The Complete Guide to Painting Brown Cabinets White

If your kitchen feels dull and dated, painting over those brown cabinets can make a dramatic difference without the high cost of a full remodel. Read on to learn everything you need to know to take on this budget-friendly DIY project.

Transforming the look of your kitchen by painting tired oak or mahogany cabinets a fresh white provides an instant facelift that really opens up the space. While certainly more labor intensive than just calling in the professionals, tackling the cabinet painting yourself means big savings.

Materials You'll Need to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Before diving in, gather the necessary supplies to ensure your paint job lasts. Having the right painting products makes all the difference in getting a smooth, durable finish.

Paint and Primer

Choose a high-quality latex or acrylic enamel paint in a semi-gloss or satin sheen. Latex paints are preferred over oil-based for their adhesion and ease of touch-ups. For primer, use a bonding primer specifically formulated for slick surfaces, like Kilz Adhesion Primer. The primer helps the new paint stick to the existing finish.

Sandpaper, Brushes, Rollers and More

Collect an assortment of 220-grit sandpaper, angled trim brushes, roller, paint tray, painters tape, and wood filler. Don't forget drop cloths or tarps to protect your floors either. Having all supplies on hand before starting will make the process go faster.

Prepping and Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets for Painting

Proper prep is crucial for getting the smooth, professional results you want from your painted cabinets. Make sure to thoroughly clean and scuff sand the wood prior to adding primer and paint. Take doors, drawers and hardware off to paint separately.

Deep Clean Cabinets and Remove Grease Buildup

Give cabinets a good wipe down using a degreasing cleaner like TSP substitute to cut through dirt and oils. If doors have a glossy laminate finish, lightly scuff them with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface so paint can adhere properly.

Clean out the inside of cabinets and drawers as well. Remove all shelving, runners and lining paper or shelf covers. Patch any holes or imperfections with wood filler.

Take Doors and Hardware Off For Easier Painting

Removing doors makes painting easier by allowing you to fully coat the door fronts and edges. Label each door and hinge to ensure proper reinstallation. Set screws aside in a labeled bag. Taking doors outside to paint cuts down on overwhelming paint fumes.

Use Bonding Primer Before Painting Cabinets for Best Results

Priming is an essential first step, allowing the new paint to properly bond with the slick laminate surfaces. Using a high-adhesion primer like Kilz will help the fresh paint stick like a magnet instead of sliding off.

Thoroughly stir the primer before using and apply a thin, even coat with a good quality brush. Make sure to get into the grooves. Let the primer dry fully before adding your topcoat of cabinet paint.

Painting Cabinets for a Flawless Finish

With your prep work completed, you're ready to revamp those cabinets with a fresh painted finish. Use a short-bristled roller and angled sash brush to reach the grooves and maintain full coverage.

Apply Multiple Thin Coats for Best Results

Paint cabinet boxes and doors using a short nap roller and angled sash brush, applying thin coats. Thick paint will drip and run. Allow ample drying time between coats according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly sanding between coats gives a super smooth finish.

We recommend three to four thin coats for full coverage and an even look. The extra coats really seal the deal for a durable, lasting finish that looks professionally painted.

Reinstall and Admire Your Fresh New White Cabinets

Once the doors and cabinets are fully cured, dry and ready for use, reinstall the hardware and hang doors. Stand back and admire your budget-friendly kitchen transformation. The crisp white paint adds a light, bright update to dark wood cabinetry in just a weekend.

Protecting Your Painted Cabinets

To protect your time and effort and keep your cabinets looking like new, add a clear sealer as the final step. Water-based polyurethane works well to seal the paint and add extra protection from moisture, grease, wear and tear.

Apply two to three thin coats of poly, allowing drying time between coats, for a long-lasting sealant. Maintain your painted cabinets by promptly wiping up spills and spot touching up paint as needed over time.

While painted cabinets won't have the same level of visible wood grain and richness as stain, the painted finish offers several advantages. Painting goes on faster without having to strip existing stain or varnish.

It allows you to easily make a major color change. Fresh white painted cabinets make small, dark spaces appear larger and brighter. Though paint can chip or scratch over time, proper prep and primer help it be quite durable.

Overall, painting your outdated oak or mahogany cabinets white provides a like-new look that makes your entire kitchen feel refreshed. For a budget makeover that transforms the space, painting your brown cabinets is hard to beat.