DIY Cabinet Painting: Dos and Don'ts

March 15, 2024

How to Avoid Common Cabinet Painting Mistakes by Spray 'n Coat a Boise Cabinet Painting Company.

A picture of a cabinet with the words `` diy cabinet painting : dos and don 'ts '' written on it.

Cabinets are one of the most important elements in a kitchen or bathroom, and they can make a huge difference in the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space. However, replacing them can be expensive and time-consuming, which is why many homeowners opt for DIY cabinet painting as a cost-effective alternative. If you're thinking about taking on this project yourself, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a successful outcome.

DO: Choose the Right Paint and Primer

One of the most important factors in achieving a professional-looking finish is selecting the right paint and primer for your cabinets. Look for a high-quality, durable paint that is specifically formulated for cabinets, as this will ensure that it can withstand daily wear and tear, as well as moisture and grease buildup. Additionally, be sure to choose a primer that is designed for use on cabinets, as this will help the paint adhere properly and prevent chipping or peeling.

DON'T: Skip the Prep Work

Preparation is key when it comes to cabinet painting, and skipping this step can result in a less-than-perfect finish. Before you start painting, make sure to clean your cabinets thoroughly to remove any grease or grime that may have accumulated over time. Sanding is also an important step, as it helps the paint adhere better and creates a smooth surface for the paint to be applied. Finally, be sure to tape off any areas you don't want to paint, such as hinges or hardware.

DO: Use the Right Tools

Using the right tools can make a huge difference in the outcome of your cabinet painting project. Invest in high-quality brushes and rollers, as these will help you achieve a smooth, even finish. Additionally, consider using a paint sprayer, as this can save you time and effort, and also result in a flawless finish.

DON'T: Rush the Process

Cabinet painting is not a quick project, and rushing the process can result in mistakes and a less-than-perfect finish. Take your time, and make sure to allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next one. Additionally, be patient when it comes to sanding and cleaning between coats, as this will help ensure a smooth, even finish.

Why it's sometimes best to hire a professional:

While DIY cabinet painting can be a great way to save money and achieve a professional-looking finish, it's not always the best option for everyone. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider hiring a professional:

Lack of experience: If you have little to no experience with painting, it can be difficult to achieve a flawless finish on your cabinets. A professional painter will have the skills and expertise necessary to get the job done right.
Time constraints: Painting cabinets can be a time-consuming process, and if you have a busy schedule, it may be more convenient to hire a professional to do the work for you.
Health concerns: Painting cabinets can expose you to fumes and chemicals, which can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities. If you have health concerns, it may be safer to hire a professional who has the proper safety equipment and training.

In conclusion, DIY cabinet painting can be a great way to update your kitchen or bathroom without breaking the bank. However, it's important to follow best practices, such as choosing the right paint and primer, prepping properly, using the right tools, and taking your time. If you're not comfortable taking on this project yourself, or if you have concerns about your ability to achieve a professional-looking finish, it's always best to hire a professional.

If you're ready to tackle your cabinet painting project yourself, be sure to keep these dos and don'ts in mind, and remember whatever you decide, updating your cabinets can be a great way to transform your space and give it a fresh, new look.

*The information in this article was compiled from a variety of sources and is intended to provide helpful tips only

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Kitchen covered with paper and tools during cabinet painting.

Why Professional Cabinet Painting Lasts Much Longer Than DIY

October 10, 2025

See why professional cabinet painting outperforms DIY. Learn how expert prep, coatings, and techniques make finishes last for years in Boise homes.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, navy island, and brass fixtures.

Does Painting Kitchen Cabinets Increase Resale Value?

October 10, 2025

Learn how painting your kitchen cabinets can boost resale value and attract more buyers. Discover which colors, finishes, and updates offer the best ROI.

A Fresh Pastel Green Update in Nampa

September 5, 2025

Full exterior repaint brings new life to a Nampa neighborhood home At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we know that color can completely change how a home feels. For this Nampa homeowner, it was time to say goodbye to the dated tan and bring in something brighter and more cheerful. A full exterior repaint in a fresh pastel green paired with crisp ultra-pure white trim gave this home a lively new look while still feeling timeless in the neighborhood. The Scope Complete exterior repaint with repairs and prep This project involved a full repaint of the siding, trim, fascia, soffits, gutters, downspouts, and doors. Before painting, our crew filled holes along the right side of the home where an old cable had been removed, reinstalled the dryer vent, and backrolled the entire bottom edge of the home for smooth, even coverage. The System Durable coatings and careful prep for lasting results We applied pastel green as the body color, matching the soffits, front door, garage doors, and man doors to keep a clean, consistent look. The window trim, fascia, and gutters were finished in ultra-pure white for a bright, modern contrast. To ensure proper adhesion, we also primed the factory-finished gutters before painting.

