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How To Repaint Painted Kitchen Cabinets

3.67 from 3 votes
Use this step-by-step tutorial on how to paint already painted cabinets by hand. Easily modernize your kitchen with a little paint.
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oak island to white kitchen island to green painted kitchen cabinets
Prep:2 hours
Active Time:2 days
Additional Time:2 days
Total Time:4 days 2 hours

Equipment

Supplies

Instructions

  • Take off all cabinet hardware including hinges. Label and place in bags.
  • Create a map of the doors and label them in the corner under where the hinges will go, use painter's tape or label on your drop cloth.
  • Set-up paint station for drawers and doors.
  • Tape drawers so that you are only painting the wood part, but not the whole drawer.
  • Lightly scuff already painted cabinets with extra fine sandpaper or green Brite pad. Pay extra attention to brush marks and imperfections. Now is the time to fix those.
  • Wipe down cabinets and all surfaces to be painted with a deglosser.
  • Make sure cabinets are completely clean and dust-free.
  • Trim out areas on cabinets with a brush that the small foam roller will not be able to get. You want to work in stages.
  • Once you have trimmed a few areas or ridges in the doors, use a small foam roller to paint all flat areas with high-quality paint like Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel. Working in thin layers will be your best bet.
  • Let the first coat dry and repeat the painting process for at least 2 coats of paint.
  • Look at your cabinet from multiple angles to make sure you are painting all areas evenly.
  • Let the paint cure for as long as you can (at least a few days).
  • Put hinges back on and put doors and drawers back in.

Video

Notes

  • Starting with a clean and smooth surface will help your new paint layer adhere.
  • Work in thin layers of paint with your roller.
  • Check for drips as you work. Before painting the next coat, you can always lightly sand any uneven spots or drips.
  • Let your cabinets cure for at least a week before adding hardware back on.
  • You can test if your paint is adhering well by trying to scratch it with your fingernail once it dries. 
Author: Erin Nutter
Cost: under $100