Can You Paint The Inside of Kitchen Cabinets? Step-by-Step Advice

Yes, you absolutely can paint the inside of your kitchen cabinets! Kitchen cabinet painting, including painting kitchen cabinets inside, is a great way to refresh the look of your kitchen, protect the cabinet interiors, and even improve hygiene. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about interior cabinet painting, including choosing the best paint for cabinet interiors, prepping the surface, and applying the paint for a professional finish. We will cover cabinet interior painting tips, and detail how to approach cabinet box painting and painting cabinet shelves. Finally, we’ll provide advice on what to do when painting the inside of kitchen cupboards.

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Why Paint the Inside of Your Kitchen Cabinets?

While most people focus on the exterior of their cabinets, painting kitchen cabinets inside offers numerous benefits:

• Aesthetic Appeal: A fresh coat of paint brightens up the interior, making it more pleasant to use.
• Protection: Paint seals the wood or laminate, protecting it from moisture, spills, and wear and tear. This will help prevent long term damage and prolong the life of your cabinets.
• Hygiene: Painted surfaces are easier to clean and disinfect, helping to keep your kitchen cleaner. Dirt and grime are less likely to stick to painted surfaces.
• Value: Refinished cabinets add value to your home and make your kitchen more appealing to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell.
• Customization: Painting allows you to customize the interior to match your style and preferences.

Assessing Your Cabinets: Are They Ready for Paint?

Before diving into how to paint inside cabinets, it’s important to assess the condition of your cabinets.

• Material: Are your cabinets made of wood, laminate, or another material? The type of material will influence your choice of paint and primer.
• Condition: Are there any signs of damage, such as water stains, mold, or peeling veneer? Address these issues before painting.
• Hardware: Remove all hardware, including hinges, knobs, and pulls. You may want to label them to make reassembly easier.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

To properly paint kitchen cabinets inside, gather the following supplies:

• Paint: Choose a high-quality paint specifically designed for cabinets. Acrylic latex or enamel paints are good choices.
• Primer: A good primer is essential for adhesion and hiding imperfections.
• Sandpaper: Different grits (120, 220) for sanding surfaces.
• Cleaning Supplies: Degreaser, soap, and water for cleaning cabinets.
• Drop Cloths: To protect your floors and countertops.
• Painter’s Tape: To mask off areas you don’t want to paint.
• Paintbrushes: High-quality brushes in various sizes for detailed work.
• Rollers: Small foam rollers for smooth, even coverage on larger surfaces like cabinet shelves.
• Paint Tray: To hold paint while rolling.
• Screwdriver or Drill: For removing and reinstalling hardware.
• Putty Knife: For patching holes and imperfections.
• Wood Filler: For filling in larger holes or damaged areas.
• Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from dust and paint splatters.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Respirator or Mask: Especially if you’re sanding or using oil-based paints.

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting the Inside of Kitchen Cabinets

Follow these steps for professional-looking interior cabinet painting:

Step 1: Preparation is Key

Proper preparation is crucial for a long-lasting and beautiful finish. Rushing this step can lead to paint peeling, poor adhesion, and an overall unprofessional look.

1. Empty the Cabinets: Remove all items from the cabinets.
2. Clean Thoroughly: Use a degreaser to remove any grease, food stains, or grime. Follow with a mixture of soap and water. Rinse and let dry completely.
3. Remove Hardware: Take off all hinges, knobs, and pulls. Store them in a safe place to avoid losing them.
4. Protect the Area: Lay down drop cloths to protect your floors and countertops from paint splatters.
5. Masking: Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas you don’t want to paint, such as the edges of the cabinet frame or the back of the cabinet.

Step 2: Sanding for Success

Sanding creates a slightly rough surface, which allows the primer and paint to adhere better.

1. Light Sanding: Use 120-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the interior surfaces of the cabinets. Focus on areas with glossy finishes or imperfections.
2. Smooth Out: Follow up with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots and create a consistent surface.
3. Remove Dust: Wipe down the cabinets with a tack cloth or a damp cloth to remove all sanding dust. Dust can interfere with paint adhesion and result in a gritty finish.

Step 3: Priming for Adhesion

Primer is essential for ensuring that the paint adheres properly, especially on slick or non-porous surfaces like laminate.

1. Apply Primer: Use a high-quality primer specifically designed for cabinets. Apply a thin, even coat using a brush or roller.
2. Drying Time: Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is crucial for proper adhesion.
3. Light Sanding (Optional): If the primer feels rough after drying, lightly sand it with 220-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface.
4. Clean Again: Wipe down the cabinets again to remove any sanding dust.

Step 4: Painting the Cabinets

Now it’s time to apply the paint.

1. First Coat: Apply a thin, even coat of paint using a high-quality brush or roller. Work in the direction of the grain (if applicable).
2. Drying Time: Allow the first coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Light Sanding (Optional): Lightly sand the first coat of paint with 320-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections and create a smooth surface for the second coat.
4. Second Coat: Apply a second coat of paint, again working in thin, even layers.
5. Drying Time: Allow the second coat to dry completely.
6. Inspect: Inspect the painted surfaces for any missed spots or imperfections. Touch up as needed.

Step 5: Reassembly and Final Touches

Once the paint is completely dry, it’s time to reassemble the cabinets.

1. Remove Tape: Carefully remove the painter’s tape.
2. Reinstall Hardware: Reattach the hinges, knobs, and pulls.
3. Clean Up: Clean up any paint splatters or drips.
4. Replace Items: Place your dishes and other items back into the cabinets.

