Looking to brighten up my kitchen – any tips on preparing my cabinets for a white paint job?
Asked by Francisco Bailey 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 29, 2024
Thinking about giving my cabinets a fresh coat of white paint… Any tips on how to prep them properly? I understand the wood is lovely, but after staring at it for 11 years, it’s just too dark for my taste. Don’t judge me!
Definitely give it a try! You’ll be glad you did. A few years back, we decided to paint our pine cupboards that were originally stained walnut a cream color. The transformation was incredible; at one point, we even thought someone had left a light on in the kitchen in the middle of the night. Turns out, it was just the lighter cabinets reflecting light.
I get what you’re saying, but man that wood is just beautiful! Have you thought about switching up the hardware and maybe the wall color instead?
Was just mentioning how you could paint only the counters or just the uppers and leave the lowers. It’s not about an outdated cherry look, it’s actually about embracing the stunning timeless wood. You can totally achieve a designer kitchen without having to paint over all those beautiful cabinets.
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I’ve actually done that a few times and never regretted it. Remove the doors, number them on the hinges, and put the hinges inside each door frame. I like to clean them first with krud kutter and a microfiber cloth, doing it twice. Caulk all the seams of your doors and cabinets. Then use Zinser cover stain primer, applying two coats and lightly sanding between each coat. Next, use Benjamin Moore advance paint in satin finish. Brush in the cracks and corners first, then roll with a foam sponge. Sand lightly between coats. Let the doors cure for a couple of days before hanging them.
My pantry now looks amazing after getting some secondhand cabinets from the marketplace
Prior to this
Here are my finished doors
They’re holding up well, even though this happened in 2020. With three teens, they’ve seen a lot of wear and tear.
After cleaning up the kitchen
Before picture of the kitchen
This is great. Which shade of white did you go with?
Hey , I love this! Can you share where you found your floor pad or rug?
Mentioned that you’re able to observe all the wood patterns. She thinks there wasn’t sufficient preparation
Ruggable is the brand
Is stuck in the snow
Well, that’s just your perspective. I didn’t want them to resemble thermafoil.
Absolutely
I prefer kitchens without islands. It just seems unnecessary to have an island, an eating area, and a dining room in the kitchen. What a waste of space.
Wow, it turned out really nice. Did you end up replacing your countertop?
Oh yeah! We wanted to keep it, but unfortunately, it had a few cracks and I really wanted an apron sink. I’m absolutely in love with my leathered granite.
Used leathered granite, so unique, I’ve never seen it before. I was actually going to ask about it. It’s very impressive.
Tanya, I absolutely adore that!
‘s work looks incredible, well done!
Some folks still appreciate the look of grain, according to .
May I ask what grit sandpaper you used between coats? I’ve never sanded between coats, only sanded the wood initially to provide traction.
220
Before painting, make sure to scuff the surface and apply a vinyl sealer.
Wow, those cabinets are stunning! Sorry, I know you weren’t expecting that reaction! Haha
I think wood should always be visible, in my opinion. Have you thought about sanding and bleaching them? I’ve never tried it myself. It might sound silly, but it could work.
https://opendoorsopenhearts.com/2022/08/11/how-to-simply-brighten-stained-wood-3-useful-tools/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPVMlWflKu4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJzobY53kv0
Oh wow, so much preparation is key for it to last! When we did ours 8 years ago, I think we cleaned with TSP, used liquid sandpaper instead of sanding, applied 3 coats of Zinsser’s primer that bonds to tile/smooth surfaces, followed by 3 coats of paint and 3 coats of poly. It had to withstand our three little boys at the time, so durability was a must. While ours were dark and budget-friendly, your cabinets look so lovely! Are you really sure about going through with this? Maybe consider updating the hardware, wall paint, backsplash, or even countertops instead? There are great laminate options available now. 🤷♀️
I’m sorry to hear that. Personally, I wouldn’t cover up that beautiful wood.
Absolutely, , go for a white backsplash… but
Alternatively, you could switch the counters to white to add some brightness.
Oh, , that’s perfect! It’s so trendy at the moment. It would be stunning paired with warm white walls, white tile, solid surface countertops with a touch of tan or brown veining, and some new brass handles!
Start by degreasing (wipe down with Dawn soap/water), then lightly sand to rough up the finish. Some primers claim they don’t require sanding, but that may not always be the case. You don’t want to go through all this work only to find out later! Prime the surface, then I recommend using Sherwin Williams enamel paint for cabinets. I also find that using small 6″ foam rollers helps minimize brush marks for a great finish! Just steer clear of a stark white color – maybe opt for a subtle tint like SW’s ‘pure white’ (which has a hint of color added). 😊👍🏻
Thumbs up.
