Material: white nylon and gold polyester The Wooster Softip Angle Sash Brush is one of the best paint brushes for cabinets when using paints with latex or oil bases. The soft white nylon and gold polyester bristles ensure a quality finish on your paint projects.

• Cabinet Painting with a Brush. When you think of cabinet painting, brushing on paint likely comes to mind. However, this is a tedious process that is not only slower but can yield results that aren’t top-quality. This is for the simple reason that it’s hard to paint cabinets with a brush without leaving noticeable brush strokes behind.
• A smooth paint finish gives a professional look to cabinets. Fresh paint adds zing to an old kitchen, but brush marks make the cabinets look messy or amateur. Instead of living with brush lines.
• In this video I give some tips for painting cabinet doors with a brush. In this video I give some tips for painting cabinet doors with a brush.

Having a professional paint your kitchen cabinets is a great way to extend the life of existing cabinets but still give your kitchen a much-needed facelift. If your kitchen cabinets are in good condition but the color is faded or outdated, a fresh coat of paint is a great option. If you want the best finish possible, there’s no alternative to hiring a professional team.

Our guide will help you make an informed decision when it comes time to bring in the professionals. When you’re browsing companies, it’s essential to consider their painting methods and practices. By being better informed about the cabinet finishing process and the end results, you can make an educated decision about the best option for your needs.

Jump to:

Spray Painting vs. Brush Painting

There are two methods for painting cabinets: brush painting and spray painting.

Brush painting is exactly what it sounds like — using a paintbrush or roller to apply paint. On the other hand, spray painting kitchen cabinets involves using a paint sprayer to evenly apply each coat of paint over the cabinet doors. Although the terms are similar, spray painting, in this case, has nothing to do with using cans of spray paint.

Cabinets should always be repainted with cabinet paint, which is a paint specifically designed to stand up to the demands of kitchen life, including repeated touching as doors are opened and closed, food and liquid spills and encounters with steam and heat coming from your oven or stove. Cabinet paints are specifically formulated to dry harder so that they can hold up to constant use and wear over time.

No other paint variety can provide as much resistance to kitchen wear as the type specifically designated for cabinet finishing. For example, latex paint has a tendency to streak and peel with lots of use, and in a short time, may ruin the painstakingly planned look of your beautiful kitchen.

You don’t have to go far to find arguments for and against both methods. But there are some obvious benefits, as well as drawbacks, to using either method in a cabinet facelift.

The Professional Painting Process

When it comes to painting or repainting your kitchen cabinets, first you have to decide whether or not you like the appearance of a paint finish. Consider your decor, kitchen counters and appliances and other aesthetics before deciding on a paint color. Quality paint jobs mean choosing the right color, variety and application — and the best professionals for your needs.

So, how do professionals paint kitchen cabinets?

A lot of people don’t realize that there’s more to finishing cabinets than simply slapping on a coat of paint. When professional painters take on a kitchen cabinet project, they follow a process.

First, they prepare your cabinet surfaces by cleaning them and removing any hardware, such as hinges and knobs. Then they remove the drawers and doors to paint them separately.

Once they’ve disassembled everything, they look for any imperfections or damage. If they find dents, cracks or scrapes, they will fill them in to even out the surface before applying paint. Professionals sand and prime the cabinets, and then the cabinets are ready for color.

The painting will take the most time, as the professionals will apply multiple coats, and each coat needs time to dry before they cover it with the next layer. You’ll also have a choice in how they go about painting — spraying or brushing — depending on your needs and the surface type and area of your cabinets.

After the final coat, they’ll be sure to clean up around the edges and inspect for any inconsistencies or missed spots. They’ll make any additional revisions, then reassemble your cabinets, leaving you with a new style and a beautiful kitchen space.

Although the general steps are the same whether you brush or spray the paint into place, there are some clear pros and cons to each method that are worth considering long before you hire a painting company.

Pros of Brush Painting

There’s something to be said for good, old-fashioned brush painting. When painting cabinets, brush painting can be helpful because it allows for:

Faster Preparation

Whenever professionals paint cabinets, they have to prepare the kitchen in several ways. Regardless of the location or subject, every painting project requires a clean application surface and masking. Masking defines the edges of the cabinets and protects walls, counters and other surrounding surfaces from accidental paint application. With brush painting, masking takes much less time and tape, as professionals can create straight lines by hand without risking overspray.

Longevity

When using a brush, painters can apply thick or thin coats, depending on how they blend and apply the cabinet paint. While the paint that goes into a sprayer has to be thin enough to create a fine mist, brushes are excellent for any paint viscosity. Because of this, painters can apply thicker coats in a single application, helping improve the longevity of the paint in as little as two layers.

