Can You Paint The Inside Of Kitchen Cabinets? What to Know.

Yes, you can absolutely paint the inside of kitchen cabinets. Painting cabinet interiors is a common home improvement project that can make old cabinets look fresh and clean without needing to replace them. It’s a way to update your kitchen on a budget, giving the inside a brighter look and making it easier to keep clean.

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Why Paint Cabinet Interiors?

Deciding to paint the inside surfaces of your kitchen cabinets comes with both good points and bad points. Weighing the pros cons painting cabinet interiors helps you decide if this project is right for your home.

Good Points (Pros)

• Fresh Appearance: The inside of cabinets can get worn, dirty, or stained over time. Painting gives them a clean, new look. This makes the whole cabinet feel newer.
• Brighter Inside: A light paint color inside dark cabinets can make it easier to see what’s stored in them. No more searching in dark corners!
• Improved Hygiene: A smooth painted surface is easier to wipe clean than bare or old, rough wood. Spills and crumbs don’t stick as much.
• Budget-Friendly Update: Painting is much cheaper than buying new cabinets or even refinishing the outside professionally. It’s a low-cost way to update your kitchen’s feel.
• Personal Style: You can use a color that matches your kitchen’s style or even a fun, bright color for a pop of personality when the doors are open.
• Covers Imperfections: Paint can hide minor stains, scratches, or discoloration on the inside surfaces.

Things to Think About (Cons)

• Time and Effort: Painting cabinet interiors takes a lot of work. You have to empty everything, clean well, get the surfaces ready, paint multiple coats, and let it dry fully.
• Need for Good Prep: If you don’t get the surfaces ready the right way, the paint might not stick. It could chip or peel quickly. Prep cabinet insides for painting is key, and it takes time.
• Durability: The inside of cabinets gets a lot of use. Putting things in and taking them out can scratch the paint. The durability of painted cabinet interiors depends heavily on the type of paint used and how well it was put on.
• Smell: Paint and primer can have strong smells. You need good air flow while you work and while the paint dries.
• Getting a Smooth Finish: It can be hard to get a perfectly smooth finish, especially in the tight corners inside cabinets. Brush marks can show.

Is Painting Cabinet Interiors Right For You?

Think about these points before you start painting cabinet interiors.

• Condition of Cabinets: Are the insides just a bit dingy, or are they severely damaged? Paint works best for minor wear and tear.
• Your Skill Level: Are you comfortable with DIY projects that need careful steps like cleaning, sanding, and applying thin, even coats of paint? DIY cabinet inside painting is doable but needs patience.
• Your Budget: Painting is cheap compared to other options. If your budget is small, painting is a great choice.
• How Much Time You Have: This project isn’t quick. It can take several days, including drying time between coats.
• Your Goal: Do you want a quick refresh or a perfect, factory-like finish? Painting offers a refreshed look, but maybe not always a perfect one unless you are very skilled.

Getting Ready to Paint Cabinet Interiors

Good preparation is the most important step for successful painting. Prep cabinet insides for painting properly means the paint will stick well and last longer. Skipping steps here can lead to problems later.

Empty and Clean Everything

• Take everything out of the cabinets.
• Use a vacuum with a brush tool to get rid of loose dirt, dust, and crumbs.
• Wash the inside surfaces well. Use a cleaner that cuts through grease. A mix of dish soap and water works, or a special cabinet cleaner. Make sure to get into the corners.
• Rinse the surfaces with a clean, damp cloth to remove all soap residue.
• Let the insides dry completely before you do anything else. Water left behind can cause problems with paint sticking.

Remove Doors and Hardware

• It is much easier to paint the inside of the cabinet box and the inside of the doors separately.
• Use a screwdriver to take off all the doors.
• Label the doors and the spot they came from on the cabinet frame. This helps you put them back in the right place later. A piece of masking tape on each door and a matching piece inside the cabinet opening works well.
• Remove hinges, handles, knobs, and any other hardware from the doors and the cabinet box. Keep all screws and hardware in labeled bags or containers so you don’t lose them.

Protect Your Workspace

• Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting on the floor in front of the cabinets. Extend it out far enough to catch any drips.
• Use painter’s tape to protect edges that you don’t want to paint. This might be the front edge of the cabinet frame (if you are only painting the inside) or the wall next to the cabinets.

Sand Lightly

• Even if the inside surface looks okay, a light sanding helps the primer stick better.
• Use fine-grit sandpaper, like 150 or 220 grit.
• Rub the sandpaper gently over all the inside surfaces. The goal is not to remove the old finish completely, but to make the surface a little rough. This gives the primer something to grip onto.
• Pay attention to any rough spots or drips from the old finish. Smooth these out.