I usually advocate for painting things white, but in this case, I wouldn’t touch that beautiful wood. Perhaps white counters and light walls would be a good compromise. The choice is yours.
I was thinking the same thing. I usually opt for painting over ugly orangey wood, but this color is actually quite nice. If you decide to change the dark counters, you should definitely lighten up! They appear to be a lovely light to medium walnut shade. However, I understand if you’re ready for a change after all these years and make sure to do all the necessary preparation to ensure a good outcome and longevity. Best of luck!
Yeah, I agree with you. Orange wood isn’t really my thing. I prefer painted wood. Still, this wood is quite lovely.
Check out the Heirloom Traditions website for their all-in-one paint. It’s fantastic and they offer plenty of tutorials and options!
We hired a professional painter for our cabinets 5 years back, and he chose this brand. The result is still fantastic. It’s really durable.
I don’t have any professional advice – I swear I change up my approach every time I try something new. But seriously, don’t let the negative voices discourage you from pursuing your goals.
Ultimately, you are the one who needs to be satisfied with the outcome. Feel free to reach out if you need assistance 😉😉
And don’t forget to share your progress with before and after photos!
You might want to consider stripping and staining it with a nice white wash. It could save you time and materials, plus there are plenty of eco-friendly stripping products available.
When I painted our doors at our previous home, they stayed in great condition! As others have mentioned, the preparation work is crucial.
I don’t have a photo on hand, but I estimate it took me around 50 hours in total. I also painted the interiors, although I wouldn’t recommend doing that in every case.
Make sure to use a primer that others have suggested for this specific task and do a test run. Some primers might not prevent tannins from seeping through, resulting in a yellowish finish.
I can’t emphasize enough how important the preparation work is for achieving a beautiful and durable finish.
Wishing you good luck and hope you enjoy the process!
Why not consider getting new doors? It can be quite a headache 😅😂
Just do whatever makes you happy 😎
You won’t regret putting in the effort to prep properly, but you definitely will regret it if you rush through it! Let me share something based on my own experience. I made sure to do all the necessary prep work, including sanding in between coats and applying a sealant. After a few years, I noticed that the areas on my cabinets that are frequently touched with wet hands have started to become soft and even a bit sticky. On the other hand, the areas that were not exposed to water are still in perfect condition. This particular paint has been durable in other parts of my home, but the wet areas definitely require some touch-ups. This seems to be a common issue with most paints. When I re-do my cabinets, I will opt for a dedicated cabinet paint instead of the “boutique” paint I initially used.
Nuvo is fantastic.
Thanks! I’ll be sure to jot that down.
Maybe think about bringing in a professional who specializes in spraying them
We decided to tackle our medium oak picture frame paneling. After using a product to remove the shine, we primed and painted over it.
Preparing your cabinets will take up a significant amount of time, but it’s absolutely crucial! While I haven’t personally tried sandblasting, I typically use a paint stripper followed by sanding to get the best results. I highly recommend investing in a high-quality cabinet paint. Additionally, purchasing a paint sprayer from Amazon was a game-changer for me and significantly reduced the time spent on painting.
Or you could consider changing the color with a fresh stain!
We also decided to paint our cabinets white, and it made a huge difference! We didn’t have to do much prep work – just a quick wipe down to remove grease and dirt. One tip is to keep all the screws and hardware for each door in a separate cup to avoid any mix-ups!
I recently tackled that project during the COVID break, haha! I used Crud Cutter cleaner to spray and sand everything down. Then I picked up this fantastic enamel oil hybrid paint from Lowe’s and got to work. The paint I chose is really durable and wipes off easily. I used a palm sander for the flat surfaces and various grits of regular sandpaper. Found a great deal on Amazon, lol!
Could you kindly let us know which paint type you ended up choosing?
You can skip the sanding but make sure to clean them thoroughly. Use a bonding primer – make sure it specifically says ‘bonding’ and not just regular primer. After that, go ahead and paint.
I’d suggest avoiding this option. There are definitely better alternatives out there. If you’re investing the time, opt for a higher quality product that applies well and lasts. It also cures more effectively than this paint. You won’t find that in a typical store. You only need a small amount of product, so spending a bit extra can truly make a difference. With this product, you get what you pay for.
This paint is really amazing!
Make sure to clean the cabinets with TSP (trisodium phosphate) and rinse it off to remove grease and dull the surface. Sanding just enough to dull it down is sufficient. Then prime using either Benjamin Moore Stix bonding primer or Zinsser Bin Advance primer. For the finish coat, Benjamin Advance Satin is a good choice. ‘t forget to caulk between the flat center panel and the frame of the doors to avoid gaps showing up after painting. Benjamin Moore Advance is a self-leveling product that prevents brush marks and dries very hard.