Reduced Paint Costs

Even with professional care, a gallon of paint will typically go further with hand brushing than it does with spraying, meaning lower paint expenses. Brushing allows the painters to apply the color directly to the surface of the cabinets, only wasting the small amount left on their brushes at the end of the project. Spraying atomizes the paint, meaning some of the droplets inevitably float away, and any paint left in the tubing of the sprayer goes to waste.

Cons of Brush Painting

Although some people still prefer brush painting, there are a few definite downsides to using this traditional method, including:

Longer Painting Process

Brush painting cabinets takes an extended amount of time, especially if your kitchen has many cabinets and doors to paint. Each surface will require at least two coats of paint, and each coat needs to dry completely before painters can apply the next. Brush painting requires close attention to detail to ensure even layers and no missed spots, and since it’s all completed by hand, the process is more drawn out than with spraying.

Also, the layers naturally go on thicker, meaning longer dry time in between coats and after the project is finished. And, considering your kitchen will basically be unusable while you’re doing this, every day is another day you’ll be eating microwave dinners or takeout.

Brush Marks

While they are excellent for thick application, unfortunately, standard paintbrushes also make getting an even coat more difficult. Even the most precise of brush painters will end up with some brush marks or drips on the cabinet surface.

Additionally, the first coat of paint determines how the following coats look. Painters can sand drips and marks out after the first layer, but they can’t do that on the final layer, which could mean your cabinets and doors have visible marks on them from day one.

Pros of Spray Painting

Spray painting offers several benefits when it comes to painting cabinets, including:

Faster Application

Once professionals get past the preparation stage, paint application is much faster with sprayers than brushes. They can cover a greater area in less time and, since the layers go on thinner, there’s less drying wait time between applications.

Smoother Coverage

When professionals use a paint sprayer to paint cabinets, there’s no worry about leaving behind those unsightly brush strokes that come when they use a paintbrush or roller. Paint sprayers leave a nice even finish that doesn’t typically require touch up or sanding after the fact.

Additionally, sprayers can get paint in every nook and cranny, even over uneven surfaces and behind objects. When it comes to indoor cabinets, little mistakes and missed spots become very noticeable, and fixing the mistakes can be a lengthy project that might ruin your finish. With sprayers, the painters can apply an even layer without bubbles, missed spots or brush strokes.

Reduced Labor Costs

Hiring professionals is a must for painting interior cabinets, but you should consider the labor expenses. Spray painting can apply twice as much of a coating as compared to a standard paintbrush and can save you money on labor. It takes less time to cover a larger surface area, so professional painters that know they can finish the project faster, meaning lower labor costs.

Cons of Spray Painting

There are some definite benefits to painting cabinets with a paint sprayer. But is there a downside to spray painting cabinets?

Overspray

Paint sprayers have a wide reach. This is good because it means they can cover a lot of surfaces quickly, but they do have a reputation for leaving a paint mist on objects nearby. Luckily, overspray is easily preventable. Professionals carefully cover any objects or surfaces within several feet of the painting location to prevent paint mist from ruining floors, furniture or other nearby items.

Longer Preparation

The risk of overspray can potentially damage surfaces surrounding your cabinets, such as countertops, wall paint or furniture. While it is preventable, the preparation it requires takes much longer than with brush painting. Rather than just taping off edges and laying down drip sheets, the painters will have to completely cover everything within a few feet of the cabinets to ensure the paint spray only hits the cabinets.

Why a Fantastic Finish Matters

Regardless of which method you choose — spray or brush — the biggest challenge of painting cabinets is obtaining a fantastic finish. Both methods leave room for human error, which can result in streaks or strokes that mar the fresh, new look you’re going for. The finish depends on properly prepping and priming the cabinet surfaces before painting, applying even layers, allowing for ample dry time and paying attention to detail throughout the entire process.

An even, colorful finish will help bring your dream kitchen vision to life. Cabinets are a significant focal point of any kitchen, and this area of your living space is often a prime location for social gatherings. You deserve a space worth showing off to friends and family. When you invest your time and money into renovations, you should expect and aim for no less than the best.

If one thing is certain, it’s that trained professionals are a necessity if you want to ensure a beautiful finish. They often have years of experience, and they can finish the job in a fraction of the time as compared to an untrained individual. They have an eye for imperfections and will know how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Ultimately, your cabinets will be in good hands, and you’ll be back to cooking and hosting in no time.