Durable Shop Floor Coating in Marsing, Idaho

September 5, 2025

A high-performance floor system for a large 2,400 sq. ft. shop We recently completed a floor coating project in Marsing for a homeowner with a spacious 2,400 sq. ft. shop. With a space this large, the homeowner needed a floor that could handle heavy use, resist staining, and still look professional. They reached out to Spray ’n Coat Painting for a better-than-epoxy solution that would be durable, easy to maintain, and visually appealing. Here’s What We Did Surface Prep and Grinding: We started by diamond grinding the entire shop floor to open up the concrete and create a proper surface for adhesion. Any imperfections were repaired to ensure the coating bonded securely. Base Coat and Decorative Flake: Once the surface was prepped, we applied our industrial-grade polyurea base coat, followed by a full broadcast of our popular Keystone chip blend. This decorative flake system not only adds traction but also provides a clean, modern look that complements a wide range of shop uses. Protective Topcoat: To finish, we installed a UV-stable polyaspartic topcoat. This protective layer seals everything in, delivering long-term resistance against abrasions, chemicals, and Idaho’s extreme temperature swings, while also making the floor much easier to clean.

From DIY to Designer Finish in This Meridian Kitchen

September 5, 2025

A sleek cabinet makeover with soft-close upgrades and a professionally painted finish When this Meridian homeowner reached out, they had already attempted to repaint their kitchen cabinets on their own—but weren’t happy with how things were turning out. They knew they wanted a crisp, professional look and upgraded functionality. That’s where our cabinet refinishing team stepped in. We refinished all 16 cabinet doors and 14 drawer fronts in a rich charcoal hue, paired with new soft-close micro hinges to give the entire space a polished, high-end feel. The darker tone added contrast and elegance, creating the elevated finish they had originally envisioned. The Scope A full kitchen cabinet repaint with soft-close hardware installation This project included: 16 cabinet doors 14 drawer fronts Removal of old hinges and installation of new soft-close micro hinges All surfaces were cleaned, sanded, primed, and professionally sprayed using our factory-grade cabinet finish system for long-term durability and a beautiful satin sheen. The System A smooth, durable finish designed for everyday use We used a premium 2K waterborne polyurethane system from Gemini that cures harder and holds up better than traditional lacquer finishes. Unlike pre-cat lacquers or conversion varnishes that may yellow or crack over time, this cabinet-grade system resists chipping and stays looking new for years to come.

Installing a waterproof, non-slip system in a busy commercial kitchen in Garden City

September 5, 2025

Riverside Hotel

A durable, non-slip floor coating system for a high-traffic processing facility in Kuna

September 5, 2025

When CS Beef Packers reached out about coating specific walkways and restroom entry points in their Kuna facility, the priority was clear—improving safety and durability in areas exposed to constant foot traffic. This fast-paced industrial environment required a non-slip solution that could be installed quickly without compromising performance. We were glad to deliver a clean, safe, and long-lasting result. The Scope Strategic surface coating in hallways and entry areas This commercial floor coating project focused on two main hallway sections of approximately 100 square feet each , along with four restroom/locker room entry areas , ranging from 50–65 square feet per section. Our team completed all work in a single Saturday , carefully stopping at natural breaks in the concrete for a seamless finish that blended well with the surrounding flooring. The System Industrial-grade coating built for traction and longevity To ensure long-term adhesion and optimal performance, we followed a multi-step process designed specifically for non-slip protection in commercial environments: Surface Prep : Concrete was aggressively sanded and ground to remove all existing coatings, wax, and surface contaminants. Epoxy Primer/Base Coat : A base layer of epoxy was applied directly to the bare concrete for strong bonding and as the foundation of the system. Quartz Broadcast : We applied a full broadcast of 50/70 mesh quartz sand into the wet epoxy to create a high-traction, textured surface. Topcoat : The system was completed with a light grey epoxy topcoat for added durability, visual clarity, and easy maintenance.