Repainting a kitchen is one of the most practical ways to refresh the entire space without paying for a full remodel. If you want to know how to repaint a kitchen correctly, the real success comes from preparation, choosing the right products, and following a method that avoids common DIY mistakes. A kitchen has grease, humidity, and daily wear, so the approach has to be more careful than repainting a bedroom or hallway.
This guide breaks down the process in simple steps and explains the reasoning behind each one. It shows what actually matters for a smooth, durable finish.
1. Start with a Solid Plan
Before you touch a brush, take a moment to understand what part of the kitchen you want to repaint. Many homeowners focus on cabinets, walls, or both. Each surface needs a slightly different process, but the preparation stage is always the foundation.
A rushed project leads to peeling paint and uneven texture. A well-planned project gives you a finish that holds up for years.
2. Prepare the Kitchen Properly
Preparation has the biggest impact on the final result. This is where most DIY projects fail, because kitchen surfaces collect grease and dust over time.
Clear and Protect the Area
Move small appliances, utensils, and anything stored on the counters. Cover the stove, sink, and floors with canvas drop cloths. Canvas is safer to walk on than plastic because it does not slide.
If you are repainting cabinets, remove everything inside because sanding creates dust that can settle on dishes.
Remove Doors, Drawers, and Hardware
Take off the doors and drawers, then remove all hinges and handles. Label each piece with painter’s tape so everything returns to the correct spot. A simple labeling system saves time later because kitchen layouts look more similar than you think once everything is taken apart.
Mask the Surrounding Surfaces
Use painter’s tape to protect backsplashes, appliances, walls, and any area you do not want painted. Press the edges firmly so paint does not bleed underneath.
3. Clean Every Surface Thoroughly
Paint will not stick to grease. Cleaning is mandatory.
Use a strong degreaser such as TSP, TSP-PF, Krud Kutter, or sugar soap. Focus on areas near the stove, handles, drawer fronts, and the hood vent, since these gather the most buildup. Rinse the surfaces with clean water afterward to remove residue. Let everything dry before sanding.
4. Sand and Repair the Surfaces
Most of the work that an interior painting contractor focuses on happens before the first coat goes on.
Cleaning and sanding decide how well the paint will bond, especially in a kitchen where grease and humidity are common. Skipping this stage is one of the main reasons DIY cabinet or wall paint starts to peel early.
Start by washing every surface with a strong degreaser. Once everything is clean and dry, move to sanding. A light scuff with 100 to 150 grit sandpaper removes the glossy layer that prevents paint from sticking well. Repair dents or holes with wood filler or spackle, then sand those areas smooth. Finish with a quick pass using 220 grit for a refined texture.
After sanding, wipe away all dust with a tack cloth or damp microfiber cloth. This small step improves adhesion and keeps the finish smooth.
5. Prime for Professional Results
Primer can be skipped in very specific cases, but for most kitchens it is worth using. Kitchens deal with humidity, temperature changes, and constant cleaning, so primer strengthens the bond between the surface and the topcoat.
When Primer Is Necessary
- Changing a dark color to a light color
- Painting bare wood
- Painting laminate or melamine
- Painting over old glossy finishes
- Covering stains
Good Primer Options
Bonding primers from Benjamin Moore, Zinsser, or Sherwin Williams work well. Apply thin, even coats and avoid thick layers. Once the primer dries, lightly sand again with 220 grit to knock down raised fibers or rough areas.
6. Choose the Right Paint Finish
Kitchen surfaces get touched, wiped, and exposed to moisture. The paint must handle all of that.
Recommended Paint Types for Cabinets
- Acrylic cabinet paint with strong adhesion
- Waterborne alkyd enamel for a hard, furniture-like finish
- Mineral-based paints paired with a protective topcoat
Recommended Sheens
- Satin or semi-gloss for cabinets
- Eggshell or satin for walls
- Flat finishes only if you want to reduce visible grain on deep-wood cabinets
Quality matters more than price here. Cheap paint chips and stains easily in a kitchen environment.
7. Apply the Paint Correctly
Technique affects the final result just as much as the type of paint you use. Start with the right tools.
A high-density foam or microfiber roller works well on flat surfaces, while an angled brush handles edges, corners, and detailed profiles. Paint the recessed areas first, then roll the larger sections to keep the finish consistent.
Plan for two to three coats of paint to achieve full coverage. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. If you notice small bumps, ridges, or minor texture, sand lightly with 220 grit paper before moving forward. This simple step helps the final finish stay smooth.
A paint sprayer can produce an even smoother surface because it eliminates roller texture entirely. It is especially helpful for large cabinet projects. If you use a sprayer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for thinning so the paint flows correctly.
8. Add a Protective Topcoat When Needed
Some paints are durable on their own, while others require a topcoat. For example, most mineral and milk paints need a clear sealer to prevent scratches and moisture intrusion.
Apply thin coats and let them dry completely before flipping cabinet doors. Doors should lie flat when applying clear coats to avoid pooling.
9. Reassemble the Kitchen After Proper Drying
Patience improves the final result. Even if the paint feels dry, it still needs time to cure.
Dry Time
Let the paint dry at least twenty four hours before reattaching doors. Waiting forty eight to seventy two hours is even better for a harder finish.
Curing Time
Avoid scrubbing or exposing surfaces to heavy moisture for five to seven days. During this time the paint hardens and becomes more resistant to cleaning.
Painting the Kitchen Walls
If you are repainting walls along with cabinets, keep the process simple.
- Clean the walls thoroughly
- Repair cracks or nail holes
- Prime bare or stained areas
- Use two coats of interior acrylic-latex paint
- Paint trim last for the cleanest lines
A Fresh Kitchen Starts with Smart Preparation
Learning how to repaint a kitchen comes down to following a careful process. Clean thoroughly, sand properly, use the right primer, choose durable paint, and give the project enough drying and curing time. These steps lead to a finish that stays smooth, strong, and clean long term.
A well-painted kitchen changes the entire atmosphere of the home. With the right approach, the results can look as good as a full renovation without the cost.