Hiring a Professional

When it comes to interior painting projects, hiring a professional painting contractor is a worthwhile investment. Besides adding to your home’s value and appearance, it protects your health and your sanity before, during and after the painting process.

Here are some of the top reasons to hire professionals:

Efficiency

Professional painters do this every day. They know what they’re doing and can get the job done quickly, so you can get to enjoying your kitchen faster. They also have all the equipment necessary to complete the task and provide a professional finish.

Experience

Professional painters know the differences between and proper applications for sprayers and brushes. They know how many layers a job will take, how to ensure a smooth, mark-free finish each and every time, which paint to use and how to cover up areas that don’t need painting. They also know how to troubleshoot when they encounter problems, such as dents or dings that need filling or smoothing before paint is applied.

They can also assist you in the early stages of your project, such as selecting the right paint and considering which painting method would work best for your cabinets. You’ll have access to professional advice throughout the process.

Insurance

No one plans for accidents to happen during a home renovation project, but, unfortunately, accidents can happen. Choosing professional painters who are insured means that you’ve hired professionals who can pay to fix a door or cabinet if it breaks in the painting process. And, if the cabinet paint does run or streak accidentally, a good company will come out and fix the problem at no extra cost to you.

Professional Cabinet Refinishing

If your existing cabinets are in good condition, professional cabinet refinishing is a great way to update your kitchen and secure your investment without spending a lot of money. It’s also a great way to reuse what you already have instead of throwing out perfectly good cabinets. Shoreline Painting knows that you’ve spared no expense on beautiful kitchen finishes — countertops, flooring and more. That’s why our professional painters are trained and experienced in using the right methods and right products to give your cabinets a gorgeous makeover that will complement your existing finishes.

Family-owned and Stamford-based, Shoreline Painting is committed to providing you with top-notch painting services. If you have a vision in mind for your cabinets, we can turn that vision into reality. In some cases, our clients know it’s time to update their kitchen cabinets, but they don’t know what color or finish to choose. Our color consultants have the knowledge and experience to help you choose the right color for your kitchen — bright or subtle, trendy or traditional. But it’s not just about trends. Our color consultants take the time to get to know your personal preferences and how your kitchen is used so that they can offer personalized suggestions you’ll love for years to come.

Ready to transform your kitchen cabinets? Contact us today.

Painting your kitchen cabinets is an easy way to transform your kitchen and if you do it yourself, it will cost you less than $200 bucks.

In this article, I’m going to discuss:

• Different painting methods and which one to use for the best results
• How to paint your kitchen cabinets step by step
• Supplies you’ll need
• The best paint to use on kitchen cabinets

This project is more difficult than painting a room and it will take more time. But, most handy homeowners can paint their cabinets and end up with a quality finish – assuming you aren’t going to skip steps or rush the project.

First, let’s talk about…

3 Common Painting Methods for Cabinets

There are several different methods you can use to apply the paint, and each will result in a different quality of finish.

#1 – Paintbrush Only – This takes the longest and will yield a poor finish so it’s not recommended. If you go this route, you’ll end up with brush strokes covering the cabinets. What you want is a nice smooth, consistent finish.

#2 – Paint Sprayer – This is not only the fastest way to paint your cabinets, but it will also give you the best finish. Since you are spraying the paint on, there are no brush strokes. And, if you are using a quality paint, you will end up with a smooth finish. Of course, there are downsides to this method. It requires more prep and you’ll need to mask off all surrounding surfaces and setup a spray booth to paint the doors and drawer fronts. Plus, you’ll need to clean the sprayer when you’re done. This method requires the most skill.

#3 – Roller/Brush – You can also use a paint roller in combination with the brush to get a pretty good finish. The brush would be used to get into tight corners and the roller would be used to produce a somewhat smooth finish on the larger surfaces. The finish won’t be as smooth as it would if you used a sprayer, but it will be much better than just using a paintbrush.

Ideally, you would use a paint sprayer to paint everything. But, when you are living in the house (or your customer is living in the house) you might consider using a roller/brush on the cabinet boxes and using a paint sprayer on the cabinet doors. The cabinets will be filled with stuff, and you’ll need to mask everything off really well. And, since you will be doing multiple coats (1 coat of primer, 2 coats of paint), you won’t be able to use your kitchen for at least a day if you attempt to spray the boxes. For me, this extra work wasn’t worth it, and the roller/paint brush combo still gives a quality finish.

Watch the video above for more detail on this process.

Prepping The Cabinets For Paint

Step 1: Remove the Doors and Drawers – Take a screwdriver or a drill and remove all of the hinges and any other hardware attached to the cabinets. The doors and drawers will be painted in another area, like the garage.

