7 Common Mistakes When Painting Kitchen Cabinets (and How to Avoid Them)
Are you staring at your kitchen, wondering if it’s time for a refresh? But then your budget pipes up: “we cannot afford a full kitchen renovation.” Don’t panic! Painting your cabinets is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to transform your space.
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: Avoid These 7 Common Mistakes
Whether you’re repainting painted kitchen cabinets or tackling your cupboards for the very first time, the secret to a durable, professional finish comes down to three things: preparation, paint choice, and technique.
Here’s the thing: a lot of DIY projects go sideways because the crucial steps such as sanding, priming, or allowing enough drying time, get skipped. That “she’ll be right, let’s just slap it on” method usually ends in peeling paint, streaky finishes, or kitchen cupboards that don’t stand the test of time.
If you’re truly committed to doing it yourself, don’t throw your hard-earned cash down the drain. Let us, as your friendly kitchen cabinet painting experts, walk you through the seven most common mistakes people make when painting kitchen cabinets and how you can avoid them.
Mistake #1: Expecting a Factory Finish from DIY Painting
We get it! Everyone wants that smooth, showroom finish when painting their kitchen cabinets. But here’s the truth: painting cabinetry is a specialty trade. It’s about knowing which primers suit which surfaces (timber, laminate, MDF), choosing the right paint finish (gloss, satin, matte), and applying it with the right techniques.
If it was easy, we’d be out of business!
Certain materials, like open-grain timber doors, will always show a bit of texture, even with premium kitchen cabinet paint. So if your expectation is a perfect “factory finish,” hiring professionals to repaint your kitchen cabinets may be your best option.
Pro tip: Sometimes it’s cheaper (and smarter) to replace just the cabinet and cupboard doors. To explore if you should paint or replace your kitchen cabinets, take a peek at what’s the right choice.
Note: You can buy raw doors and have them professionally painted saving money while still upgrading your whole kitchen look.
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Paint for Your Cabinets
This is where many DIY painters trip up. Standard wall paint won’t cut it, it simply can’t handle the constant use, moisture, and heat of a kitchen.
For best results, use kitchen cabinet paint or kitchen cupboard paint specifically designed for joinery and furniture. These paints are tougher, give smoother coverage, and last much longer.
Tip: Always match the paint type to your material whether you’re painting timber, MDF, or laminate cupboards.
Mistake #3: Skipping the Sanding Step
If you’re thinking, “Nah, I’ll skip sanding,” think again. Sanding is non-negotiable when repainting painted cabinets or painting raw cupboards.
A quick sand with medium-grit paper creates a smooth base and helps the paint grip. Without it, the paint is more likely to chip, flake, or wear unevenly.
Mistake #4: Painting Over Dirty or Greasy Cabinets
Let’s be real, kitchens collect grease, dust, and cooking residue. And paint will not stick to a greasy cupboard door.
Before you even think about dipping a brush, make sure to:
- Vacuum or dust the surfaces
- Use a degreaser to cut through oil build-up
- Wipe everything down with a damp cloth
Tip: Clean cupboards = a smoother, longer-lasting paint finish.
Mistake #5: Skipping Primer
Feeling tempted to skip primer and jump straight into colour? DON’T.
Primer is your best friend when painting your kitchen cupboards. It evens out the surface, helps paint stick, and makes the finish last. If you’re repainting painted kitchen cabinets, primer also stops old colours from showing through.
Think of primer as the insurance policy for your paint job.
Mistake #6: Choosing the Wrong Colour
Painting your cabinets can completely change the atmosphere of your kitchen. But the wrong colour can make you regret it instantly.
Always test with swatches and sample pots first. See how the shade works with your benchtops, splashback, and flooring. The right colour ties your space together. The wrong one makes everything clash.
Mistake #7: Ignoring Handles and Hardware
Repainting kitchen cabinets is about more than just the paint. Hardware (handles, knobs, hinges) has the power to date or modernise your kitchen instantly.
At minimum, remove handles before painting to avoid messy edges or paint build-up. If you really want to finish strong, replace them with modern hardware that complements your freshly painted kitchen cabinets.
FAQs About Painting Kitchen Cabinets
What’s the best paint for kitchen cabinets?
High-quality kitchen cabinet paint or kitchen cupboard paint designed for furniture and joinery. These paints resist daily use, heat, and moisture.
Do I need to sand cabinets before painting?
Yes. Even when repainting painted kitchen cabinets, sanding ensures better adhesion and a smoother finish.
Can laminate cupboards be painted?
Technically, yes. But we don’t recommend it. While some companies sell products that claim to work, the finish rarely lasts. We generally advise against painting laminate if you want a quality result.
How many coats should I apply?
Two to three thin coats are ideal, with proper drying time between each layer.
How do I repaint kitchen cabinets for the best results?
Clean thoroughly, sand, apply primer, then paint in multiple thin coats. For a flawless finish, professional services like us (Highlands Hand Painting) are the safest bet.
Achieve a Professional Cabinet Finish
Painting your cabinets is a budget-friendly way to upgrade your kitchen, but success depends on the right prep work and products. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll give yourself the best chance of a result you’re proud of.
Of course, nothing beats the touch of a professional. At Highlands Hand Painting, we are a Sydney based painting service who specialise in hand-painted and repainted kitchen cupboards and cabinets, using premium products and expert techniques.
If you’re ready to transform your space and don’t want the hassle of the DIY approach then contact us today for a professional kitchen cabinet painting service that looks stunning and lasts for years.
