DIY Cabinet Painting: Step-by-Step Guide

Want to refresh your kitchen without a full remodel? DIY cabinet painting is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to transform your space.

In the first part, we covered How to Prep Kitchen Cabinets for Painting – The Ultimate DIY Guide — from cleaning to priming. Now it’s time for the next step: how to paint so your finish looks professional and lasts for years.

Step 1: Choose the Right Paint and Tools

Start with a high-quality cabinet paint — enamel or acrylic latex designed specifically for cabinetry. These paints cure harder and resist chipping compared to standard wall paints.

Pro Tip: Not sure which paint to buy? Check out our article Best Cabinet Paints for a Durable Finish – Our Top Recommendations, where we compare popular brands and finishes.

Then choose the right application tools — these are what make the difference between a DIY look and a smooth, factory-like finish:

• Angled brush (2"–2.5") — for cutting in edges, corners, and detailed areas. Don’t skimp on tools: a high-quality brush leaves fewer streaks.

• Mini foam roller (4"–6") — perfect for flat cabinet doors and drawer fronts. It distributes paint evenly and helps eliminate brush marks.

• Paint sprayer (optional) — great if you want an ultra-smooth, professional finish and are comfortable using spray equipment.

For most DIYers, the best approach is to combine brush and roller: use the brush first for edges and corners, then roll over flat surfaces for a perfectly smooth finish.

Step 2: Protect Surfaces

Cover countertops, appliances, and floors with rosin paper or plastic. Tape off backsplash edges, walls, and any areas you don’t want painted. This will save you hours of cleanup later.

Step 3: Stir (and Filter if Needed)

Stir paint thoroughly so pigments are evenly mixed.

Pro Tip: If the can has been opened before, strain the paint through a disposable filter or a piece of cheesecloth to remove dried bits and dust. This will help you get a flawless finish.

Step 4: Apply the First Coat

Start with the cabinet frames, then move on to doors and drawers.

How to paint doors:

• Lay them flat on sawhorses or a clean, covered table.

• Paint the front side first, allow it to fully dry, then flip and paint the back.

Application technique:

• Brush: Hold at a 45° angle, start with corners and edges, then use long, smooth strokes following the grain. Avoid overworking the paint — let it self-level.

• Roller: Roll in one direction with light, even pressure, overlapping slightly to prevent lap marks.

• Work in small sections and maintain a “wet edge” to avoid visible lines where dry paint meets fresh paint.

Always apply thin, even coats — they dry faster and prevent drips.

Step 5: Sand Between Coats

Once the first coat is dry (usually 4–6 hours or as directed on the can), lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out raised grain or dust nibs. Wipe clean before applying the next coat.

Step 6: Apply the Second (and Third) Coat

Repeat with thin, even coats. Two coats are typically enough, but a third coat will add durability and give an ultra-smooth, furniture-like finish — especially in busy kitchens.

Step 7: Let the Paint Cure

Even if the paint feels dry, it still needs time to fully harden. Wait at least 24 hours before light use and a full 7 days before reinstalling doors and hardware.

Common DIY Cabinet Painting Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Skipping prep — if you don’t clean, degrease, and prime, the paint won’t stick.

❌ Applying thick coats — causes drips and extends drying time

❌ Overbrushing — leaves visible streaks

❌ Reinstalling doors too soon — leads to chips and dents

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Bottom Line

DIY cabinet painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your home. The key to success is patience and following each step carefully. Do that — and you’ll get a smooth, durable finish that looks beautiful for years.

Need professional help? Contact Tools & Hands — our team can take care of the entire cabinet painting process for you and deliver a showroom-quality finish without the hassle.