Step 2: Clean all cabinet surfaces – Wipe the cabinets down well to clean off any dirt, grime, or grease. Then, go back over everything and use a degreaser. This step is important unless you don’t mind your paint peeling off.

Step 3: Sand all cabinet surfaces – I typically use 180 grit sandpaper, but this doesn’t really matter much since the surface will be painted. Anything between 120 and 220 will work just fine. This is the most time consuming part, but an orbital sander it will make the job go much quicker. Also, you don’t need to sand off the entire existing finish, just sand enough to rough up the surface so the paint will have something to adhere to. Make sure you get the edges well since these surfaces will see the most use.

Step 4: Clean the cabinets again – First, vacuum the area to get the majority of the dust you produced while sanding. Then wipe the cabinets down with a damp cloth.

Step 5: Mask off surrounding surfaces – Grab your masking tape and tape off walls, floors, countertops, and shelves inside of cabinets. Basically, tape any surface you don’t want to paint.

Step 6: Setup a drying station – You’ll need some racks to set the doors and drawers on while they dry. Watch the video above to see what I mean.

Painting the Cabinets

Step 1: Prime the cabinets – Apply a coat of high quality primer to all surfaces of the cabinets. The primer will help the paint stick to the surface better, giving you a longer lasting finish and it will reduce the amount of paint you need. Since primer is much cheaper than paint, this will save you some cash. Let the primer dry according to the label on the primer you are using.

Step 2: First coat of paint – Once the primer is dry, it’s time to start painting! Apply an even coat of paint using whichever method you decide to use (ideally a paint sprayer). Don’t put it on too thick or you might have drips or other blemishes in the paint. I’ll usually start by painting the cabinet doors and drawers first, and while they are drying in the garage, I’ll work on painting the cabinet boxes. Let the paint dry according to the application instructions on the paint can before applying a second coat.

Step 3: Second coat of paint – You might be asking, do I really need a second coat? YES! I don’t care how good the paint is that you are using, what they say on the latest paint commercial, or how well you apply the first coat. A second coat is always required if you want a quality finish. Two thin coats will always have a better finish and better coverage than one thick coat. So stop wasting time trying to cut corners and just plan on doing a second coat.

Step 4: Attach the hardware – Before attaching hardware, let the cabinets dry for at least 24 hrs so the paint has a chance to harden (ideally even longer). Put the doors and drawers back on, install any handles or hardware you want on the doors, and you’re all set!

Step 5: Enjoy your new kitchen!

Supplies You’ll Need To Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Click any of the links below to be taken directly to the product. (These are affiliate links and I get a small commission if you click and buy through the link. This doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps support this blog.)

Optional Power Tools – These will help speed up the project, but are not necessary.

• Paint sprayer
  • 313 spray tip
• Orbital Sander
• Power Drill
• Vacuum

Tools

• Paint brush
• Smooth finish paint roller (x2)
• 180 Grit sandpaper
• Sanding Sponges
• Paint Respirator
• Putty knife
• Caulking gun

Supplies

• Paint (I used Benjamin Moore Aura Semi-Gloss Paint, Color: Swiss Coffee)
• Primer (I used Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Primer)
• Degreaser
• Wood filler
• Caulking
• Masking Tape
• Painters Plastic (If using as sprayer)
• Disposable gloves
• rags for cleanup

What’s The Best Paint For Kitchen Cabinets?

This is a question that I struggled with and did a lot of research on. And, as with everything, there are tradeoffs.

After my research and experience, I highly recommend the Benjamin Moore Aura Semi-Gloss paint. It’s not cheap (I think I paid like $50/gallon) but you don’t need much paint. I only used a single gallon for all of my cabinets. This is a great paint because it’s durable, it gives a smooth finish, and is easy to work with. It’s water based so it’s easy to clean and is friendly to the environment and your health.

Of course, there are plenty of other high quality paints out there, but I definitely recommend going high end. You won’t want to repaint your cabinets 2 years down the road because you used a cheap paint.

Now, a lot of professional painters out there will use Solvent-Based paints. That’s because of their superior durability and finish. (They dry harder and smoother.) But, they have a lot of downsides that aren’t worth dealing with. #1 – your house will smell like chemicals for days or even weeks, to the point you wouldn’t even want to stay there. #2 – These paints are a bitch to clean up. You need to clean everything with mineral spirits or paint thinner. #3 – It’s difficult to patch solvent-based paint. Unlike water based paint, you can’t just easily paint over chips or scratches in the future. #4 – You need to properly dispose of the paint thinner or mineral spirits you used to clean up. You can’t just throw this stuff away.

