Get A Flawless Finish Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

Upgrading your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint on the cabinets can make a huge difference in the look and feel of the space. But painting cabinets isn't always as easy as slapping on a coat of paint. Without proper prep work and painting technique, you may end up with a finish full of drips, brush marks, and imperfections.

Luckily, it is possible to get a smooth, flawless finish on painted kitchen cabinets with some strategic planning and effort. Here are the key steps for success.

Prep Cabinets Thoroughly

Preparing your cabinets is one of the most important steps for achieving a smooth painted finish. Proper prep work ensures the paint adheres correctly and gives you the best surface for painting.

Clean Cabinets and Remove Grease

Make sure cabinets are clean before priming and painting. Remove all dirt, grease, and grime with a degreasing cleaner made for kitchens. TSP or Krud Kutter are good options. This removes any barrier that could prevent proper paint adhesion. Be sure to clean both the exterior and interior surfaces.

Sand Cabinets For Better Paint Grip

Lightly sanding cabinets smooths the surface and allows paint to adhere better. Start with a medium grit sandpaper around 150, then smooth with a fine 220-grit. Make sure to sand inside cabinets and drawers too. Sand in the direction of the wood grain for best results.

Fill Any Holes, Imperfections

Examining cabinets closely and filling any holes, gaps, or imperfections with wood filler ensures your painted finish will look smooth. Let filler dry completely before sanding smooth. Check for any cracks, knots, or misaligned joints and fill as needed.

Remove Doors, Hardware, and Hinges

It's much easier to paint cabinets and doors properly when they are removed. Take off doors, handles, and hinges before starting. Number doors and hardware so it's easy to reinstall later. Also remove adjustable shelves.

Degloss Surfaces

If cabinets were previously painted with a glossy finish, degloss them with sandpaper or a liquid deglosser first. This helps the new paint adhere properly.

Clean Up Dust Before Priming

After sanding, clean up all dust with a tack cloth. Any dust left on the surface will show through the new paint job and affect the finish.

Choose the Right Paint and Primer

Investing in quality paint and primer suited for cabinets will help achieve better results. The right products make a difference in coverage and finish.

Use Primer For Best Coverage

Primer helps the paint coat cabinets more evenly. It seals the wood, preventing bleed-through of knots and stains so the topcoat looks smooth. For stained cabinets, use a stain-blocking primer.

Pick a Durable Cabinet Paint

High quality cabinet paints like Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane, and General Finishes Milk Paint are self-leveling and cure harder over time. This results in a more durable, smooth finish. Look for paint labeled specifically for cabinetry.

Choose Your Sheen Wisely

Opt for satin, semi-gloss, or high gloss finishes when painting cabinets. The subtle sheen helps hide imperfections better than a flat finish. Semi-gloss is ideal for a smooth, sleek look.

Apply Primer and Paint Carefully

Your application techniques make a big difference in achieving a smooth finish on kitchen cabinets. Take your time and use these tips when applying primer and paint.

Use Angled Brush for Corners and Trim

A high quality angled brush lets you easily cut-in corners, edges, and trim for straight, clean lines. Look for tapered bristle brushes made for painting cabinets. This helps give cabinets a smooth finished look.

Roll Larger Areas with Foam Roller

After cutting in edges with the brush, use a high density foam roller to apply paint to large flat areas. Roll on evenly in a 'W' pattern without pressing too hard. Lightly feather out edges.

Sand Lightly Between Coats

Gently sanding with fine 220 grit sandpaper between coats of primer and paint removes any imperfections or dust particles in the finish. Be sure to wipe away dust with a tack cloth when done.

Maintain Proper Coverage

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for dry time between coats. Applying coats too quickly can cause drips or adhesion issues. Too many thick coats can also create imperfections.

Work In a Dust-Free Space

Paint cabinets in a room with no airflow or ventilate with fans to minimize dust. Dust particles can embed in the finish as it dries and create a rough texture.

Finish with Careful Techniques for Flawless Results

Your final coat of paint and finishing touches can make all the difference in achieving a smooth, professional looking finish on kitchen cabinets.

Apply Final Coat Slowly and Evenly

When applying the final coat of paint, be slow and methodical. Use light, even strokes overlapping slightly to prevent brush marks. Focus on keeping a wet edge for a seamless look.

Let Paint Dry Completely Before Reinstalling

Allow paint to cure fully before rehanging doors and drawers. Check the manufacturer's recommended dry time. Rushing the process can ruin the smooth finish. It's better to wait longer rather than risk sticking surfaces.

Use Painter's Tape for Ultra Clean Lines

Use painter's tape when painting cabinet frames and walls for super crisp, straight edges. Pull it off slowly before the paint fully dries. Remove tape at a 180 degree angle for clean results.

Check for Final Imperfections

Inspect each cabinet thoroughly once completely dry. Use a bright light source to check for any drips, debris, or unevenness in the paint. Touch up as needed.

Avoid Closing Doors and Drawers Too Soon

Even when paint feels dry to the touch, it can stick if cabinets and doors are closed too soon. Allow several days before using cabinets normally again.

For added durability and an ultra smooth finish, apply one or two thin coats of a clear polyurethane over fully cured paint. This helps seal the finish.

Putting in the proper time and effort to prep cabinets, apply primer and paint carefully, and finish with precision techniques will help you achieve truly flawless, smooth results painting kitchen cabinets. Just stay focused and take it slow. Your patience will pay off in the end with a professional looking, sleek kitchen cabinet paint job.