Choosing the Right Paint for Kitchen Cabinet Interiors

Selecting the right paint is crucial for durability and appearance. Here’s a breakdown:

Paint Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Acrylic Latex	Low VOCs, easy to clean, durable, good color retention.	May require multiple coats, not as hard as oil-based paints.	Most kitchen cabinet interiors, especially for DIYers and those concerned about VOCs.
Oil-Based Enamel	Very durable, hard finish, excellent adhesion.	High VOCs, longer drying time, requires mineral spirits for cleaning.	High-traffic areas, cabinets requiring maximum durability.
Water-Based Alkyd	Combines the benefits of both acrylic latex and oil-based paints, low VOCs, durable, easy to clean.	Can be more expensive than acrylic latex paints.	A good compromise between durability and ease of use.

Consider factors such as durability, ease of application, drying time, and VOC (volatile organic compounds) content when choosing a paint.

Cabinet Interior Painting Tips for Success

• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation when painting, especially if using oil-based paints. Open windows and use a fan to circulate air.
• Thin Coats: Apply thin, even coats of paint to avoid drips and runs. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.
• Drying Time: Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next. Rushing the drying process can lead to adhesion problems.
• Smooth Finish: Use a high-quality brush or roller to achieve a smooth, even finish. Avoid using cheap brushes that can leave brush strokes.
• Clean Brushes: Clean your brushes and rollers immediately after use to prevent the paint from drying and ruining them.
• Practice: If you’re new to painting, practice on a scrap piece of wood or cardboard before painting your cabinets.
• Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consult with a professional painter.

Painting Cabinet Shelves

Painting cabinet shelves requires extra attention because they endure a lot of wear and tear. Here’s how to ensure a durable finish:

1. Remove Shelves: Take the shelves out of the cabinets.
2. Clean and Sand: Clean and sand the shelves as described above.
3. Prime: Apply a coat of primer.
4. Paint: Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely.
5. Consider a Topcoat: For extra durability, consider applying a clear topcoat. This will protect the paint from scratches and wear.
6. Let Cure: Allow the shelves to cure for several days before placing items on them. This will give the paint time to fully harden.

Addressing Common Problems

• Paint Peeling: This is usually caused by inadequate surface preparation. Make sure to clean and sand the cabinets thoroughly before painting.
• Brush Strokes: Use a high-quality brush and apply thin, even coats of paint. You can also try “tipping” the paint by lightly dragging the brush over the surface to smooth out any brush strokes.
• Drips and Runs: This is caused by applying too much paint at once. Wipe away any drips or runs immediately and apply thinner coats of paint.
• Uneven Coverage: Ensure that you are applying enough paint to achieve full coverage. Apply multiple coats if necessary.
• Paint Not Adhering: This is often due to a slick surface. Be sure to sand the cabinets and apply a good quality primer before painting.

Estimating the Cost of Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

The cost of kitchen cabinet painting can vary depending on several factors:

• Size of the Kitchen: A larger kitchen with more cabinets will require more paint and labor.
• Condition of the Cabinets: Cabinets in poor condition may require more extensive preparation, which can increase the cost.
• Type of Paint: High-quality paints and primers can be more expensive.
• DIY vs. Professional: Hiring a professional painter will be more expensive than doing it yourself.
• Geographic Location: Labor costs can vary depending on your location.

Here’s a rough estimate of the costs involved:

Item	Cost (DIY)	Cost (Professional)
Paint and Primer	$50-$200	Included in estimate
Supplies (brushes, rollers, tape, etc.)	$30-$50	Included in estimate
Labor	$0	$500-$2000+

Fathoming Color Choices for Cabinet Interiors

While white and neutral colors are popular choices for painting the inside of kitchen cupboards because they brighten up the space, don’t be afraid to experiment with color.

• Consider the Overall Kitchen Design: Choose colors that complement the rest of your kitchen.
• Think About Functionality: Lighter colors make it easier to see what’s inside your cabinets.
• Use Color Psychology: Certain colors can evoke different moods. For example, blue can be calming, while yellow can be energizing.
• Test Samples: Before committing to a color, paint a sample on a piece of cardboard and hold it up inside your cabinets to see how it looks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the best type of paint to use for kitchen cabinet interiors? Acrylic latex or water-based alkyd paints are generally the best choices for kitchen cabinet interiors. They are durable, easy to clean, and have low VOCs.
• Can I paint the inside of laminate cabinets? Yes, you can paint the inside of laminate cabinets. Be sure to clean and sand the surface thoroughly and use a good quality primer designed for laminate.
• How long does it take to paint the inside of kitchen cabinets? The time it takes to paint the inside of kitchen cabinets depends on the size of your kitchen and the number of cabinets. It can take anywhere from a weekend to several days.
• Do I need to sand the inside of my kitchen cabinets before painting? Yes, sanding is important for creating a smooth surface and ensuring proper paint adhesion.
• Can I paint the inside of my cabinets without removing the shelves? While it’s possible, it’s much easier and more efficient to remove the shelves for painting.
• How do I clean painted cabinet interiors? Use a mild soap and water solution to clean painted cabinet interiors. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the paint.
• What should I do if I spill something inside my painted cabinets? Wipe up the spill immediately to prevent staining. Use a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary.
• Is it worth painting the inside of kitchen cabinets? Absolutely! Painting the inside of your kitchen cabinets can refresh the look of your kitchen, protect the cabinets, and improve hygiene.

Painting the inside of your kitchen cabinets is a rewarding project that can transform the look and feel of your kitchen. By following these steps and tips, you can achieve professional-looking results that will last for years to come.