Painting unfinished cabinets is like giving old furniture a brand-new life. Instead of buying new cabinets, you can save money and create a beautiful look with just a little work. In this article, you’ll learn how to prep, paint, and protect your cabinets the right way. We’ll also share helpful tips from our cabinet painting services team and show you how using a 2-in-1 paint and primer can make the job even easier. Ready to turn plain wood into something stunning? Let’s get started!

Why Painting Unfinished Cabinets Is a Smart Choice

Painting unfinished cabinets is a smart way to save money and still get a kitchen or bathroom that looks amazing. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on brand-new cabinets, you can spend a lot less by painting what you already have.

Plus, painting gives you the freedom to pick any color you want! You can match your walls, your floors, or just pick a fun color you love. A fresh coat of paint also adds value to your home, making it look cleaner, newer, and more welcoming.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you dive into painting, it’s smart to gather all your supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
• Degreaser or cabinet cleaner to scrub away dirt
• Painter’s tape to protect the walls and edges
• Drop cloths to cover the floors
• Primer (or you can use a 2-in-1 paint and primer)
• High-quality brushes and rollers
• Safety gear like gloves and a mask for sanding dust

Having everything ready will make the job smoother and way less stressful.

How to Prep Unfinished Cabinets for Painting

Prep work is the secret to a stunning paint job. Here’s what to do:

1. Clean the cabinets. Use a degreaser to wipe off oils, dust, and fingerprints.
2. Sand the wood. Lightly sand every surface to make it smooth and help the primer stick.
3. Fill in holes or cracks. Use wood filler if you see any dents or tiny gaps.
4. Wipe again. After sanding, wipe everything clean with a damp cloth.
5. Tape off the area. Protect walls, floors, and anything you don’t want painted.

If you’re not sure you want to DIY all this, remember that cabinet painting services are always an option for a perfect finish.

Should You Remove Cabinet Doors Before Painting?

Removing the doors and drawers makes painting a lot easier and cleaner. Here’s why it helps:

• You can paint every edge and corner evenly.
• No drips from painting around hinges.
• You avoid painting cabinet frames with the doors in the way.

Tip: Label each door and its hardware using painter’s tape. That way, putting everything back will be super simple. If you want your cabinets to look extra smooth and professional after painting, choosing the right interior paint finish can make a big difference, too.

Should You Spray or Brush Unfinished Cabinets?

Both spraying and brushing can make your cabinets look beautiful, but they work a little differently.

• Spraying gives you a super-smooth, professional-looking finish with no brush marks. But it takes more setup, equipment, and practice to get it right. If you want a factory-like finish, you might consider looking into professional cabinet painting services.
• Brushing and rolling are easier for beginners. It’s also better if you don’t have a big space to work in or can’t cover everything with plastic sheets.

If you’re doing it yourself for the first time, brushing might be the way to go. Just remember to use long, even strokes and don’t rush!

How to Apply Paint for a Professional Finish

Painting unfinished cabinets isn’t just about slapping on color, it’s about using the right steps to get a long-lasting finish. Picking the best interior paint finish can also help your cabinets stay beautiful and strong over time.

1. Start with a light first coat. Don’t worry if it looks thin, you’ll build it up.
2. Let it dry completely before the second coat. Drying times matter!
3. Apply the second (and third) coats in thin, even layers.
4. Use a brush for corners and a small roller for big, flat surfaces.
5. Keep your strokes smooth and always paint in the direction of the wood grain.

If you’re wondering about dry times between coats, you can check tips in our post on how long interior paint takes to dry.

Do You Need to Sand Between Coats of Paint?

It may sound like extra work, but light sanding between coats gives you a smoother, professional-looking finish. Taking time to use quality tools and materials matters too; you can learn more about it in our guide on why interior paint can be expensive.

• Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit).
• Sand very gently after each coat dries.
• Wipe away dust with a clean cloth before applying the next coat.

It’s a small step that makes a big difference in how polished your cabinets look.

How to Clean Cabinets Before Painting

Cleaning is one step you don’t want to skip! Dirt, grease, and even tiny dust bits can mess up your paint job.

• Use a gentle degreaser or wood cleaner to scrub the surface.
• Don’t soak the cabinets. Just a damp cloth is enough, too much water can hurt the wood.
• Let the cabinets dry fully before sanding or priming.

Cleaning makes sure your primer and paint stick properly, which means your new cabinets will look great and last longer!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Cabinets

Painting cabinets sounds simple, but a few mistakes can ruin your hard work. Here’s what you should watch out for:

• Skipping the sanding step. Even unfinished wood needs a quick sanding for a smooth surface.
• Not using a primer. Without primer, the paint might peel or soak unevenly.
• Applying paint too thick. Thick layers drip and dry badly. Thin, even coats work best.
• Rushing the drying time. Let each coat dry fully before adding another.

Skipping steps to save time can lead to a mess, and it can make your project way more expensive. (Remember, a quick fix isn’t as easy as it sounds!)

How Long Should You Wait Before Using Painted Cabinets?

Patience is key. Even if the paint feels dry to the touch, it’s not fully “cured” yet.

• Dry to touch: About 1–2 hours, depending on the paint.
• Ready for light use: After 24–48 hours.
• Fully cured and strong: About 21–30 days.

During the first few days, handle cabinets gently and avoid heavy wiping or scrubbing. Waiting allows the paint to harden properly, so your beautiful work doesn’t chip or scratch easily. This is just like waiting for interior wall paint to cure, which we explain in how long does interior paint take to dry.

FAQs About Painting Unfinished Cabinets

Can I skip primer if I’m using paint-and-primer in one?
If you’re using a 2-in-1 paint and primer, you can sometimes skip separate priming. But bare wood still benefits from a special primer for the best finish.

What type of paint is best for cabinets?
Use a durable latex or enamel paint made for cabinets and trim. It resists scratches and stains better than regular wall paint.

Should I remove the doors before painting?
Yes! Removing doors and hardware makes it easier to paint evenly and avoid drips.

Final Thoughts: Transform Your Space with Painted Cabinets

Painting unfinished cabinets might feel like a big project at first, but when you break it down step-by-step, it’s not so hard. A little patience, the right tools, and careful prep work can turn plain, boring cabinets into something that looks brand-new.

Remember: clean first, sand well, use thin coats, and let everything dry properly. Those small things make a huge difference. And if you ever want extra help making your cabinets look truly professional, you can always count on Green Summit’s cabinet painting services to get the job done beautifully.

Small changes like this can make your whole kitchen or bathroom feel fresh, bright, and full of life again!