How to paint kitchen cabinets

Difficulty Intermediate Time 4-6 hours Materials $63–$117 Steps 5
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Intermediate4-6 hours
Ensure proper ventilation and use a mask when sanding.
Do it yourself
$63–$117
parts & materials, about 4-6 hours of your time
Hire a pro
$800–$1,280
typical all-in price
Doing it yourself could save roughly $683
Rough estimates for guidance only — actual costs vary by job, materials and local prices. Get real quotes.

Tools you'll need

PaintbrushRollerSandpaperPaint trayScrewdriverDrop clothMasking tape

Parts & materials

Cabinet paint
Typically need: 1-2 gallons
$30-$50
per gallon
Primer
Typically need: 1 gallon
$15-$30
per gallon
Sandpaper (120-220 grit)
Typically need: 1 pack
$5-$10
per pack
Masking tape
Typically need: 1 roll
$3-$7
per roll
Drop cloth
Typically need: 1
$10-$20
per each

Estimated materials total: $63–$117. Prices vary by region and retailer.

Step by step

  1. 1 Remove cabinet doors and hardware Use a screwdriver to take off cabinet doors and any hardware like knobs or handles. 30 min Screwdriver
  2. 2 Clean and sand surfaces Thoroughly clean the cabinet surfaces and sand them lightly to ensure proper paint adhesion. 1-2 hours Sandpaper Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust.
  3. 3 Apply primer Using a brush or roller, apply a coat of primer to all surfaces. Allow it to dry as per the manufacturer's instructions. 1 hour PaintbrushRollerPaint tray
  4. 4 Paint cabinet surfaces Once the primer is dry, apply the first coat of cabinet paint. Allow it to dry completely before applying a second coat. 1-2 hours PaintbrushRollerPaint tray
  5. 5 Reattach doors and hardware Once the paint is fully dry, reattach the cabinet doors and hardware. 30 min Screwdriver

Permits, safety & disposal

Safety rules
  • Ensure proper ventilation when painting.
  • Use lead-safe practices if your home was built before 1978.
  • Wear a mask when sanding to avoid inhaling dust.
Legal disposal
  • Dispose of old paint and solvents at your local household hazardous waste facility.
Check locally

Confirm local disposal rules with Naperville's waste management department.

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This guide is AI-generated for general help and may not fit your exact situation. Know your limits — when in doubt, hire a licensed pro.

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