How To Paint Stained Kitchen Cabinets: DIY Step-by-Step

Can you paint stained kitchen cabinets? Yes, you absolutely can paint stained kitchen cabinets, and it’s a fantastic DIY project that can dramatically transform your kitchen’s look. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparation to the final coat, making it a manageable and rewarding DIY cabinet makeover.

How To Paint Stained Kitchen Cabinets: DIY Step-by-Step

Updating your kitchen cabinets can feel like a huge undertaking, but painting stained cabinets is a budget-friendly and effective way to achieve a fresh, new look. This detailed guide will equip you with everything you need to tackle this project yourself, turning dated stained cabinets into a beautiful focal point of your kitchen.

Why Paint Stained Kitchen Cabinets?

Stained cabinets, while often well-made, can sometimes feel dated or clash with your current kitchen decor. Painting offers a versatile solution. It allows you to:

Change the color palette: Go from dark wood to a crisp white, a modern gray, or a bold accent color.
Match your style: Coordinate your cabinets with new countertops, backsplashes, or flooring.
Modernize your kitchen: Give your entire kitchen a fresh, updated feel without the cost of replacement.
Cover imperfections: Minor scratches or wear can be easily concealed with paint.

What You’ll Need: Your Cabinet Painting Supplies Checklist

Gathering the right cabinet painting supplies is crucial for a professional-looking finish. Here’s a comprehensive list:

Tools and Equipment

Screwdriver or drill: To remove cabinet doors and hardware.
Putty knife: For scraping away any loose paint or debris.
Sandpaper: Various grits (120-grit for initial sanding, 220-grit for smoothing, and sometimes a finer grit like 320-grit for between coats).
Sanding block or orbital sander: Makes sanding more efficient.
Tack cloths: To remove fine dust after sanding.
Paint brushes: High-quality synthetic brushes (for latex/acrylic paints) or natural bristle brushes (for oil-based paints) in various sizes (1.5-inch and 2-inch angled brushes are great for trim and edges).
Roller frame: Small foam rollers (3/8-inch nap) are ideal for smooth cabinet surfaces.
Foam roller covers: Specifically designed for cabinet painting to minimize texture.
Paint tray and liners: For easy cleanup.
Drop cloths or plastic sheeting: To protect your floors and surrounding areas.
Painter’s tape: For masking off areas you don’t want to paint.
Stir sticks: To mix paint thoroughly.
Rags: For cleaning up spills and mistakes.
Gloves: To protect your hands.
Safety glasses: For eye protection during sanding and painting.
Dust mask or respirator: Essential for sanding and when working with certain primers or paints.
Bucket: For cleaning supplies.
Optional: A spray painter: For a very smooth, factory-like finish, but requires more practice and careful masking.

Paints and Primers

Degreaser/Cleaner: A strong household cleaner or a specialized cabinet cleaner to remove grease and grime.
Cabinet primer: This is a critical step. Look for a high-quality bonding primer, especially one designed for cabinets or slick surfaces. It will help paint adhere and cover the existing stain. A good cabinet primer for staining helps ensure even color.
Paint: Choose a high-quality cabinet-grade paint. Options include:
- Alkyd (Oil-based) enamel: Durable and provides a hard, smooth finish, but has strong fumes and requires mineral spirits for cleanup.
- Water-based acrylic or latex enamel: Easier to use, less odor, and cleans up with water. Modern formulas are very durable. Look for “cabinet coating” or “cabinet enamel.”
- Hybrid paints: Combine the benefits of both oil and water-based paints.
- Chalk paint cabinets: Can be an option if you prefer a matte, distressed look, but may require a durable topcoat for kitchens.
- Gel stain cabinets: While not technically painting, gel stain is another popular option for updating wood cabinets if you prefer a stained look with a bit more control or to deepen the existing color. This guide focuses on painting.
Topcoat/Sealer (optional but recommended): A clear polyurethane or acrylic sealer can add an extra layer of durability, especially for high-traffic areas.

Prepping Your Cabinets: The Foundation of a Great Finish

This is arguably the most important phase. Rushing through prep work will lead to a less durable and less attractive result.

Step 1: Empty and Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers

Empty cabinets: Take everything out of your cabinets and drawers.
Label everything: As you remove each door and drawer front, use painter’s tape and a marker to label its location (e.g., “Upper Left,” “Drawer Front 3”). This is crucial for reassembly. You can also number them on the inside.
Remove hardware: Unscrew hinges, knobs, and pulls. Store them in labeled bags to avoid losing them.

