How to paint kitchen cabinets: a step-by-step guide

Check they are worth painting

Painting works best on solid, well-fitted doors and frames. If the doors are warped, peeling badly or made of a material that does not take paint, ask a decorator or kitchen specialist before you start.

What you will need

• Degreaser or sugar soap, and clean cloths.
• Sandpaper or a sanding sponge.
• A suitable primer and paint for kitchen cabinets, such as a durable cabinet or furniture paint.
• Fine brushes and a small foam or microfibre roller.
• Masking tape and dust sheets.

1. Remove and label

Take off doors, drawers and handles, and label each so they go back in the right place. Remove hinges if you can.

2. Clean thoroughly

Kitchen cabinets collect grease. Wash them with degreaser, rinse and let them dry fully. Paint will not stick to a greasy surface.

3. Sand lightly

Rub the surfaces gently to key the surface, then wipe away all the dust. Fill any dents or holes and sand them flat.

4. Prime

Use a primer recommended for your cabinet surface, and follow the instructions for drying times. A good primer is the difference between a finish that lasts and one that chips.

5. Paint in thin coats

Apply two or more thin coats, allowing proper drying and a light sand between them if the maker advises. Thin coats look smoother than one thick one.

6. Let it cure

Paint can feel dry but still be soft. Allow the time the manufacturer recommends before you rehang the doors and use the kitchen heavily.

Mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the degreasing and sanding.
• Using ordinary wall paint.
• Painting in cold or damp conditions.
• Rehanging doors too soon.

See the colour first

Upload a photo of your kitchen to GlowUpp to see AI-generated colour ideas, then test a real sample on one door. Always ask a qualified professional before moving gas, electrics or plumbing, or changing anything structural, and check your lease or local rules if you rent or live in a conservation area.