Clean Away Dust

• Sanding creates dust. You must remove all of it.
• Use a vacuum with a brush tool again to get most of the dust.
• Wipe all surfaces with a tack cloth. Tack cloths are sticky cloths that grab fine dust particles.
• Wipe again with a clean, slightly damp microfiber cloth if needed, then let it dry completely. The surface must be totally clean and dust-free before you apply primer.

Choosing the Right Products

Using the right primer and paint is crucial for achieving good results and ensuring the durability of painted cabinet interiors. Don’t skimp on quality here. This section covers the best paint for cabinet insides and the necessary primer.

Primer for Cabinet Interiors

Primer is a must-have step. It helps the paint stick, covers stains or dark colors, and provides a smooth base.

• Why Use Primer? Bare wood soaks up paint unevenly. Old finishes might not hold paint well. Primer seals the surface, blocks stains from coming through, and gives the paint a surface it can bond with tightly. It helps the final color look true.

• Types of Primer:

  • Oil-Based Primer: Very good at blocking stains and odors. It sticks well to many surfaces, including old finishes. It dries hard and sands smoothly. Cleanup needs mineral spirits. It has strong fumes, so make sure there is plenty of fresh air.
  • Water-Based (Latex) Primer: Easier to clean up with water. Dries faster than oil-based. Less smell. It works well on surfaces that have been cleaned and sanded properly. Some high-quality water-based primers can block stains almost as well as oil.
  • Shellac-Based Primer: Excellent at blocking even tough stains and odors. Dries very fast. Sticks to almost anything. Cleanup needs denatured alcohol. Strong fumes. Often used for severe stains.

• Which Primer to Choose?

  • For typical used kitchen cabinets with some minor stains or a previously finished interior, a good oil-based primer is often recommended. It offers the best stain blocking and adhesion.
  • If your cabinets are relatively clean and you want easier cleanup and less smell, a high-quality water-based stain-blocking primer can work, especially one made for cabinets or furniture.
  • If you have very severe water stains, grease stains that won’t come out, or strong lingering odors, a shellac-based primer is the best choice.

Make sure the primer you choose is suitable for interior wood surfaces.

Best Paint for Cabinet Insides

The type of paint you choose affects how the inside of your cabinets looks and how long it lasts. You need paint that is durable, easy to clean, and resists scuffs and scratches.

• Recommended Paint Types:

  • Acrylic Latex Paint: This is a very popular choice. It’s water-based, so cleanup is easy, and it has less smell than oil paint. High-quality acrylic latex paints designed for cabinets or trim dry to a very hard, durable finish that resists blocking (when surfaces stick together, like a door sticking to the frame). Look for products specifically labeled for cabinets or furniture for best results.
  • Alkyd Enamel Paint (Water-Based Alkyd): These paints are a newer type. They are water-based for easy cleanup but dry hard like traditional oil-based alkyds. They level out nicely, reducing brush marks, and offer excellent durability and resistance to blocking. They are often considered one of the best options for cabinets.
  • Oil-Based Alkyd Paint: Traditional oil-based paints are very durable and level well. However, they have strong fumes, take longer to dry, and require mineral spirits for cleanup. Due to stricter rules, many oil-based paints are less common or have changed formulas. Water-based alkyds are often preferred now.

• Recommended Finishes:

  • Satin: Offers a low sheen, which is easy to clean and helps hide minor surface imperfections. It’s more durable than flat or eggshell finishes.
  • Semi-Gloss: Provides a smooth, slightly shiny surface that is very durable and easy to wipe clean. This is a popular choice for trim and cabinets because of its hardness and cleanability.
  • Gloss: The most durable and easiest to clean, but shows every imperfection on the surface because it’s highly reflective. Might be too shiny for some people on interior surfaces.

• Choosing the Best Paint:

  • For the best balance of durability, ease of use, and cleanup, a high-quality water-based alkyd enamel or a premium acrylic latex paint specifically for cabinets is often the best choice for cabinet interiors.
  • Pick a satin or semi-gloss finish. Semi-gloss offers a bit more durability and is very easy to clean, which is good for cabinet insides where items slide in and out.

The Painting Process: How to Paint Cabinet Interiors

With the prep done and your products ready, it’s time for the fun part: painting! Follow these steps for how to paint cabinet interiors effectively. DIY cabinet inside painting requires patience, especially waiting for coats to dry.

