How do I paint kitchen cabinets?

Hi Lizzy,

My name is Linda. One reason for remove the doors is so that you can remove the hardware. That means that you don't have to tape the hardware and try to paint around it. It also means that you can fill the holes where the hardware is now if you want something different. In addition, the doors are not in the way when you try to paint the frames. I know that I've seen some people who don't remove the doors and as long as you're okay with taping the hardware so don't get get full of paint and you're not changing it, that seems to be one method. However, it's easier to get a smoother paint finish if you don't have go around the hardware, so basically I think it's better to remove the doors, but the choice is yours, depending on the finish you want and the room you have to paint the doors. If you do take off the doors, just remember to mark them so that you'll know exactly where they belong when you are done. Wishing you the best.

We removed everything and then painted!

For our oak cabinets, I started by removing all of the drawers and doors, and as I did that, I labelled them so I knew which piece belonged with which part of the built-in units.

I then prepped all of the wood with Krud Krutter (not just the stuff meant for cleaning - they have product that specifically meant for paint prep).

After it dried, I filled in the wood grain with putty and sanded it smooth (you really only have to do this if you have oak cabinets because the grain is so deep. You also don't have to do this if you don't mind the grain showing through the new paint).

Next, I used a paint sprayer to cover everything with a solid layer of primer (Behr has product designed specifically for cabinets). After drying, I used the sprayer to add a couple coats of my final paint colour (again, Behr has awesome, enamel-based product for this type of project).

Once again, I let everything dry and then put each piece back in its original place.

I also cleaned and spray painted the original hardware to give it a fresh, modern look, which helped us save money (brand new hardware can be expensive depending on the size of you kitchen)!

I hope this helps.

You will not have to worry about getting runs/drips in your doors if you remove them. If you leave them up makes sure you check frequently to avoid this. I have done it both ways and found out it is a little more work removing the doors but it does give a much better finish. Either way I would remove handles/knobs as it will not finish smoothly enough. Good luck! It's amazing how a little work and paint totally transforms a kitchen.

I remove the doors, mark them with a piece of painters tape where they go. Lay them down to paint. You get a smoother finish with them laying flat. If you have to remove them to paint the backs then do the whole job at once. I also have small blocks of wood with a nail partially nailed in to support the doors. This way I can flip the doors over to paint both sides. I also paint the backs first, flip them over and paint the fronts. The nail support marks are on the backs that can be touched up. I use a foam roller and foam brush. no brush marks.