How to Repaint Painted Cabinets for a Professional Finish

Items Required

Here’s a comprehensive list of items you’ll need for the project:

• Drop cloths/plastic sheeting
• Degreader/deglosser
• Tack cloth
• Primer
• Screwdriver
• Painter’s tape
• Paint
• Foam roller
• Paint brush

Repainting Painted Cabinets: The Step-By-Step Process

Follow these steps to achieve a fantastic painting finish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by preparing your workspace to ensure a clean and safe environment. Remove all items from your cabinets, and cover countertops, appliances, and floors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect them from paint drips.

Step 2: Remove Hardware and Doors

For a thorough job, remove all hardware such as hinges, knobs, and pulls. Use a screwdriver to take off the cabinet doors and drawers. Removing them makes it easier to paint and prevents paint from getting on the hardware.

Step 3: Clean and Sand the Surfaces

Clean your cabinets thoroughly to remove grease, dust, and buildup. Use a degreaser or a solution of warm water and mild detergent, and wipe the surfaces with a soft cloth. 

Once dry, sand the cabinets lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to remove the glossy finish and help the new paint adhere better. Wipe off the sanding dust with a tack cloth.

Alternatively, use a deglosser product to degrease and remove the glossy finish.

Step 4: Apply Primer

Priming is crucial for getting a professional finish, especially when repainting painted cabinets. Apply a high-quality primer that is suitable for the type of paint you will use. Primer helps to cover the old paint color and provides a surface that will hold the new paint better. Let the primer dry as recommended by the manufacturer.

Step 5: Paint the Cabinets

Choose a paint that is appropriate for cabinets, such as a semi-gloss or gloss finish, which is durable and easy to clean. Use a high-quality brush or a foam roller to apply paint for a smooth finish. 

Begin with the back of the doors and work your way to the fronts. Apply a thin coat of paint and let it dry completely. Sand lightly between coats with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any brush strokes or roller marks. Apply at least two coats of paint for even coverage.

Step 6: Reassemble the Cabinets

Once the paint is completely dry, reattach the hardware and reinstall the doors and drawers. Be careful not to scratch the new paint as you work.

Step 7: Final Touches

After reassembling, check the alignment of the doors and make any necessary adjustments to the hinges to ensure that everything fits perfectly. You might also consider adding new hardware for an updated look.