Cabinet painting takes 3-5 days and transforms a kitchen without the cost of replacement. Here's exactly what happens from start to finish.
Day 1: Removal and Prep
We remove all doors, drawers, and hardware. Label each piece so they go back in exactly the right location. All hardware holes get filled if hardware is changing (or hardware positions stay if keeping the same). Surfaces get sanded with 120 grit to scuff the existing finish and create adhesion. Grain filler is applied to open-grain woods (oak, ash, hickory) — this is the step most DIYers and cheaper contractors skip, and it's why their results look amateur. Without grain filler, wood grain telegraphs through paint at a gloss level.
Day 2: Prime and First Coat
After grain filler dries and is sanded smooth (180 grit), we apply an oil-based bonding primer. This is the critical adhesion layer that makes the topcoat stick for years rather than peeling within a year. Doors are sprayed flat (on horses in the garage or workspace). Boxes are sprayed in place with careful masking of the interior. First topcoat of semi-gloss or gloss in the chosen color. We use Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane or Benjamin Moore Advance for cabinet topcoats — both are harder than standard wall paint.
Day 3-4: Second Coat and Reassembly
After proper dry time (minimum 24 hours for Advance, 4-6 hours for Emerald Urethane), we lightly sand with 320 grit to knock down any dust nibs, then apply the second topcoat. Hardware is reinstalled. Doors are hung and adjusted for alignment. Full walkthrough with the homeowner before we pack up.
What Cabinet Painting Cannot Fix
Cabinet painting cannot: fix doors that are warped or split, repair damaged box structure (water damage, delamination), or update the cabinet style/door profile. If your cabinets have damaged structure or you want a completely different door style, painting won't solve those problems. But if the bones are good and you want a different color, fresh hardware, and a modern finish — painting is the right call at a fraction of replacement cost.
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