How to Remove Cabinet Hardware
The key to stress-free cabinet painting isn't the paint—it's organization. A good labeling system now saves hours of frustration during reinstallation.
Quick Summary
Time required
1-2 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Supplies cost
$5-15
Why Organization Matters
Every cabinet painter has the same story: they removed everything quickly, figured they'd remember where it all went, and then spent an entire afternoon during reinstallation trying different combinations.
The truth: Doors and drawers may look identical but often have subtle differences. Hinge holes aren't always in exactly the same spot. Drawer fronts fit their specific openings. A 5-minute labeling system prevents hours of frustration.
What You'll Need
Tools
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver (for some hinges)
- Power drill with bit (optional, faster)
- Smartphone for photos
Supplies
- Quart-size ziplock bags (30-40)
- Permanent marker (Sharpie)
- Masking tape or painter's tape
- Large box or bucket for storage
Step-by-Step Guide
Create Your Labeling System
Before removing anything, assign a unique number to every door and drawer. Use a logical pattern that makes sense to you.
Recommended numbering system:
- U1-U12: Upper cabinets, left to right
- L1-L15: Lower cabinets, left to right
- D1-D10: Drawers, left to right
Put a piece of masking tape on the inside top edge of each door (where it won't be painted) and write the number clearly.
Photograph Everything
Take photos of each cabinet showing its number label clearly visible. This creates a visual map for reinstallation.
Pro tip: Take a wide shot of the entire kitchen showing all numbers visible. Then close-ups of any problem areas or special hardware. Create a dedicated album on your phone called "Cabinet Project."
Remove Handles and Knobs
Work through each door and drawer systematically. Remove the hardware and immediately bag it.
Remove Cabinet Doors
Support the door with one hand while removing hinge screws with the other. Get a helper for heavy doors.
| Hinge Type | How to Remove |
|---|---|
| European/Concealed | Release clip or unscrew from mounting plate. Leave plate on cabinet. |
| Surface Mount | Remove screws from door side first, then frame side. |
| Inset Hinges | Unscrew from both door and frame. Note hinge orientation. |
If reusing hinges, keep them attached to their specific doors. Tape the hinge screws to the hinge itself.
Remove Drawer Fronts
Most drawer fronts are attached with screws from inside the drawer box. Some are glued or have hidden clips.
Note: If drawer fronts are glued or you can't find screws, you can paint drawers with fronts attached. Remove the entire drawer and paint it as a unit. Just mask off the inside edges.
Store Everything Properly
How you store doors affects paint quality. Flat is best if you have the space.
Flat storage (ideal):
Lay doors flat on sawhorses or table covered with drop cloth. Stack with spacers between each door to prevent sticking.
Vertical storage:
If space is limited, lean doors against a wall with cardboard between each. Number side facing out so you can find specific doors easily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the labeling
"I'll remember" is famous last words. Label everything.
Mixing up screws
Different doors may use different screw lengths. Keep each set together.
Forcing stubborn screws
Stripped screws are a nightmare. If it's stuck, try a rubber band over the screw head or use a screw extractor.
Losing small parts
Keep all bags in one large box or bucket. Small bags get lost easily.
Should You Upgrade Hardware?
Since everything is already removed, now is the perfect time to decide on upgrades:
| Item | Cost Each | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| New handles/knobs | $3-15 | Yes - huge visual impact |
| Soft-close hinges | $3-6 | Yes - quality feel upgrade |
| Soft-close drawer slides | $15-30/pair | Maybe - more complex install |
| Interior organizers | $10-50 | Yes - while cabinets are empty |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove cabinet doors to paint them?
Yes, always. Painting doors flat eliminates drips, gives better edge coverage, and produces a professional finish. It takes extra time upfront but saves significant time on fixes.
How do I keep track of which hardware goes where?
Use a numbering system with masking tape on each door, labeled ziplock bags for all hardware, and photos showing each number in place. This takes 5 minutes but saves hours later.
Should I replace my cabinet hinges?
If hidden and working well, reuse them. If exposed and dated (brass), or you want soft-close, now is the time to upgrade. Soft-close hinges are $3-5 each and noticeably improve quality feel.
Can I paint cabinet hinges instead of replacing?
Technically yes, but paint chips quickly from friction. Buy new hinges in your desired finish instead—they're inexpensive ($2-5 each) and last longer than painted ones.
Ready for the Next Step?
With hardware removed and everything labeled, it's time to sand surfaces to create a good grip for primer.