How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets & Cupboards

- Dust sheets

- Masking tape

- Screwdriver or drill

- Sandpaper

- Primer

- Furniture paint

- Paint brushes

Proper preparation is the secret to beautifully painted kitchen cabinets. 

• Start by clearing out all your cabinets and countertops. Move any freestanding furniture out of the way to give yourself plenty of space to work.
• Protect your surfaces and appliances with dust sheets or plastic tarpaulins. This shields them from dust and paint splatters. Use masking tape to securely tape covers over your splashback and worktops. To stop dust and paint fumes from spreading through the rest of your home, tape plastic sheeting over your windows and interior doorways.
• Next, set up a dedicated workspace for painting kitchen cabinet doors, drawers and shelves. A sturdy workbench or a cleared, protected section of the floor works really well. Just make sure your tools are easy to reach.

Leaving your cabinets in attached will lead to chips, smudges and uneven wear, so it’s a good idea to remove them before painting, even if it takes more time. Use a screwdriver or drill to remove all doors, drawers and hardware before you begin.

Top tip: To stay organised, label each piece with its original location. You can use a simple piece of masking tape with notes or give each door a number to save you from guessing later. Store all your screws, handles and hinges in a labelled container for safekeeping.

If you're wondering how to clean painted kitchen cabinets or prepare old ones, the key is removing all the grease. Kitchens naturally build up cooking oils and grime. Start by cleaning all surfaces with a degreaser, then use a non-abrasive scrub sponge for tougher spots.

Once everything is completely dry, check for cracks or chips. Fill them in with a good quality wood filler. If you're changing the positions of your hardware – for example, moving a handle from the centre to the side – fill in the old screw holes with a two-part wood filler.

Next comes the sanding. Sand all your surfaces thoroughly to remove the old sheen. This helps the new primer and paint adhere much better. We recommend using medium-grit sandpaper for this first round. After sanding, wipe away all the dust with a clean, damp cloth.

Applying a primer is essential for a smooth, long-lasting finish. It ensures better adhesion for your topcoat and helps hide old stains or strong wood grain. You should always apply your primer outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area.

• Before you apply the primer, lightly sand the surfaces again with ultra-fine 220-grit sandpaper. This provides an even better surface for adhesion. The type of primer you need depends on your cabinets, for example, if you have laminate cupboards, you'll need a standard primer designed for glossy surfaces. And if you’ve got vinyl or gloss kitchen cabinets, make sure your primer is formulated to grip to shiny, non-porous materials. For untreated wood, use a specialist wood undercoat.
• Once the primer dries, sand it lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a perfectly smooth base. Let it dry fully before moving on to your paint.

Now it's time to bring your kitchen cabinet painting ideas to life. Use a two-inch angled brush for tight corners and crevices, and a foam roller for the flat surfaces to avoid brush marks.

For your doors and drawers, paint the back first. Allow the back to dry completely before flipping them over to paint the front. For the best finish:

• Apply two even coats of paint, waiting 24 hours between each coat.
• Use the drying time to paint the inside frames of the cabinets.
• Always paint your doors, drawers and shelves laying flat on your workbench to avoid paint drips.

For more information on the which paint to use, take a look at our guide on the best kitchen cupboard paint.

Don't rush to reassemble your cabinets. We know it's tempting to put everything back together immediately, but patience is the key to a professional-looking result. Waiting prevents smudges and ensures the paint cures properly for a tough, durable finish.

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

Once your paint is fully cured, reattach your doors, drawers and shelves in their original positions. Use the labels you made earlier as a guide, so everything fits perfectly. This is also a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your cabinet hardware. Fitting brand new handles or knobs will fully transform your kitchen and complete your new look.

A durable interior furniture paint is ideal for kitchen cabinets, with eggshell finishes working beautifully for a subtle sheen that’s easy to wipe clean. Always check the paint tin for specific recommendations on which undercoats or primers you need to use with your chosen finish.

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.

You should wait at least 24 hours between your coats of paint and before you start reassembling the doors. For a fully cured, tough and durable finish, allow several days of drying time if you possibly can.

Yes, most cabinets can be painted. Wood cabinets with simple fronts are the best candidates. Thin veneers or laminate surfaces might not hold paint as easily, so we suggest testing a small, hidden area first. If your cabinets are damaged or very frail, consider replacing them instead.

Choosing a colour is entirely up to your personal style. To pick the right shade, try painting a piece of poster board with a sample of your chosen paint. Hang it in different spots around your kitchen to see how the colour looks against your walls, splashback and appliances. This lets you view the colour in different lighting before you commit.

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