Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your space a modern update, but it’s not as simple as picking up a paintbrush. For a professional, long-lasting finish, follow these steps: Thoroughly clean the cabinets. Before any painting begins, it’s crucial to remove all grease, grime and residue that has built up over time. A strong degreaser like trisodium phosphate (TSP) will cut through stubborn grease and create a clean surface that allows the paint to bond properly. Skipping this step can lead to adhesion problems, causing the paint to bubble or peel prematurely. Properly sand the surface. This process removes any remaining finish, smooths out imperfections and gives the new paint something to grip onto. Every surface (including cabinet doors, drawer fronts and frames) should be sanded evenly. Use fine-grit sandpaper and be thorough—any glossy or slick spots left behind can cause uneven coverage or peeling later. Use professional spray tools. To achieve a smooth, high-end finish, your contractor should be using spray equipment that’s designed for cabinetry. Spray application creates a sleek, factory-like look without the brush marks or roller texture that often result from DIY methods. Rollers (especially textured or foam ones) can leave an uneven surface that detracts from the finished product. Multiple thin coats with adequate drying time in between will ensure the best results. Once your cabinets are looking flawless, a little routine care will help keep them that way. To maintain that just-painted look, use mild soap or a damp rag for regular cleaning. You can also use a light TSP solution if necessary, but the key is to avoid letting grease build up over time. By cleaning gently and consistently, your cabinets will continue to look beautiful for years to come.

Kitchen Cabinet Painting 101

By Jonathan Hernandez Lead Painter at Cartwright Painters LLC Diamond Certified Expert Contributor