Remove everything:

Empty the cabinets and take off all doors, drawers, and hardware.

Label everything:

Use painter's tape to number the back of each door, drawer, and hinge so you know exactly where they go back. Store hardware in labeled bags.

Cut through grime:

Kitchen cabinets are covered in cooking grease and oils. Clean all surfaces thoroughly using a degreaser or a heavy-duty dish soap (like Dawn) and a scouring pad.

Rinse and dry:

Wipe everything down with a damp cloth to remove soap residue and allow it to dry completely.

Sand for adhesion:

Use 150–220 grit sandpaper or a sanding block to scuff sand all surfaces. You don't need to sand down to bare wood; you just want to remove the shiny topcoat so the primer can grip.

Wipe away dust:

Vacuum or wipe down the cabinets with a microfiber cloth and a tack cloth to remove all sanding dust.

Apply a high-quality primer:

Such as Cloverdale Paint 0830 Acrylic Bonding Primer. Don't skip this step! Use a bonding primer to seal the wood and prevent stains or wood tannins from bleeding through.

Technique:

Cut in the corners and detailed grooves with an angled brush, then roll the flat surfaces with a 3/8-inch nap microfiber mini roller. Let it dry completely.

Choose the right paint:

Opt for a high-quality, water-based acrylic enamel in a semi-gloss or satin finish. These finishes are durable and easy to wipe down.

Apply thin coats:

Apply at least two coats of paint, using the brush-and-roll method. If painting both sides of cabinet doors, make sure the first side is fully cured (minimum 24 hours) before flipping them to paint the other.

Sand between coats:

Lightly scuff the surface with 220-grit sandpaper between coats for a flawless finish.

Let the paint cure:

Paint feels dry to the touch quickly, but it cures from the inside out. Wait 5 to 7 days before heavy use to prevent chipping.

Reattach:

Reinstall doors and drawer hardware to instantly upgrade your kitchen.