Cabinets Phase|Step 16 of 33
Prep Cabinet Surfaces
80% of a good paint job is prep. Skip this step and you'll have peeling, chipping cabinets within months.
Time Required
4-8 hours
Cost
$50-$150 (supplies)
Difficulty
Moderate
The Prep Process
1
Remove doors and drawers
Label each door with painter's tape (1, 2, 3...) and matching tape on the cabinet. Take photos.
2
Remove all hardware
Knobs, pulls, hinges. Put each door's hardware in a labeled bag. Replace or reuse—your choice.
3
Deep clean with TSP or degreaser
Kitchen cabinets have years of grease buildup. TSP (trisodium phosphate) cuts through it. Rinse thoroughly.
4
Fill holes and dents
Wood filler for holes, spackle for dents. If changing hardware location, fill old holes.
5
Sand all surfaces
150-grit sandpaper creates "tooth" for primer to grip. Sand with the grain. Wipe dust with tack cloth.
Supplies You Need
- TSP or Krud Kutter: Degreaser for cleaning
- 150-grit sandpaper: Or sanding blocks for flat surfaces
- Wood filler: For holes and deep scratches
- Tack cloth: Picks up dust after sanding
- Painter's tape: For masking and labeling
- Drop cloths: Protect floors and counters
- Primer: Shellac-based or bonding primer for best adhesion
Pro Tips
- •Degloss don't skip: Liquid deglosser is a shortcut but sanding gives better results.
- •Prime with shellac: BIN or Zinsser shellac-based primer sticks to anything and blocks stains.
- •Work outside if possible: Set up sawhorses in garage or driveway for easier sanding and painting.
- •Don't forget edges: Sand door edges and drawer edges—they're visible when open.