Painting the inside of kitchen cabinets can update their look and protect the wood from stains, splatters and wear. But is it necessary? Here is an in-depth guide on whether you should paint the inside of kitchen cabinets and how to do it right.
Should You Paint the Inside of Kitchen Cabinets?
When renovating your kitchen, you have two options for the inside of the cabinets:
Keep the Natural Wood Finish
Many homeowners prefer to keep the natural wood grain visible inside their cabinets. Reasons to avoid painting the interiors include:
- Showcases the natural beauty of the wood. Oak, cherry and maple have an attractive grain.
- Allows you to see the quality construction. Higher end cabinets often feature furniture-grade plywood interiors.
- Provides a nice contrast with a painted exterior. The wood interior can complement colored cabinet boxes.
- Requires less preparation work. You don’t need to sand, prime and paint the inside surfaces.
However, there are a few downsides to leaving the interiors natural:
- Exposes the wood to potential damage from moisture and spills. Paint provides an extra layer of protection.
- Can show dirt, grease buildup and signs of wear over time. Light interiors reflect more light.
- Allows stains to sink into the wood grain. Painted surfaces can be wiped clean more easily.
- Provides fewer color options. Natural wood limits the palette for the overall kitchen.
So if your cabinets have high-quality wood interiors in good condition, keeping them natural can be a good option. But for many homeowners, the benefits of painting them outweigh the downsides.
Paint for a Fresh, Clean Look
There are several advantages to painting the inside of kitchen cabinets:
- Allows you to match the cabinet interiors to the exterior color for a cohesive, seamless look.
- Light colors reflect more light for better visibility. White or off-white interiors make contents easier to see.
- Provides a clean, fresh backdrop for storage items. Food and supplies will stand out against a light background.
- Covers up any existing stains, grease buildup or signs of wear from previous use.
- Seals and protects the wood from new moisture damage, spills and stains.
- Easier to wipe down and clean over time. Painted surfaces resist grime better than raw wood.
- More affordable than replacing old cabinets. A coat of paint rejuvenates them inexpensively.
So if your cabinet interiors are damaged, stained or showing signs of wear, painting them can give your kitchen a clean slate. The light, updated look will make the contents “pop”.
Prepping Cabinets for Painting Inside
Proper prep work ensures the new paint will adhere well and provide long-lasting protection:
Remove Shelves and Hardware
The first step is to empty out the cabinets and remove all shelves, drawers and hardware (knobs or pulls). Set the hardware aside in a bag so it can be reattached later.
Numbering the cabinet doors, shelves and drawers with painter’s tape will help keep them organized. Take photos of the empty cabinets if needed to help with reassembly.
Clean Surfaces Thoroughly
Use a degreasing cleaner/deglosser on all interior surfaces to cut through grease and grime. Scrub with an abrasive sponge.
For hard water deposits or soap scum, use a citrus cleaner or white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely before sanding or priming.
Sand Lightly to Roughen Surfaces
Use 150-220 grit sandpaper to scuff up the existing finish. This helps the primer and new paint bond tightly.
Sand exposed wood, laminate or melamine interiors lightly. Don’t sand all the way down to bare wood. Just a light scuffing to rough up glossy areas.
Fill Any Holes or Imperfections
Examine the surfaces and use a wood filler compound to patch any holes, gouges or scratches in the cabinet interiors. Let dry completely.
Sand smooth when dry before priming and painting. Taking care of repairs now prevents flaws showing through the new paint job.
Apply Primer
A high-quality primer creates a uniform surface for the topcoats of paint. For painted cabinets, use a bonding primer made for laminates.
For natural wood, choose an oil-based wood primer. This seals the wood grain and provides maximum stain blocking.
Apply primer to all interior surfaces – sides, backs, floors, shelves, doors and inside drawers. Follow the product directions closely.
Let Primer Dry
Allow the primer coat to dry thoroughly before painting. Drying times vary based on humidity. Consult the primer directions.
Low humidity can speed up drying time. High humidity or cool temperatures may prolong it. But allowing the primer to cure properly is crucial.
Once primed, the kitchen cabinets are ready for painting the interiors!