Step 2: Clean the Cabinets Thoroughly

Grease, grime, and built-up residue can prevent paint from adhering properly.

Degrease: Use a strong degreaser or a solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a TSP substitute. Wear gloves and eye protection when using these. Apply the cleaner with a sponge or cloth, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly with clean water. You might need to repeat this process, especially around the stove area.
Rinse and dry: Ensure all cleaning residue is removed. Wipe down all surfaces with a clean, damp cloth and then dry them completely with a lint-free towel.

Step 3: Sanding for Adhesion

Sanding creates a surface that the primer and paint can grip onto. You’re not trying to remove the stain, just to scuff up the surface.

Initial sanding: Start with 120-grit sandpaper. Sand all surfaces of the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and the cabinet frames. Use a sanding block for flat surfaces and a folded piece of sandpaper for edges and details.
Smooth sanding: Once you’ve gone over everything with 120-grit, switch to 220-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish. This will make the final paint job look much better.
Dust removal: After sanding, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove as much dust as possible. Then, use a tack cloth to pick up any remaining fine dust particles. Repeat this dust removal process thoroughly.

Step 4: Repair Imperfections

Fill holes: If you’re changing hardware, fill any existing screw holes with wood filler or putty. Let it dry completely, then sand it smooth.
Repair gouges: Minor gouges can also be filled with wood filler and sanded.

Step 5: Masking

Careful masking prevents paint from getting onto areas you want to keep as they are.

Tape off: Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas not being painted, such as glass inserts in doors, the inside edges of cabinets, or the ceiling. Press the tape down firmly to prevent paint bleed.

Priming: The Key to a Lasting Finish

A good primer is essential when painting stained cabinets. It seals the wood, blocks any remaining stain from bleeding through, and provides a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. This is where using a cabinet primer for staining really pays off.

Step 1: Apply the Primer

Choose the right primer: A high-quality bonding primer is your best bet. Some primers are specifically formulated for “difficult surfaces” or to block stains.
Application:
- Doors and drawer fronts: Lay them flat on a protected surface. Apply a thin, even coat of primer using a high-quality brush or roller. For the best results, use a combination of brushing into the details and rolling for the larger flat areas.
- Cabinet frames: Use a brush for the edges and corners, and a roller for the larger surfaces.
Drying: Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is usually at least a few hours, but overnight is often best.

Step 2: Lightly Sand After Priming

Smooth the surface: Once the primer is dry, lightly sand all the primed surfaces with 220-grit sandpaper or a fine-grit sanding sponge. This will knock down any brush strokes or imperfections and create an even smoother surface for the paint.
Clean the dust: Again, use a vacuum and then a tack cloth to remove all sanding dust.

Step 3: Apply a Second Coat of Primer (Optional but Recommended)

For stained cabinets, especially if the original stain is dark or prone to bleeding (like red oak or cherry), a second coat of primer can ensure complete coverage and prevent any hint of the old stain from showing through. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the second coat.

Painting Your Cabinets: Bringing Your Vision to Life

Now for the fun part! Applying the paint will transform your kitchen.

Step 1: Apply the First Coat of Paint

Stir the paint: Never shake paint; always stir it gently to mix the pigment.
Application Technique:
- Doors and drawer fronts: Lay them flat. Apply thin, even coats using a high-quality synthetic brush for edges and details and a foam roller for flat surfaces. Work in one direction to minimize visible brush strokes. Avoid overloading the roller or brush.
- Cabinet frames: Use your brush for corners and edges, and your roller for the main cabinet box areas.
Coverage: Aim for thin coats. It’s better to apply two or three thin coats than one thick one that can drip and streak.

Step 2: Drying Time Between Coats

Patience is key: Allow each coat of paint to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This can range from 2-6 hours, but sometimes longer depending on humidity. Rushing this step will ruin your finish.

Step 3: Lightly Sand Between Coats (Optional but Recommended)

Smoothness: After the first coat of paint is completely dry, very lightly sand all surfaces with 220-grit or 320-grit sandpaper. This helps to smooth out any minor imperfections, dust nibs, or brush marks.
Clean: Again, vacuum and use a tack cloth to remove all dust.

Step 4: Apply Subsequent Coats of Paint

Repeat the painting and drying process for your second and any subsequent coats (usually 2-3 coats are sufficient). The goal is a smooth, even finish with no streaks or drips.

