How to Prep Kitchen Cabinets for Painting – The Ultimate DIY Guide

Painting your kitchen cabinets can save you thousands compared to replacing them — but only if the surfaces are properly prepared. Skip this step, and you’ll likely see chips and peeling paint in just a few months.

This guide walks you through how to prep kitchen cabinets for painting so they look brand new and stay that way for years.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Prep Kitchen Cabinets for Painting

1. Empty Cabinets and Remove Doors

Completely empty your cabinets and drawers, then remove the doors, hinges, and handles. Place screws and hinges in labeled bags, and mark each door (for example, by writing a number inside the hinge cup) — this will make reassembly quick and ensure the doors go back in the correct position without misalignment.

2. Clean and Degrease

Kitchen cabinets collect grease, especially near handles and above the stove. Wash thoroughly with a degreaser (Krud Kutter or TSP substitute) and a scrub sponge.

Don’t skip this step: Even the best paint won’t adhere to greasy surfaces — this is the most common reason DIY cabinet paint jobs fail.

3. Fill Holes and Repair Damage

Inspect cabinet frames and doors for dents or old hardware holes. Fill them with wood filler, let it dry, and sand smooth.

Pro Tip: If you’re changing handle styles (for example, from knobs to pulls), fill old holes and drill new ones after painting for a clean look.

4. Sand for Better Adhesion

The goal isn’t to strip the surface down to bare wood but to create a light scuff over the entire surface. This gives primer and paint something to grip.

• Glossy cabinets: Remove all shine so the surface becomes slightly dull.

• Previously painted cabinets: Scuff the entire surface with light, even strokes, paying special attention to peeling areas to smooth them out.

Use a sanding sponge for corners and profiles to keep control and avoid damaging edges.

5. Remove Dust

Vacuum the surfaces and wipe them with a microfiber cloth. Make sure no sanding dust remains — leftover particles can mix with primer and ruin the smooth finish.

6. Apply Primer

Primer blocks stains, seals wood, and helps paint adhere properly.

• Wood cabinets: Use Zinsser BIN (shellac-based) or Insl-X Stix (waterborne bonding primer).

• Laminate cabinets: Choose a primer designed for slick, non-porous surfaces.

Let the primer dry completely, then lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper for the smoothest finish.

7. Protect the Kitchen

Cover countertops, floors, and appliances with plastic or rosin paper. Tape off the walls and backsplash edges so you can paint without worrying about splatters.

Next Step: Once your kitchen is prepped and protected, it’s time to choose the right paint. Check out our guide: Best Cabinet Paints for a Durable Finish – Our Top Recommendations to make sure your hard work lasts for years.

---

Common Mistakes When Prepping Kitchen Cabinets for Painting

Even a well-planned project can go wrong if you make these mistakes:

• Skipping degreasing: Paint will peel within weeks.

• No primer: Even “paint + primer” products can’t replace a true bonding primer.

• Heavy coats: Thick paint causes runs and takes longer to dry — use multiple thin coats.

• Rushing reassembly: Wait at least 7 days for the paint to fully cure before rehanging doors.

Bottom Line:Avoiding these mistakes is key to success. Knowing how to prep kitchen cabinets for painting properly is the difference between a flawless, long-lasting finish and a repaint job just a few months later. Take your time — a couple of extra prep days guarantee a smoother, more durable result.

---

Want Showroom-Quality Results Without the Hassle?

Want your cabinets to look like they just came from the showroom? Our Tools and Hands team in Chicago and the northern suburbs handles all the prep, priming, and painting — so you can skip the mess and enjoy a flawless kitchen transformation.

Contact us today for a free estimate and bring your dream kitchen to life stress-free.