How to Paint Cabinets

Refresh your kitchen and add a pop of colour by painting your cabinets.

Product Tip: Try BEHR PREMIUM® Cabinet, Door & Trim Enamel for your paint project.

For Best Results:

If you are painting a cabinet that was previously painted with a glossy paint, thoroughly scuff-sand or degloss the surface for proper adhesion.

Suggested Tools & Supplies
  • BEHR® Paint

  • Primer

  • Brush (50-65mm / 2"-2½")

  • Paint Key

  • Paint Tray

  • Paint Tray Liner

  • Drop Cloth

  • Roller Cover and Frame

  • Sandpaper (150-220 Grit)

  • Painter's Tape

  • Screwdriver

  • Cloth Rags

  • Step 1

    Grab your tools.

  • Step 2

    Find your perfect colour.

  • Step 3

    With a screwdriver remove hardware, doors and drawers.

  • Step 4

    Clean the surface of the cabinets. 

  • Step 5

    Gently sand the surface to help remove any gloss from the previous coating. 

  • Step 6

    Wipe off the excess dust.

    TIP: When painting over new cabinets, you will want to use a coat of primer.

  • Step 7

    Tape off the counter and cut in using a paint brush.

  • Step 8

    Using a roller, paint the panels and hard to reach areas starting from the inside out.

  • Step 9

    With the paint brush, apply paint on the top of the frame. Once the top of the frame is complete, move on to paint the side of the frame. 

    TIP: Apply paint in the same direction of the wood grain.

  • Step 10

    Now grab the cabinet doors and drawers and lay them flat on a saddle. 

  • Step 11

    Start painting on the inside and move out toward the edges.

    TIP: To ensure that color is as rich as possible, consider adding a second coat.

  • Step 12

    Allow paint to completely dry. Replace doors and drawers before reinstalling the hardware.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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PAINT AND STAIN CALCULATOR

Inside or outside; paint or stain: Let’s figure out how much you’ll need to make amazing happen.

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COLOUR STUDIO

So many colours and so many ideas: Visit Behr’s Colour Studio for inspiration, colour tools, design advice and everything you need to find your project’s perfect colour.

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