Step 5: Apply a Topcoat (Optional)

If you want an extra layer of protection and durability, especially in a high-moisture kitchen environment, apply a clear topcoat (polyurethane or acrylic sealer).
Application: Apply thin, even coats with a high-quality brush or foam roller, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly and lightly sanding between coats if recommended by the product.

Reassembling Your Kitchen Cabinets

This is the moment of truth!

Step 1: Reattach Hardware

Clean hardware: While your cabinets are drying, take the opportunity to clean or spray paint your existing hardware.
Install: Screw the knobs and pulls back onto the cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

Step 2: Rehang Doors and Drawers

Carefully rehang: Using your labels, carefully rehang the cabinet doors and reinsert the drawer fronts onto their respective frames.
Adjust hinges: If your doors aren’t hanging straight, adjust the hinges as needed. Most cabinet hinges have adjustment screws.

Maintaining Your Newly Painted Cabinets

Proper care will ensure your beautiful new finish lasts for years.

Gentle cleaning: Wipe down cabinets regularly with a soft, damp cloth. For tougher grime, use a mild dish soap mixed with water.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or strong chemical solvents, as these can damage the paint finish.
Wipe spills immediately: Clean up any spills promptly.

Alternatives to Painting: Gel Stain and Cabinet Refinishing Kits

While painting is a popular choice, other options exist for updating stained kitchen cabinets.

Gel Stain Cabinets

Gel stain is a thicker stain that sits more on the surface of the wood rather than penetrating deeply like traditional stain.

Pros: It can be applied over existing finishes without extensive stripping, it’s easy to control, and can offer a rich, opaque look. It’s a good option if you want to change the color of your cabinets but still want to see some wood grain.
Cons: It’s not as durable as paint and may require a good topcoat for protection. It can also look less like traditional wood stain and more like a painted finish if not applied carefully.
Process: Typically involves cleaning, light sanding, applying gel stain with a rag or brush, wiping off excess, and applying a protective topcoat.

Cabinet Refinishing Kit

There are various cabinet refinishing kits on the market that often combine primers, paints, and sometimes special applicators.

Pros: These kits can simplify the process by providing all necessary components in one package, often with detailed instructions tailored to the products included.
Cons: The quality and durability can vary significantly between brands. It’s important to research specific kits and read reviews. You may still need to supplement with your own tools or additional supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does it take to paint kitchen cabinets?
A: This project can take anywhere from a weekend to a full week or more, depending on the number of cabinets, the drying times between coats, and how much detail work is involved. Rushing the process will compromise the final result.

Q: What is the best way to paint cabinets?
A: The best way involves thorough preparation (cleaning and sanding), using a high-quality primer, applying thin, even coats of paint with good quality tools (brushes and foam rollers), and allowing adequate drying time between each step.

Q: Can I skip the primer?
A: It is highly recommended not to skip the primer when painting stained cabinets. Primer ensures adhesion, blocks stains from bleeding through, and creates a uniform base for your paint color, leading to a more durable and professional-looking finish.

Q: What kind of paint should I use for kitchen cabinets?
A: High-quality cabinet enamel (latex or acrylic) or hybrid paint is generally recommended. These paints are formulated for durability and a smooth finish. Oil-based enamel is also very durable but has stronger fumes and requires mineral spirits for cleanup.

Q: Should I use chalk paint for kitchen cabinets?
A: Chalk paint can be used for kitchen cabinets if you prefer a matte, vintage, or distressed look. However, it requires a very durable topcoat (like polycrylic or wax) to withstand the high traffic and moisture in a kitchen. It’s generally less durable than enamel paints for this application.

Q: How do I get a smooth finish without brush marks or roller texture?
A: Use high-quality brushes and foam rollers specifically designed for cabinet painting. Apply paint in thin, even coats. For a super smooth finish, you can consider a paint sprayer, but this requires practice and meticulous masking. Lightly sanding between coats and cleaning dust is also crucial.

Q: What if my stained cabinets have a slick finish?
A: For slick finishes, thorough cleaning and a good deglosser or etching solution before sanding can help improve adhesion. Using a high-quality bonding primer formulated for slick surfaces is also essential.

By following these steps carefully, you can achieve a stunning kitchen cabinet makeover that will refresh your entire space and be a source of pride in your DIY skills. Happy painting!