Painting Inside Kitchen Cabinets
Painting the cabinet interiors well takes some care and attention to detail but is very doable as a DIY project. Here are some tips for success:
Choose the Right Paint
For painting inside cabinets, an alkyd/oil-based enamel paint is ideal. It flows out smoothly, dries hard and provides a durable finish that stands up well to moisture, grease and cleaning.
Semi-gloss is the most common sheen. It resists staining while minimizing glare and reflections.
Opt for bright white or an off-white to keep the interiors looking light and clean. If matching the exterior color, get paint samples to test.
Ventilate the Space
Painting indoors requires good airflow to ventilate the paint fumes. Open windows and use box fans in doorways to keep air circulating. Consider wearing a respirator mask as well.
Use Proper Brush/Roller
Choose a high-quality nylon/polyester brush designed for painting cabinets and trim. A 2-1/2” angle-sash brush works well.
Mini foam rollers also come in handy for larger flat areas like cabinet sides and floors. Buy quality roller covers and prep them by “dry rolling” before use.
Work Methodically
Paint the cabinet interiors systematically to avoid missing any spots. Start with the upper cabinets, then base cabinets. Paint shelves separately after the boxes are done.
Paint sides and cabinet floors first. Use a small roller for large flat areas. Then use the trim brush for corners and edges.
Paint doors next, doing the door frames before the recessed centers. Lay them flat over sawhorses for best results.
Finally, paint the insides of drawers. Remove drawer slides first if needed.
Inspect Between Coats
Allow each coat to dry fully, then inspect before adding another coat. Touch up any thin spots or drips.
Two to three coats may be needed for full, even coverage and the smoothest finish. Sand lightly between coats if needed to smooth drips or texture.
Reinstall Hardware/Shelves
Once the final coat has cured fully, carefully reinstall the shelves, drawers and hardware. Refer back to photos or numbering system if needed.
Enjoy your fresh, like-new kitchen cabinets! Taking the time to properly paint the interiors provides a clean backdrop and protects the wood for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Inside Kitchen Cabinets
Many homeowners have additional questions about painting the inside of their kitchen cabinets. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
Should I use a sprayer instead of a brush/roller?
Spraying allows for a smooth, even coat but has some downsides for cabinet interiors. It’s messier and harder to control. Without a spray booth, paint drift can coat countertops and floors. And spraying releases more fumes into your home. Brushing often gives better results for inside cabinets.
How do I paint cabinets without taking doors off?
It is possible to paint cabinet interiors without removing the doors, but it is much more difficult. To minimize touch-ups later, take doors/drawers off to paint separately. Removing them allows you to fully see and easily reach all interior surfaces.
Can I use latex paint instead of oil-based?
Latex acrylic paints don’t adhere or harden as well on cabinet interiors. The surfaces need a tough, durable finish to withstand cleaning, moisture and wear and tear. Oil-based enamel paints provide superior results.
Should I paint the underside of shelves?
Yes, to protect from drips, spills and humidity over time, paint the undersides of cabinet shelves along with all other interior surfaces. Use a small trim roller or tapered paintbrush to reach these areas.
How long does it take for cabinet paint to cure?
Oil-based cabinet paint cures slowly as the solvents evaporate. It takes 5-7 days to fully harden and 30 days to reach maximum hardness and durability. Handle doors gently and avoid heavy cleaning during this period.
Can I paint just part of the cabinet interiors?
For the best results, paint all interior surfaces, not just some. Spot painting the existing finish can allow stains to bleed through over time. And it may not blend seamlessly with the old color. Fully painting the insides provides maximum durability.
Conclusion
Painting the inside of kitchen cabinets provides a fresh, light backdrop for cabinet contents and better protects the wood surfaces. But to do it right, proper preparation and application are key. By cleaning, sanding, priming and painting systematically with quality materials, you can achieve professional-looking results. While the process takes some work, it can give worn cabinets new life at only a fraction of replacement cost. Just be sure to allow adequate dry time for each stage before moving on. With some patience and attention to detail, you can renew your kitchen with long-lasting interiors that keep contents clearly visible and protected from wear.