Best Cabinets
Service guide

Cabinet Painting

Professional cabinet painting: preparation, finishes and realistic expectations.

Published: April 23, 2026

cabinet doors laid out for spraying

Preparation Is Most of the Job

Kitchen cabinets carry years of grease and handling. A lasting paint job starts with degreasing, sanding and a bonding primer. Doors and drawer fronts are normally removed and sprayed off site or in a contained area, while the frames are finished in place.

Paint and Finish

Cabinet finishes need to be harder than wall paint. Painters use products made for cabinetry and trim, often sprayed for a smooth surface. Ask which product will be used and how long it needs to cure before normal use.

Review the available finish options and confirm that the proposed coating suits the existing surface.

What Paint Can and Cannot Do

Paint changes color, not condition. It will not hide damaged doors, and the grain of oak will show through unless it is filled. Thermofoil and laminate doors are difficult to paint well; ask the painter to assess them before quoting.

Painting can update the finish on existing custom cabinets, but it will not change their layout or repair failing boxes. If the boxes are no longer sound, compare replacement instead.

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