How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Is Painting Cabinets Worth It?

Absolutely — if your kitchen cabinets are structurally sound and well-fitted, painting them gives 80% of the visual impact of a new kitchen at a fraction of the cost. The key is thorough preparation and using the right products.

Choosing the Right Paint

Specialist kitchen cabinet paint (Frenchic, Rust-Oleum, Johnstone's Cabinet Paint) is formulated for durability and washability. These are significantly better than standard wall paint or furniture paint. Expect to pay £20–£35 per litre. You will need 1–2 litres for most kitchens.

Step 1 — Remove Doors and Hardware

Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware (handles, hinges). Label each door with tape indicating its position. This is essential — painting in place gives inferior results. Work on doors flat on a table or workbench.

Step 2 — Clean Thoroughly

Kitchen cabinets accumulate years of cooking grease. Clean every surface with a degreaser (Sugar Soap or specific degreaser). This is the most critical prep step — paint will not adhere to greasy surfaces regardless of primer.

Step 3 — Sand and Prime

Sand all surfaces lightly with 240-grit sandpaper to provide a key. Wipe clean. Apply a specialist cabinet primer or bonding primer — this is essential for adhesion, especially on gloss-finish cabinets. Allow to dry fully.

Step 4 — Apply Paint

Apply with a small foam roller for flat surfaces (gives a smoother finish than a brush). Use a small brush for edges and recesses. Apply 2 thin coats rather than one thick coat. Sand lightly with 400-grit between coats. Refit after 48 hours of curing.