Applying Primer

• Stir the primer well before you start.
• Use a good quality brush for corners and edges. A small foam roller or a fine-finish roller can work well for larger flat areas like the back of the cabinet or the shelves. Choose a roller size that fits easily inside the cabinet box.
• Apply a thin, even coat of primer to all inside surfaces of the cabinet box. Work from the back forward. Don’t put it on too thick, as this can cause drips and take longer to dry.
• Make sure to get primer into all the corners and edges.
• Let the primer dry completely according to the time listed on the product can. Drying times can vary greatly depending on temperature, humidity, and the type of primer. Don’t rush this step!
• Check if a second coat of primer is needed. If the original surface was very dark or stained, or if the first coat looks uneven, a second coat will give better coverage and a more uniform base for the paint. Let the first coat dry fully before applying the second.

Sanding Between Coats

• Once the primer is fully dry (and between paint coats as well), a light sanding helps create a super smooth surface.
• Use very fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit or higher).
• Lightly sand all the primed surfaces by hand. You are just trying to knock off any tiny bumps, dust nibs, or brush marks. You are not trying to remove the primer.
• After sanding, remove all the dust completely using a vacuum and tack cloth before painting. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth final finish.

Applying Paint

• Stir the paint thoroughly.
• Start with your first coat of paint. Like the primer, apply thin, even coats. Avoid putting too much paint on your brush or roller.
• Use a brush for corners and detailed areas, then use a roller for the flat surfaces to get a smoother finish and apply the paint quickly and evenly. Rollers made for smooth finishes (like foam rollers or short nap microfiber rollers) work best for cabinets.
• Paint the inside of the cabinet box first. Start at the back and work your way forward. Paint from top to bottom if possible, to catch any drips.
• Let the first coat of paint dry completely according to the instructions on the can. This is critical. Painting over paint that isn’t dry can ruin the finish. Humidity and temperature affect drying time.

Number of Coats

• Most cabinet painting projects will need two coats of paint. Sometimes, a third coat might be necessary, especially if you are making a big color change (like painting dark cabinets light) or if the first two coats don’t look perfectly smooth and even.
• Apply each coat thinly and evenly. Thick coats are more likely to drip, take forever to dry, and won’t be as hard and durable as multiple thin coats.

Drying and Curing Time

• There are two times to know: drying time and curing time.
  • Drying Time: This is the time until the paint feels dry to the touch and you can apply another coat.
  • Curing Time: This is the time until the paint reaches its full hardness and durability. This takes much longer than drying time, often several days or even a few weeks, depending on the paint type and conditions.
• While the paint might be dry to the touch in a few hours, the inside surfaces are still soft and easily damaged until the paint has cured.
• It’s best to wait as long as possible before putting items back into the cabinets, ideally several days, to avoid scuffing or sticking. Good air flow helps the paint cure faster.

Painting Inside Cabinet Doors

Don’t forget the inside of the cabinet doors! Painting inside cabinet doors follows a similar process but requires a slightly different approach since you are working on flat surfaces that you can lay down.

• After removing the doors and hardware (as in the prep steps), clean and sand the inside surfaces of the doors just like the cabinet box.
• Set up a place to paint the doors. You can lay them flat on sawhorses or a workbench covered with drop cloths. You can also use special door holders or screws in the edges to hang them. Laying them flat helps prevent drips.
• Apply primer to the inside surface of the doors. Use a small roller for the flat areas and a brush for any edges or detailed parts. Apply thin coats.
• Let the primer dry completely. Lightly sand if needed, and clean off dust.
• Apply the first coat of paint to the inside of the doors. Again, use thin, even coats. A roller works well for the main flat area.
• Let the first coat dry fully.
• Apply a second coat of paint. A third might be needed.
• Let the doors dry flat until they are completely dry to the touch before handling them.
• Let the doors cure for several days (or even a week or two if possible) in a place where they won’t be damaged before rehanging them and putting items back inside.

Refinishing Cabinet Insides vs. Painting

Sometimes people talk about refinishing cabinet insides. Refinishing usually means removing the old finish completely down to the bare wood and then applying a new clear finish like varnish or polyurethane, or sometimes a stain followed by a clear coat.

• Refinishing: This option is good if you like the look of the natural wood grain and want to protect it with a clear, very durable finish. It’s often more labor-intensive than painting because you have to strip or sand off all the old finish. The durability of a good clear coat can be very high.
• Painting: This option covers the wood grain with color. It’s good for hiding flaws in the wood or changing the color entirely. Prep involves cleaning, light sanding, and primer, which is often less work than full stripping required for refinishing. Painting offers great design flexibility.

For most people looking to update the look of old, stained cabinet interiors without replacing them, painting is a more common and often easier DIY project than a full refinish.