So, bottom line, use a high quality semi-gloss water-based paint and you’ll end with up with a professional result, a healthier environment, and less headaches when it comes to cleaning up.

I painted the cabinets in the video about 2 years ago and they still look great, as I’m sure they will for years to come.

Hopefully that helps you get those cabinets painted! It’s a lot of work, but it will make such a huge difference. Good luck.

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DOWNLOAD NOWKatie DunnSeptember 27, 2017

I really like your tip about using the Benjamin Moore paint when painting cabinets, because I’ve been looking for the right type of paint myself. However, what color did you use on your cabinets? I’m hoping to find a really nice gray color for me to use.

↩∞Andy ShepardJanuary 25, 2018

Thanks for this tip. I always wanted to change the color of my cabinet, but, I’m afraid to damage it so I always end up calling a professional painter. I will definitely follow these steps.

↩∞ChandlerMarch 8, 2018

Do you sand the cabinets after each coat of primer and paint or does the sprayer not require the sanding?

↩∞Andy ShepardMarch 27, 2018

How have the cabinets held up to daily use? Any warping or flaws in the finish yet? Especially around the sink or stove or oven? I have been considering a white IKEA kitchen for a few years, but am worried that in five years, the kitchen will look abused (not that this is a substantiated fear, but still). I’d love to hear about the durability.

↩∞Dan PerryMarch 28, 2018

Hey Andy,

The paint has chipped in very common use areas because we use our kitchen a LOT. We cook three meals a day in there and we have a kid. However, the beauty is that since we used a water based paint, I can easily touch up these spots in a matter of minutes.

-Dan

↩∞Greg HJuly 21, 2018

Can you spray poly of some type (polycrylic) over the paint to increase the durability?

↩∞Dan PerryJuly 23, 2018

If you’re going to do that, you should probably just use a harder paint – which won’t be water-based. I’d recommend talking to paint pros and benjamin moore or Kelly Moore.

-Dan

↩∞ChassidyNovember 19, 2019

If you don’t have chipping and have low gloss (almost eggshell) paint on your cabinets do you need to prime? Also, great advice on BM paint! Love their paints not just pigment and chemical smell is a huge problem and BM lines often don’t smell at all once dried. After 1 bad paint experience BM all we use.

↩∞Joan RogersJuly 26, 2020

I am contemplating spray painting kitchen cabinets flat black. I watched your video. Any other tips for me? I should use Benjamin Moore aura flat black enamel? Thanks.

↩∞Dan PerryJuly 27, 2020

I actually prefer Sherwin Williams Emerald paint for cabinets. It goes on much smoother. Even if you apply it with a brush it will still have a flat, smooth finish.

↩∞Richard BAugust 29, 2020

How To Repaint Kitchen Cabinets

Did your paint preference change?
You recommend Benjamin Moore Aura in the article, but say that you prefer Sherwin Williams Emerald paints for cabinets.
Was that specific to painting a flat finish or a black color as Joan Roger’s had asked?
Or is Sherwin Williams your latest preference for any paint?

↩∞Dan PerryAugust 31, 2020

Sherwin Williams Emerald is my latest preference for cabinet paint. As far as wall paint goes, I honestly don’t think it matters much as long as you choose the right color.

↩∞JamieMarch 25, 2021

This may be a stupid question but I looked up the Emerald paint and I see it’s a paint and primer in one. Can I add a color to it like a very light grey and then not use a primer?

↩∞Dan PerryMarch 25, 2021

Even with a paint and primer in one you will get a better result by using a primer first. You could do that, but it would be sub-optimal.

↩∞SteveDecember 30, 2020

I have used Sherwin Williams Emerald on the interior walls of my home and really like it, but my experience has been that it is a thicker paint. Do you thin the Emerald paint before spraying it on cabinets? If so, how much thinning do you do?

↩∞Dan PerryJanuary 13, 2021

One the reasons I like Emerald is that I don’t have to spray it on. I can roll it on to get a smooth finish. So, to answer your question, I don’t spray it. I roll it.

↩∞CherMarch 30, 2021

I am confused now, do you now recommend just using the Emerald and brush and roller as the paints have gotten better, so no spraying?

↩∞Dan PerryApril 5, 2021

I do if you are painting a small cabinet. But spraying is much faster for larger projects.

↩∞Shari MeadApril 2, 2021

Can you show me a picture of something you have painted in SW that you fill on? I’d like to see how smooth it looks

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