Remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware
Label doors and drawers for reinstallation order
Clean all surfaces with a degreaser; rinse and let dry
Lightly sand all cabinet surfaces (including frames and interiors)
Remove dust with a vacuum and tack cloth
Fill dents, holes, and gouges with wood filler; sand smooth after curing
Apply painter’s tape to edges, hinges, and areas not being painted
Lay drop cloths and protect floors and countertops
Prime with a bonding primer suitable for cabinets (use a brush for corners and a foam roller for flat areas)
Allow primer to dry per manufacturer directions
Lightly sand primed surfaces and wipe clean
Stir paint thoroughly; use a cabinet paint (latex enamel or oil-based) or follow your product’s guidance
Apply paint with a high-quality angled brush for edges and a foam roller/sprayer for larger flat areas
Use thin, even coats; avoid overworking the paint
Apply 2–3 coats, sanding lightly between coats if recommended by the paint instructions
Let the final coat cure fully before reinstalling hardware
Reinstall doors and drawers; attach hinges and hardware
Remove tape carefully and touch up any missed spots
Reinstall cabinet contents and allow full cure time before heavy cleaning or use