ANY painting project’s success depends on careful, skillful surface preparation.

• Deep clean every surface. Kitchens are grease magnets, and any leftover residue will prevent the paint from sticking.
• Sand every inch. All surfaces that are getting a fresh coat need to be scuffed to create a grip for the primer. This means getting into grooves, corners, and edges—no shortcuts.
• Clean again. Yep, twice. Even a speck of dust can ruin the final finish.
• Remove all hardware and label EVERYTHING. If pieces get mixed up, reinstalling can turn into a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces.

Pro Tip:

Avoid tack cloths—they can leave behind a waxy residue. Use a lint-free microfiber cloth instead.

Step 3: Prime the Cabinets (No, Primer Isn’t Optional.)

Primer is the foundation of a durable, professional finish, and skipping this step is a guaranteed shortcut to disappointment. A high-quality primer blocks stains and discoloration, creates a smooth base for the paint, and ensures adhesion to prevent peeling and chipping. Without it—or by using the wrong type—you’ll likely find yourself repainting much sooner than expected.

Step 4: Paint the Cabinets (Finally! But the Work’s Not Over Yet.)

Painting cabinets isn’t as simple as brushing on a couple of coats and calling it done. For lasting results, it’s essential to use high-quality, cabinet-specific paint that resists chips, scratches, and wear. At least two coats are needed for solid coverage and durability. Spraying is the best approach for a smooth, factory-quality finish—but it requires professional equipment and technique. If brushing, fine brushes and precise strokes are key to avoiding marks and drips.

Paint takes time to cure—up to 30 days for full hardness. During that time, be gentle and avoid heavy cleaning or closing doors too tightly. 

Pro Tip:

Don’t want to use a sprayer? We like brushes better than rollers.

Step 5: Reassemble and Clean Up

Once the paint is dry, it’s time to:

• Carefully reinstall doors and hardware (remember those labels?)
• Clean up the workspace.
• Let the cabinets cure completely before heavy use.

Why DIY Cabinet Painting Goes Wrong

We’re not here to crush any DIY dreams—but we are here to save you from DIY regrets. Painting cabinets might seem like just another painting project, but it’s far from rolling color onto a bedroom wall. Cabinets are high-use, high-visibility surfaces that require specialized tools, products, and techniques to achieve a flawless, long-lasting finish.

For starters, you’ll need the right tools—including sprayers for smooth application, sanders for surface prep, and high-quality brushes for detail work. You’ll also need professional-grade primers and paints explicitly designed for cabinets. These products dry harder, resist chipping, and stand up to daily wear and tear. Most importantly, you’ll need technical skills and patience to avoid the brush marks, drips, and uneven finishes that often plague DIY jobs.

The most common DIY mistakes we see include:

• Skipping prep work. Cabinets that aren’t properly cleaned and sanded won’t hold paint, no matter how good the product is.
• Using the wrong products. Wall paint might look fine at first, but it’s not tough enough to handle the heat, moisture, and daily use that kitchen cabinets face.
• Rushing the process. Dry times and curing periods are critical, and cutting corners leads to peeling, chipping, and tacky finishes that never fully harden.

The result? Cabinets that might look okay initially but quickly show their flaws—leaving you frustrated, wasting time and money, and eventually calling in professionals to fix what’s already been painted.

‍The Bottom Line

Painting cabinets is an investment in your home and worth doing right the first time. A professional team brings skills, experience, efficiency, and peace of mind. So before you head to the hardware store and load up on supplies, consider whether this is genuinely the kind of project you want to take on—or if you’d rather leave it to the pros and enjoy results you know will last.

Not Sold on Paint? Consider Staining or Toning.‍

Refinishing your cabinets with stain or toner is another great option for a more natural look. It enhances the wood grain while giving your kitchen a fresh, updated style.

Trust Webfoot With Your Kitchen Cabinets

Your kitchen is the heart of your home—it deserves more than a DIY experiment. At Webfoot, we bring professional expertise, top-tier products, and unbeatable craftsmanship to every project.

Why choose Webfoot?

• Unmatched quality. We use the right products and techniques for a finish that lasts.
• Flawless results. Our team has the skills and tools to deliver a smooth, factory-quality finish.
• Stress-free process. From prep to clean-up, we handle every step so you can sit back and enjoy the transformation.

‍Ready to refresh your kitchen cabinets the right way? Get in touch today to schedule your free consultation. Experience The Webfoot Way™—where quality and service always come first.