Martha Stewart On Painting Cabinets (Step-by-step)

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Can You Paint Kitchen Cabinets Instead of Replacing Them?

Martha Stewart’s expertise extends far beyond cooking and home décor. She has long been a trusted voice in interior design—including practical guidance on painting kitchen cabinets.

Painting your cabinets can be an excellent way to refresh your kitchen without the expense of full cabinet replacement. Depending on the size of the kitchen and the materials used, professional cabinet painting projects can range from roughly $2,000 to $20,000. Many homeowners also choose to tackle the project themselves to save money.

However, achieving professional results requires patience and careful preparation. According to industry professionals, the biggest factor in success is allowing enough time for proper prep work and drying between coats.

For homeowners who are unsure whether painting is the best option, exploring high-quality ready-to-assemble cabinets or premium cabinet collections from MDI Luxury Cabinetry may also be worth considering before beginning a major refinishing project.

Before You Begin

Before starting any cabinet painting project, it’s important to determine what material your cabinets are made from.

Cabinets constructed from wood, laminate, veneer, fiberboard, and metal can generally be repainted successfully. However, cabinets made from plastic laminate or thermofoil require specialized paints and preparation methods.

You should also measure your cabinets and decide whether you will paint just the exterior surfaces or the cabinet interiors as well. Most paint manufacturers estimate that one gallon of paint covers approximately 350 square feet of cabinet surface.

If your cabinets are structurally worn or outdated, many homeowners instead choose to upgrade to solid wood dovetail drawer cabinetry or modern Shaker cabinet collections that provide both durability and a refreshed design.

Step 1 — Choose Your Cabinet Color

Selecting the right cabinet color requires evaluating the permanent elements already in your kitchen.

Consider materials such as:

• countertops

• backsplashes

• flooring

• natural lighting

These elements all influence how cabinet colors appear in the space. South-facing kitchens typically receive warmer light, allowing for a wider range of colors. North-facing kitchens tend to receive cooler light, which can make certain shades appear duller.

Many homeowners today prefer timeless cabinet styles like Shaker-style kitchen cabinets because they work well with both painted finishes and natural wood tones.

Step 2 — Clean the Cabinets Thoroughly

Use a degreasing cleaner and a cloth to thoroughly wipe down your cabinets.

Cabinets accumulate grease, oils, dust, and residue from everyday cooking. If oil residue remains on the surface, water-based paints will struggle to adhere properly.

A completely clean surface is critical for achieving a smooth and durable painted finish.

Step 3 — Remove Cabinet Doors and Drawers

Empty your cabinets and remove all doors and drawers before painting.

Label each door with numbered tape or sticky notes so you can reinstall them correctly later. It’s also helpful to mark the cabinet location (for example: “above dishwasher”) to make reinstallation easier.

After removing the doors, vacuum the workspace to eliminate dust that could interfere with paint adhesion.

Step 4 — Remove Hardware

Remove all cabinet hardware including hinges, knobs, and pulls.

Place each set of hardware in a small labeled bag corresponding to its cabinet door. Painting cabinets with hardware still attached can cause paint buildup around hinges and hardware edges.

Many homeowners also take this opportunity to upgrade their cabinet hardware when refreshing their kitchen design.

Step 5 — Protect Surrounding Surfaces

Before painting, protect all surrounding areas using painter’s tape and drop cloths.

Cover:

• sinks

• appliances

• countertops

• flooring

Proper protection prevents paint spills and overspray from damaging finished surfaces.

Step 6 — Sand the Cabinet Surfaces

Move the cabinet doors to a ventilated space such as a garage or workshop.

Lightly sand the surfaces using fine-grit sandpaper. The goal is not to remove all existing paint or stain but to create a slightly rough surface so new paint adheres properly.

After sanding, vacuum the dust and wipe surfaces with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.

If you notice dents, chips, or old hardware holes, use wood filler to repair them before moving on to priming.

Step 7 — Prime the Cabinets

Apply a high-quality primer and allow it to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some primers require only a few hours to dry, while others may require a full day.

Many professionals lightly sand the primed surface once again to eliminate brush marks or drips and ensure a smoother final finish.

Step 8 — Apply Paint

Use a foam roller for large flat areas and a soft-bristle brush for corners and edges.

Apply thin, even coats rather than thick layers of paint. Thick coats can lead to chipping and uneven finishes over time.

Most professionals recommend painting doors first, followed by drawer fronts and cabinet frames.

Allow at least 24 hours of drying time between coats in a well-ventilated area.

Step 9 — Reassemble the Cabinets

Once the paint has fully cured for one to two days, reinstall your cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware.

With careful preparation and patience, you can achieve a polished painted finish similar to what professionals produce.

That’s the Martha Stewart approach to cabinet painting.

When Painting Isn’t the Best Option

While painting cabinets can refresh a kitchen, it isn’t always the ideal long-term solution—especially if cabinets are already worn or poorly constructed.

In those cases, homeowners often choose to upgrade to solid wood cabinet collections or premium RTA kitchen cabinets from MDI Luxury Cabinetry, which offer stronger construction, modern finishes, and longer-lasting durability.style!

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