The Complete Guide to Transforming Kitchen Cabinets by Painting Inside

Dreary, dated kitchen cabinets can make the heart of your home feel drab and uninspired. But a fresh coat of paint on the inside of cabinets can give them an affordable facelift. Transforming your kitchen by painting inside the cabinets is a weekend project that yields amazing results.

Painting the interiors protects your cabinets from spills and splatters while also allowing you to update the color. So should you paint the inside of the cabinets? If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound, painting them is one of the easiest ways to update your kitchen's look. The project does require some time and elbow grease. But with proper prep and application, you can DIY your way to a gorgeous new kitchen.

Should You Paint the Inside of Kitchen Cabinets?

Painting inside the cabinets has several benefits:

• Updates dated cabinets by changing the color
• Provides a protective barrier against spills and splatters
• Much more affordable than replacing cabinets
• Freshens the whole look of the kitchen
• Fun DIY weekend project for homeowners

The cons of taking on this project include the time commitment, dealing with fumes from paint and primer, and properly prepping the surfaces. It's not recommended for antique or high-quality wood cabinets that have a finish worth preserving.

Overall, painting inside cabinets makes the most sense for kitchens with older, worn cabinets that are structurally sound but aesthetically unappealing. The transformation can be dramatic.

Ideal Candidates for Painting Cabinet Interiors

Kitchens with the following characteristics are best suited for painting the inside of cabinets:

• Outdated oak or laminate cabinets from the 80s/90s
• Discolored or damaged interiors from years of use
• Structurally sound boxes and doors
• Homeowners looking for an affordable kitchen update

Antique or high-end cabinets with finishes like cherry or walnut wood should not be painted. The natural wood grain and finish are worth preserving.

Cabinets to Avoid Painting

• Antique or vintage cabinets
• High-quality wood like cherry, walnut, hickory
• Distressed or rustic finishes
• Heirloom pieces with sentimental value

While painting inside cabinets is relatively easy, proper prep is crucial for success. You'll need to clean, sand, fill imperfections, and apply primer before painting.

Prep Work for Painting Inside Cabinets

Cleaning and Sanding Cabinets

Start by removing all shelves, doors, and hardware. Clean cabinet interiors with a degreasing product like TSP substitute to remove grease and grime. For heavy stains, a cleansing spray like Krud Kutter can help.

Next, sand surfaces lightly with 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough up the finish. This helps the new paint adhere properly. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth.

Filling Holes and Imperfections

Check for any holes, scratches or imperfections. Fill these with a small amount of wood filler, allow to dry fully, then sand smooth.

Priming Cabinets

Priming provides an essential base layer for painting. Use either oil-based or latex primer formulated for wood. Allow the primer coat to dry fully before painting - this usually takes 2 to 4 hours.

Pro tip: Tint your primer close to the final paint color for better coverage.

With prep work complete, it's time to choose the right type of paint for your cabinet interiors.

Choosing the Right Paint for Cabinets

When selecting paint for inside cabinets, consider the differences between oil-based enamels versus latex paint:

Oil-Based Paint

• More durable finish
• Resists stains and yellowing
• Longer dry time, up to 24 hours
• Off-gasses strong fumes

Latex Paint

• Dries quickly, within 2-4 hours
• Lower odor and fumes
• Not as hard-wearing as oil-based
• Cleans up easily with water

For cabinet interiors, oil-based alkyd enamels are the most durable. But latex paints have also come a long way in terms of durability and stain resistance. Purchase high quality paint from reputable brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams or Behr.

Sheens for Painting Cabinets

Opt for satin or semi-gloss sheens. The slight gloss helps hide scuffs and cleans easily. Flat or matte paints show dirt and marks too easily on cabinets.

Custom Color vs. Cabinet Paint

Tintable paints allow you to custom color match. Cabinet paint formulas are designed to adhere to slick surfaces and stand up to cleaning chemicals and cooking grease.

Whichever paint you choose, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application and drying time.

How to Paint Cabinets Like a Pro

Apply paint smoothly and evenly using good quality brushes, mini rollers, or a paint sprayer. Here are some tips for great results:

Brushes

Use angled sash brushes to easily paint cabinet grooves and trim details. Opt for premium brushes with synthetic bristles.

Paint Rollers

Short nap and foam rollers allow you to quickly coat flat cabinet surfaces while minimizing brush marks.

HVLP Spray Guns

With some practice, an HVLP sprayer can deliver a smooth factory-like finish. Spray painting must be done outside with drop cloths.

Tips for Painting Cabinets

• Apply in thin, even coats allowing proper drying time between coats.
• Work systematically from top to bottom of the cabinets.
• Watch for drips; use a small brush to catch them before drying.
• Inspect for brush marks or uneven coverage; apply an additional coat if needed.

Take your time with the application for a flawless painted finish inside your cabinets.

Drying and Curing Newly Painted Cabinets

It's crucial to allow adequate drying time for your cabinet paint:

• Oil-based enamels need 24-48 hours of drying time before recoating or replacing doors and drawers.
• Latex paints dry within 2-4 hours.

The paint may feel dry to the touch in a few hours but remember it takes 30 days to fully cure. Do not replace cabinet doors or drawers until the paint has fully cured.

Safety Tips for Painting Cabinets

Use proper safety precautions when painting kitchen cabinets:

• Work in a well-ventilated area due to strong fumes
• Wear a protective face mask rated for paint fumes
• Wear gloves and eye protection
• Properly store and dispose of paint, thinners, rags, etc.

Never paint cabinets in an enclosed space with poor airflow. Play it safe and guard your health while creating your dream kitchen.

Allow the new paint to fully cure for 30 days before cleaning cabinets. Then use mild soap and water, avoiding abrasive scrubbers. Harsh cleaners can damage the paint over time.

By properly prepping, applying paint, and allowing it to cure, your freshly painted cabinets will look amazing for years to come. With some elbow grease, you can transform the heart of your home by painting inside the cabinets.