How to Paint the Inside of Your Kitchen Cabinets for a Fresh, Clean Look

Whether it’s a personal preference or a practical choice, painting the inside of your kitchen cabinets can transform the way your kitchen looks and feels. But how do you go about it? This is a question many homeowners overlook. 

A freshly painted interior refreshes worn cabinet interiors, creates a cleaner look, and enhances the overall kitchen appeal, which makes painting your kitchen cabinets a smart investment. 

Beyond the visual improvements it also adds a layer of protection against everyday wear and tear and makes maintenance easier. 

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to paint the inside of your kitchen cabinets step by step, covering everything from preparation to paint selection and expert techniques for a polished finish. 

Should I paint the inside of my kitchen cabinets?

Maybe you just painted the exterior of your cabinets and want the interior to have a tidy, uniform look. Or perhaps you have glass-front cabinet doors and want to add color, create design interest, or achieve a consistent appearance. 

Either way, you should consider painting the inside of your kitchen cabinets if: 

• Worn or outdated interiors: Over time, cabinet interiors may show signs of wear, stains, or discoloration.  

• Dark interiors: Lighter colors inside cabinets can make them feel more open and cleaner. 

• Kitchen updates: If you’re repainting the cabinet exteriors, matching or complementing the inside ensures a cohesive finish and appearance 

If your cabinets are new or have a durable factory finish, painting may not be necessary. However, whatever your goals, when it comes to painting inside kitchen cabinets, consider these important tips. 

Painting your cabinets yourself can be difficult to get right, due to the awkward angles and shape of the interior spaces you will need to reach. 

It is also very time-consuming and can take roughly twice as long as painting the exterior. 

Finally, there’s a chance of paint chipping over time and the chipped paint getting inside your cookware and dishes. 

RELATED: How to Clean Painted Kitchen Cabinets: Expert Tips for a Spotless Kitchen 

DIY house painting can be a challenge. If you want a durable, high-quality finish without the hassle, hiring professional cabinet painters ensures precision, efficiency, and long-lasting results. 

What color should you paint the inside of your kitchen cabinets?

• White painted kitchens are stylish and timeless. They create a bright and clean look. 

• Matching or contrasting colors can add a stylish, custom touch. Deep blues are a popular choice. 

• If you have different color kitchen cabinets, you might choose to match or contrast the interior for a cohesive or bold design statement. 

Paint your kitchen cabinets a color—trendy or classic—that you’ll love for years to come. 

How to paint the inside of Your kitchen cabinets step-by-step

The best way to paint the inside of kitchen cabinets is by following the 8 steps outlined below. This will yield the best results. 

Step 1: Preparation

• Clean and degrease surfaces using a degreaser to remove grime and ensure proper paint adhesion. 

• Lightly sand the interior to help the primer and paint stick better. 

• Use painter’s tape to protect areas that won’t be painted, such as hinges and edges. 

• Cover countertops and floors with plastic sheets or paper to protect them from paint splatters. 

Step 2: Remove Doors and Hardware

• Start by removing all doors and hardware (hinges can be left on but covered). 

• Place a drop cloth over the floor or countertops to protect your workspace. 

• Use a screwdriver or a drill to remove the doors from their hinges. 

• Place the doors and hardware away from your workspace to ensure you don’t drip paint on them. 

Step 3: Clean and Prep

• Remove all the items from inside your kitchen cabinets. 

• Clean the inside of the cabinets thoroughly with warm soapy water and damp rags. Use a degreaser if your cabinets are old to remove set-in oil and grease. Let air dry. 

• Sand the surfaces if the inside of the cabinet was previously painted or finished with a high-sheen product. Use medium (180 to 220) grit sandpaper to dull wood or laminate surfaces. 

• Vacuum up sanding debris and wipe the inside of the cabinets down with damp rags or a microfiber cloth. 

Step 4: Masking Off

Apply painter’s tape along the inside walls of the cabinet to protect unpainted areas. 

Step 5: Priming

• Why use primer? It ensures even coverage, blocks stains, and improves paint adhesion. 

• Choose the right primer — for stained or dark cabinets, use a high-quality bonding primer. 

Step 6: Painting

• Use a 2-inch brush to carefully edge around the cabinets. 

• Apply paint in thin, even coats with a brush for edges and a small roller for surfaces. 

• Use high-quality interior paint (see Step 2) for a premium finish. 

• Consider a paint sprayer for efficiency, keeping in mind that proper ventilation is necessary. 

• Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows while painting inside cabinets. 

• Remove tape before the paint is fully dry to prevent peeling. 

Step 7: Let Dry and Apply a Second Coat

• Check the recoat time on the back of the paint can. Some paints can take hours (even up to 24 hours) to completely dry depending on humidity and temperature. 

• Apply a second coat following the same method as the first. 

Step 8: Allow Kitchen Cabinets to Cure

• Cure time (dry time) is essential before reassembling cabinets and placing items inside. Some paints take up to three to five days to cure fully. 

• Wait until the cabinets have fully cured before placing anything inside to prevent damage of blocking to the freshly painted surfaces. 

Common Questions About Painting Inside Kitchen Cabinets

Do Professional Painters Usually Paint the Inside of Kitchen Cabinets?

Some professionals do, while others skip it unless requested by the customer. It depends on the project and budget. Professionals know to use the exact paint with a durable finish for cabinets, doors and trims. 

Should I hire a professional painter or paint my cabinets myself?

Homeowners love a good DIY project to save money, but hiring a professional cabinet painter ensures that the vision you have for your completed project is achieved. 

Also, professional painters have the tools and experience to complete the job in a shorter amount of time and achieve a professional, long-lasting finish. 

In addition, the team at George Apap Painting offers carpentry services for any project where wood, cabinets or trim have sustained water damage (resulting in unhealthy mold or mildew).  

Is it worth painting the inside of my cabinets?

Painting the inside of your kitchen cabinets can freshen up old cabinets and create a design component for your kitchen. It also gives a consistent appearance to the cabinets. 

How do I know if the paint on my cabinets is lead-based paint?

If your home was built before 1978, there may be lead-based paint in your home or cabinets. Click here to read more about how to identify lead paint in your home and what to do about it. 

Enhance your kitchen with a cabinet interior refresh

Painting the inside of kitchen cabinets is a rewarding project that enhances the look and longevity of your cabinetry while removing old grease and grim. Whether you’re tackling it yourself or hiring a professional, a fresh coat of paint can make a big impact. 

It is an easy, cost-effective way to update your kitchen! For a flawless finish that is long-lasting, consider consulting a professional painting service to achieve expert results. 

Our professional painters have decades of experience. And, our craftsman carpenters can replace or repair any damaged wood, ensuring your cabinets will last longer once they are painted (we don’t want you to throw good money after bad)! Either way, you’ll fall in love with your cabinets all over again. We can help! Contact us today.