First, apply a layer of shellac! This will help your paint stick well, allow for super smooth sanding, and make your paint completely reversible. I have experience in residential historic restoration for quite a while…
Hey, , should I sand if I apply the shellac first?
It’s crucial to give it a thorough cleaning… Even TSP or a TSP alternative would work well. Shellac is very easy to sand… You can make it smooth with fine synthetic steel wool. It’s great for preparing because shellac adheres to anything and anything adheres to shellac.
Hey, does have a strong odor?
The alcohol smell is pretty strong, but if you open a window it goes away fast.
Hey Heather! Here’s the usual process in the pro refinishing group:
– Start with Krud Kutter degreaser
– Use 320 grit scuff sand
– Wipe down with denatured alcohol
– Apply bonding primer, preferably the pro waterbase tannin blocking from Centurion, Envirolak, Renner, ICRO, or Milesi. Alternatively, STIX+ BIN or just BIN can also work.
– Paint with 2 coats of KCMA rated urethane or polyurethane paint
– For professional results, spraying is recommended. The Graco X5 may be a bit pricey, but you can achieve a beautiful finish with a 308 fine finish tip. Expect around 280sqft/gal coverage for each coat.
Those cabinets are stunning
You’ll be grateful for Heirloom Traditions Paint down the line.
You’re already in too deep… haha
Just joking
My mother-in-law pulled the same move and totally transformed her kitchen!!!
It’s just like prepping any other surface, but make sure to sand it down, clean it well, and apply a quality primer before “spraying” them!!! (Using brushes and rollers won’t achieve the desired finish)
Just clean, lightly sand, prime, and use good paint
Oh my gosh, is that a space-saving radio?! So cool!
We swear by the Breakthrough paint from PPG along with Seal grip primer for all our projects
Wow! Look at those gorgeous high-end cabinets
Give the kitchen a fresh coat of paint and update the countertops
My dad and I focus on contract work, with a specialty in painting cabinets. We love painting cabinets. The key is all in the preparation! Make sure to use a durable top coat. Ignore any suggestions about emerald, advance, breakthrough, or command coatings. Look for a 1k or even catalyzed 2k product specifically designed for cabinets. Gallery from Sherwin Williams is a great 1k product, dries fast for quick recoating, and is extremely tough.
For prep work: remove doors and hardware, degrease cabinets, rinse thoroughly with a sponge, lightly sand all surfaces, prime cabinets, sand with 320-grit, apply top coat, sand with 320-grit again, and apply another top coat. Your cabinets will look amazing once complete.
What kind of primer do you recommend? Should I go for a regular primer or a bonding primer? I’m starting to paint my kitchen today for thanksgiving. With gray walls, should I go for white or off-white? What paint would you suggest? I plan to remodel my kitchen in a couple of years, so I just want it to look good.
For an easily sanding bonding primer like STIX. If there’s bleed thru, consider using BIN, Coverstain, or Kilz Original for the second coat. If you don’t mind the smell and cleanup, you can use BIN, Coverstain, or Kilz Original alone and skip STIX.
Which paint and primer would you recommend?
Mentions that Stix is a good primer, but he mostly relies on BIN. ‘BIN for the win’ is pretty much their motto
Brittany N Travis recommends the Estes Gallery series from Sherwin for spray application ONLY when painting cabinets. There is no process provided for brush/roll application as it is not an ideal method for cabinet painting
Prefers using BIN but has recently switched to Envirolak 170TB waterbase tannin blocking 2k primer for cabinets. It’s easier to clean up and sands a little better than BIN, but it does cost $15 more per gallon
Thanks a bunch!
I’ve also found Envirolak to be quite good. I usually try to buy local whenever possible. We used to use Centurion, but ever since Gallery came out, we’ve been quite satisfied.
Hey, I used the Centurion 2800 2K last week. It has a stronger smell and lacks the heat resistance that Envirolak offers. Unfortunately, Gallery doesn’t have good chemical resistance. Alcohol can easily remove it, which is typical of 1K products. However, it seems to be sturdy and dries flat like the 2K products.
Hasn’t encountered any problems with durability yet. It’s surprising they still don’t have a catalyst for it. I did hear they’re planning to launch a primer specifically for galleries soon.
Might have a bunch of cabinets painted with breakthrough that look just as good or even better than other paints and lacquers.
‘s breakthrough paint will turn out amazing, as well as any other paint for doors and trim. I prefer something more long-lasting for my clients.
I wouldn’t bother with painting. It can end up messy with streaks, chips, and cracks. It’s hard to achieve the factory finish at home.
Have you decided on the interior? Keep it dark or repaint?
What’s the plan for the hinges? How about around them?
Just my opinion. Many people seem to love it.
I suggest hiring someone to strip and apply clear poly. My parents did this and the results were fantastic.
I’d go for soft white walls and swap the counter top for a light cream pattern color.
