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Transforming your kitchen doesn’t always mean a full renovation. Painting your kitchen cabinets and cupboards is a cost-effective way to breathe new life into your space. Over time, colours can fade or trends might change, making it the perfect excuse to try something different. If you’re confident with a paint brush, you could even tackle this as a weekend DIY project. The size of your kitchen, your speed and the drying times for the paint will determine how quickly you can finish.

Checklist

Before you begin, gather everything you’ll need to prepare your space, work safely and achieve a professional finish. Here’s your checklist: 

- Dust sheets or tarpaulins

- Masking tape

- Screwdriver or drill

- Sandpaper

- Primer

- Furniture paint

- Paint brushes

- Paint rollers and trays

Keep these essentials handy as you work. Having some old towels nearby is also a good idea for any unexpected drips or splashes.

Step-by-step

By following these clear and practical steps, you’ll get a smooth, even finish on your kitchen cabinets and cupboards.

Step 1: prep the room
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Start by clearing out cabinets and countertops and move any furniture out of the way. Protect your surfaces and appliances with dust sheets or plastic tarps to shield them from dust and paint splatters. Use masking tape to secure covers over your splashback and worktops. To prevent dust and fumes from spreading through your home, tape plastic sheeting over windows and interior doorways.

Set up a dedicated workspace for painting doors, drawers and shelves. A workbench or a cleared section of the floor works well – just make sure your tools are easy to access.

Step 2: remove doors, drawers and hardware
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Don’t try to save time by painting your cabinets in place – it’ll lead to chips and uneven wear. Use a screwdriver or drill to remove all doors, drawers and hardware before you begin painting them. To stay organised, label each piece with its original location using a simple piece of masking tape with notes, or with numbers to save you from guessing later. Store screws and hinges in a labelled container for safekeeping.

Step 3: clean and prep surfaces
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Start by cleaning all surfaces with a degreaser to remove any grease or oily spots. You can use a non-abrasive scrub sponge for tougher grime. Once everything is dry, check for cracks or chips and fill them in with wood filler. If you’re changing the positions of your hardware, for example moving a handle from a centre position to the right, fill in the old screw holes with a two-part wood filler. 

Sand all surfaces thoroughly to remove the sheen, which will help the new paint adhere better. We recommend using medium-grit sandpaper for the first round. After sanding, clean away any dust with a cloth.

Step 4: prime the surfaces
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Primer is essential for a smooth, long-lasting finish. It ensures better adhesion and helps hide stains or wood grain. You should always apply it outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. 

Before you prime, lightly sand the surfaces again with ultra-fine 220-grit sandpaper for even better adhesion. For laminate or MDF surfaces, use a standard primer. For untreated wood, use a specialist wood undercoat. Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper after the primer dries to create a smooth base. Let it dry fully before moving on to your paint.

Step 5: apply the paint
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While professionals often use paint sprayers, a roller and brush work perfectly for your DIY project. Use a two-inch angled brush for tight corners and crevices and a roller for flat surfaces. For doors and drawers, paint the back first and allow it to dry completely before flipping them to paint the front. For the best finish:

- Apply two coats, waiting 24 hours between each

- Use the drying time to paint the inside of the cabinets

- Paint doors, drawers and shelves on a flat surface to avoid drips

Step 6: let it cure
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Don’t rush to reassemble your cabinets – it’s tempting, but patience is key to a professional-looking result. This prevents smudges and ensures the paint cures properly for a durable finish.

If you prefer a glossy or extra-durable finish, apply a coat of varnish after your paint has dried. Keep in mind that varnish extends drying time, so plan for several additional days before reinstalling your cabinets.

Step 7: reassemble the kitchen
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Reattach doors, drawers and shelves in their original positions using your labels as a guide. Take this opportunity to upgrade your cabinet hardware to fully transform your kitchen. Once everything is in place, step back and enjoy your beautiful handiwork.

Frequently asked questions

Here’s some extra guidance that answers common questions to help you achieve the best results when painting your kitchen cabinets. 

Are my cabinets suitable for painting?

Wood cabinets with simple fronts are the best candidates. Thin veneers or laminate surfaces might not hold paint well, so test a small area first. If your cabinets are damaged or frail, consider replacing them with units from our Wickes Lifestyle Kitchens options.

What’s the best paint for kitchen cabinets?

Durable interior furniture paint is ideal. Eggshell finishes work well for a subtle sheen but always check the paint tin for specific recommendations on undercoats or primers. To choose the right colour, try painting a poster board with a sample of paint in the colour you're considering. Then you can hang it in different spots around your kitchen to test how the colour looks against your walls, splashback and appliances to make sure it works. This also allows you to view the colour in different lightings before you commit to it.

Do I have to strip the cabinets before painting?

If the existing finish is clear, lightly sand and clean the surface to prepare it for new paint. For best results, run a test on an inconspicuous area, like the inside of a base cabinet, before committing to this approach. Some cabinet materials will need full stripping and sanding to ensure the paint adheres to the surface. If you can’t scratch the paint off your test area, it will adhere to the rest of your units.

How do I avoid brush marks?

Use high-quality brushes and smooth, even strokes. Sand lightly between coats for a flawless finish.

How long should I let the paint dry?

Wait at least 24 hours between coats and before reassembling. For a fully cured, durable finish, allow several days if possible.

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a rewarding DIY project that can completely transform your space. With the right preparation and tools, it’s a manageable task that can make your kitchen feel brand new. For more ideas, browse our other kitchen how to guides.

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