How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
This is the payoff. After all the cleaning, sanding, and priming, you're ready to transform your cabinets with color. The right paint and technique make all the difference.
Quick Summary
Time required
6-10 hours
Coats needed
2-3 thin coats
Paint cost
$100-250
Best Paints for Kitchen Cabinets
Regular wall paint won't cut it. Kitchen cabinets need paint that can handle daily use, moisture, and grease. Here are the top choices:
Benjamin Moore Advance
Hybrid waterborne alkyd that self-levels beautifully. Durable enough for cabinets, cleans up with water. The go-to for DIY cabinet painters.
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane
Another excellent hybrid alkyd. Extremely durable, great leveling. Slightly faster dry time than Advance.
Behr Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel
More affordable hybrid option available at Home Depot. Good durability, though slightly less smooth leveling than premium options.
Sherwin-Williams ProClassic
Specifically formulated for spraying trim and cabinets. Produces an ultra-smooth, factory-like finish.
Choosing the Right Sheen
| Sheen | Look | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Gloss | Noticeable shine, reflects light | Most kitchens - easy to clean, durable |
| Satin | Soft sheen, subtle glow | Modern looks - hides imperfections better |
| Matte/Flat | No shine, chalky appearance | Not recommended - hard to clean |
| High Gloss | Very shiny, mirror-like | Bold statement - shows every imperfection |
Recommendation: Semi-gloss is the classic choice for cabinets—easy to wipe clean and durable. Satin is trending for a more modern, softer look.
Step-by-Step Painting Guide
Prepare Your Paint
Good paint prep prevents problems. Don't skip this.
- •Stir thoroughly (don't shake—creates bubbles)
- •Pour through a paint strainer into your tray
- •Keep the can closed between pours to prevent skinning
Brush Edges and Details First
For each door, start by brushing all edges, grooves, and detailed areas. This is called "cutting in."
Brush technique: Load the brush 1/3 of the way up the bristles. Apply in long, smooth strokes following the wood grain. Don't overwork it—too many brush strokes create marks.
Roll Flat Surfaces
While the brushed edges are still wet, roll the flat center sections. This creates a seamless finish.
Paint Backs First (Optional)
If you're painting the backs of doors, do them first. After they dry, flip and paint the fronts.
Pro tip: Many people skip painting the backs since they're rarely seen. If you do paint them, use painter's pyramids or screws in the corners to elevate doors while drying.
Let Dry Completely
Patience is crucial. Rushing between coats causes problems.
Dry times (approximate):
- BM Advance: Dry 16-24 hrs, recoat after 24 hrs
- SW Emerald Urethane: Dry 4-6 hrs, recoat after 6 hrs
- Most hybrid alkyds: Touch dry 1-4 hrs, recoat 4-24 hrs
Sand Lightly Between Coats
Once dry, lightly sand with 220-320 grit to smooth any dust nibs or texture. Wipe with a tack cloth.
You're not removing paint—just smoothing the surface for the next coat. This makes a noticeable difference in the final finish.
Apply Additional Coats
Most cabinets need 2-3 coats. The second coat provides coverage, the third adds durability.
2
Minimum coats
3
For best durability
3+
For dramatic color change
Allow Proper Cure Time
Paint that feels dry isn't fully cured. Hybrid alkyds need 2-4 weeks to reach full hardness.
During cure period: Handle doors gently. Don't scrub with abrasives. Avoid placing heavy items on shelves. Don't stick anything adhesive to the surface. Let the paint fully harden before normal use.
Common Painting Mistakes
Applying too thick
Thick coats drip, take forever to dry, and don't cure properly. Two thin coats always beat one thick coat.
Not waiting between coats
Impatience causes problems. If paint lifts when you apply the next coat, you didn't wait long enough.
Using cheap brushes
Cheap brushes leave bristles and streaks. Invest in quality brushes like Purdy or Wooster—they make a visible difference.
Painting in extreme conditions
Too hot, cold, or humid affects how paint dries. Aim for 50-85°F and moderate humidity for best results.
Brush & Roll vs. Spray
Brush & Roll
- ✓Less setup and masking required
- ✓Uses less paint overall
- ✓Easier for beginners
- ✓Good results with proper technique
- ✗May show slight texture
Best for: Most DIYers, smaller kitchens
HVLP Sprayer
- ✓Smoothest possible finish
- ✓Faster application once set up
- ✓Professional, factory-like look
- ✗Requires significant masking
- ✗Learning curve for technique
Best for: Large projects, perfectionists, experienced DIYers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paint for kitchen cabinets?
Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane are top choices. Both are hybrid alkyds that self-level for smooth finishes, are durable, and clean up with water.
How many coats of paint do cabinets need?
Most cabinets need 2-3 coats. Dark over light or light over dark may need 3 coats. Each coat should be thin—multiple thin coats beat fewer thick ones.
Should I brush or spray cabinets?
Both work well. Spraying is smoothest but requires more setup. Brush/roll is more accessible for DIYers. With quality paint and technique, brush/roll results can look nearly as smooth.
How long do painted cabinets take to cure?
Dry to touch in hours, recoatable in 4-24 hours, but full cure takes 2-4 weeks. Handle gently during cure time for maximum durability.
Congratulations! Cabinets Complete
You've finished the biggest part of your kitchen refresh. While paint cures, move on to the next phase: updating your cabinet hardware.