If you’re determined to do that, consider using Rustoleum kits and carefully follow the instructions. Also, watch plenty of tutorials on YouTube.
Planning on doing the same thing.
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How much time did you spend prepping? And after that, how long did the painting process take? Did you apply primer first? Was there any sanding before priming? Can you walk me through your step-by-step process?
Doors were removed and then taped up before sanding the boxes. Filler was used, followed by another round of sanding. Everything was wiped down to clear away dust before spraying. The same process was done to the doors. It took approximately one day for the Doors/Drawers and another day for the boxes. After that, a few days were taken to reattach the drawers and doors.
Hey , which primer and paint brand/color did you go with? It turned out amazing. Super bright and inviting.
Hey , I skipped the primer. The paint color is Extra White Satin by Behr! 😎
Hey , did you use filler everywhere to remove the wood grain appearance?
I totally agree! Absolutely! I used wood filler to cover up the wood grain. There are a few spots where it’s still visible, but it’s much more cost-effective than replacing all the cabinets!
Go ahead and prime them to make your life easier!
I think I would go for lighter walls and counters.
Come hang out with the Kitchen Cabinet Painting Experts Group. They’ve got all the tips, tricks, and videos you need.
Hey, that’s your house! You can paint it any color you like, everyone has different tastes.
Oh noooo 😱 please reconsider! Those cabinets are absolutely gorgeous! Future you will thank you one day!
The original poster has a strong opinion.
Definitely thinks so! The quartz countertops and lovely backsplash really brighten up the kitchen:) It seems like dark cabinets are making a comeback in style.
I totally get what you mean about the wood being gorgeous, but it might be a bit too dark for everyday use! You should definitely check out the Kitchen Cabinet Painting Experts group – they have really helpful guides that walk you through each step of the process and prevent common mistakes that can lead to chipping or poorly painted cabinets. I’ve found that there are potential pitfalls at every stage, from prep to the final coat of paint. It’s a big project, but the outcome can be incredible! I recently followed their steps to paint my bathroom vanity, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out!
Use a light scuff and degreaser, but be careful not to strip or sand through the stain. Prime with Stix primer and paint with Ben Moore Advance or Gemini. Advance is great for self-leveling, while Gemini dries faster and is perfect for spraying. Just keep in mind that Advance needs about 4-5 days to cure and should be handled with extreme care for 2-3 weeks.
I’m currently in the middle of this project and I kind of wish I hadn’t started it 😂. My small condo is being completely taken over by it. But I know I’ll be happy once it’s finished.
Oh, and here’s what I’ve learned so far:
Definitely go with the Stix primer instead of Zinsser – it makes a huge difference. And if you’re still dealing with bleed-through from the varnish, try using an oil spray to prevent that. ‘t apply the primer or paint too thickly, just be patient and let it dry before adding another coat. And make sure you sand really well! I tried wet sanding my primer, but it just wasn’t working for me. Clean with denatured alcohol and a tack cloth before painting. Get the right paint and the right type of roller – I found what I needed at my local jc Licht store after starting out at Menards. Menards is great, but I realized their
Zinser Cover Stain primer works wonders for this task. It seals the stain into the wood
Hey, I got the 321 can and it bled through a lot. Maybe it’s a different product? I used the stix on the base cabinets and didn’t have as much bleed through
Not 321, but cover stain
Oh wow, this is not what I was expecting, haha
– it’s actually oil-based, so it locks in better.
Have you thought about removing the existing stain as much as you can and applying a different color stain to make it look better?
Remove them and put in paint grade instead. You can sell the old ones and make a profit.
Check out All-In-One Paint from Heirloom Traditions. It’s a game-changer for cabinet projects. Visit their website and take a look at the tutorial videos!
Yeah, it’s so simple and looks good. I’m doing it as we speak
I decided to paint my dark walnut cabinets white and light gray using Heirloom Traditions Paint. I used a deglosser for prep work. Deglossing, painting… that’s pretty much it, no sanding or additional primer required. This paint serves as a primer, paint, and sealant all in one. Just a heads up, it took 3 or 4 coats to completely cover the dark wood with white. I opted for Cashmere, their brightest white shade. Some of the creamier whites may require fewer coats, as per comments on their website. This paint can only be bought online. Despite seeming pricey, it’s actually cost-effective in the long term. I used less than 4 quarts in total – 12 cabinets (frames, doors inside and out) with 2 quarts of Cashmere, 12 cabinets and 12 drawer fronts with 1 1/4 quarts of Heathered Gray, and an island back and sides, 2 cabinets and 2 drawer fronts with 1/3 quart of Cathedral.
Prior to
After
Just got done with the new flooring 😂🤣😂
I’m also a fan of transitioning from wood to white! Just wanted to show support and follow for some helpful tips.