How To Easily Paint Cabinet Doors

See how we chose this paint color for cabinets using Samplize. We knew we wanted a rich green color, but have large peel and stick paint samples really helped us narrow down our choice.

What green paint color did you use on the bottom doors and kitchen cabinets?

The final green paint cabinet color we decided on is Sherwin Williams Rookwood Sash Green. We are very happy with the color choice. If you are considering a bold color for your next cabinetry painting project you may want to look at this color.

How To Paint Cabinet Doors By Hand

Printable instructions are at the bottom of this post.

Before You Begin

Set up a painting station where your doors will have time to dry. You can prop the doors on 2 x 4s on sawhorses in a separate location from your cabinets.

Step 1: Remove Hardware and Hinges

Take off all old hardware. Don’t be lazy and try to paint around. Trust us it rarely ever works. Create baggies and a labeling system for the doors and hardware.

Step 2: Label Doors

On the old oak Merillat cabinets, we have the hinges are large. Write a number on the door with a sharpie where the hinge would be since it will get covered up anyway. Make sure doors are smooth and clean.

Step 3: Lightly Sand The Surface Of The Doors

Lightly sand or scuff up doors with 220 sandpaper.

Step 4: Wipe Down With A Deglosser

Use a deglosser to wipe down doors. You want your cabinet doors to be as clean and dust-free as possible.

Step 5: Use Primer If Painting Unpainted Surfaces

With primer or paint use the brush first to go in the ridges where a roller won’t go on the back of the door. 

Here is an example of the bathroom vanity cabinet door and where the paintbrush was used before the foam roller.

Step 6: Use Small Foam Roller For All Other Areas

Then use the small foam roller to go along the edges and the back. You can check out all of our favorite rollers to paint cabinets here.

In the image below, we are painting over painted kitchen cabinets using Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim. We honestly couldn’t believe the results we were able to get with a simple gallon of paint in a fun color.

Step 7: Let Each Coat Of Paint Fully Dry

Lay flat to dry. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to get 2-3 coats of paint.

Step 8: Flip Doors Over And Paint The Fronts

Once the paint is not tacky, you can flip over the doors and begin painting those.

Step 9: Continue To Check For Drips

Use the brush in the creases and ridges. Make sure you don’t have drips.

Step 10: Continue To Use Foam Roller

Use a small roller in all places you are trying to apply a smooth and even layer.

Step 11: Each Cabinet Door Should Have 3 Coats Of Paints On All Sides

Repeat the process until you do not see any white or uneven spots coming through. Even with white paint, you will want to paint 2-3 coats of paint as we did for our upper cabinet doors.

Step 12: Let Fully Dry And Attach Back On With Hardware

Attach doors back on your already painted wood cabinet boxes. Allow as much time for the paint to cure as possible.

How do you know paint is dry or doors can be put back on?

Your paint should not feel tacky. I will warn you that our favorite paint (SW Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel)  does seem to take a while to cure. It is the biggest con to using this paint that we have found, but it is totally worth it for the finish.

Other Tips For Cabinet Door Painting

• Do NOT rush. I know this is hard. Our drawers and box in our cheap kitchen makeover had been in for a week before the doors went back on. It is better to wait than be mad you rushed. You increase your chances of scratching your beautiful paint job if you rush.
• Wait as long as you can for the paint to fully cure before adding back on the hardware. We will add the hinges and doors back on and then wait 2 weeks before putting on handles and knobs.
• Set up a good area to paint doors and drawers so you do not feel rushed. Simple sawhorses and 2 x 4’s always work for us.

Protect The Inside

Add plastic bumpers on drawers and doors to stop the cabinet doors from banging against each other. 

Spray Paint Hardware

You can always spray paint old hardware or buy new ones! If you need to spray the screws, stick them in old cardboard to help them stay up.

Follow us on Pinterest, YouTube or Facebook for more DIY inspiration!

Painting cabinet doors can be an affordable way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years. Remember, to take your time and enjoy your DIY modern painted cabinets!