Ensuring Durability of Painted Cabinet Interiors

Once you’ve done all that work painting, you want the finish to last. Durability of painted cabinet interiors depends on several factors:

• Proper Surface Preparation: This is the most important thing. If the surface wasn’t clean, sanded, and primed correctly, the paint won’t stick well and will chip or peel easily.
• Quality of Primer: Using a good primer suited to the surface helps the paint bond securely.
• Quality of Paint: High-quality paints designed for cabinets or trim are made to be harder and more resistant to scratches and scuffs than regular wall paint. Choose a durable finish like satin or semi-gloss.
• Applying Thin Coats: Multiple thin coats are stronger and more durable than one or two thick coats.
• Allowing Full Curing: This is often overlooked. The paint needs time to get hard. Putting items back too soon can damage the soft paint. Wait the recommended curing time, even if the surface feels dry. Good air flow helps curing.
• Careful Use: Even with the most durable paint, sliding heavy or rough items in and out of cabinets can cause wear over time. Be reasonably careful when loading and unloading cabinets.
• Using Shelf Liners: Placing liners on the shelves can add an extra layer of protection against scratches and make cleaning even easier.

Tips for Success

Follow these extra tips for the best results with your DIY cabinet inside painting project:

• Good Lighting: Work in a well-lit area so you can see what you’re doing and catch drips or uneven spots.
• Ventilation: Open windows and use fans to keep air moving. This helps with fumes and speeds up drying/curing.
• Read the Can: Always read and follow the instructions on your specific primer and paint cans regarding surface prep, application, and drying times.
• Use Quality Tools: Good brushes and rollers make a big difference in getting a smooth finish and applying paint evenly. Cheap tools can leave brush marks or roller texture.
• Work in Sections: If you have many cabinets, don’t try to do them all at once. Work on a few at a time.
• Don’t Rush: Allow plenty of time for cleaning, prep, drying between coats, and full curing. Patience is key to a good-looking and durable result.
• Test Area: If possible, test your primer and paint on a hidden spot inside a cabinet or on the back of a door to make sure you like the look and that it sticks well.

Putting it Back Together

Once the paint has fully cured (wait as long as you can, ideally 5-7 days or even more for high-use areas), you can start putting things back.

• Carefully reattach the hinges to the doors, then attach the doors back onto the cabinet frames. Refer to the labels you made earlier.
• Adjust the hinges so the doors hang straight and close properly.
• Reattach handles and knobs.
• Wipe down the outside of the cabinets and the surrounding areas to clean up any lingering dust.
• Carefully place your items back into the cabinets. Consider using shelf liners, especially for heavy items or things that might scratch the paint.

Maintenance

Painted cabinet interiors are easier to clean than unfinished wood, but they still need care to stay looking good.

• Wipe up spills quickly, especially food or liquid spills.
• Clean the inside surfaces as needed with a mild soap and water solution on a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that could damage the paint.
• Touch up any small nicks or scratches that happen over time using your leftover paint. Keep a small amount of the paint you used specifically for touch-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to paint the inside of cabinets?

It depends on how many cabinets you have and how much time you work each day. Plan for at least 2-3 days of active work (prep, priming, painting coats) plus several days or a week for the paint to fully cure before putting things back.

Can I paint the inside of cabinets without taking the doors off?

You can, but it is much harder and the results are usually not as good. It’s very difficult to clean, sand, prime, and paint neatly inside the cabinet box with the doors in the way. It’s almost impossible to get a smooth finish on the inside of the doors while they are still attached. Taking the doors off is highly recommended for the best result.

What happens if I don’t use primer?

Skipping primer is risky. The paint might not stick well to the old surface, especially if it’s glossy or stained. Stains could bleed through the paint. The final color might look uneven. Primer makes the paint job much more durable and professional-looking.

Can I use regular wall paint on the inside of cabinets?

Regular wall paint (like standard latex) is usually not durable enough for the inside of cabinets. It can be easily scratched, scuffed, and may feel sticky (called “blocking”) when objects sit on it. It’s best to use a paint specifically designed for cabinets, furniture, or trim, which is made to be much harder and more resistant to wear.

Is it worth painting the inside of cabinets?

Many people find it is worth the effort. It makes the cabinets look much cleaner and brighter inside, makes them easier to keep clean, and updates the feel of the kitchen without the high cost of new cabinets. If your cabinets are in good shape otherwise, painting the inside is a good value.

How do I avoid brush marks?

Several things help: use high-quality paint designed to level out, use good brushes and fine-finish rollers, apply thin coats, don’t overwork the paint (brushing back and forth too much), and sand lightly between coats to remove imperfections. Water-based alkyds tend to level better than standard acrylics.

Painting the inside of kitchen cabinets is a project that requires careful steps and patience. But with the right prep, products, and process, you can give your cabinets a fresh, clean, and durable new interior that brightens your kitchen and makes finding things easier.