Thinking of painting kitchen cabinets but not sure where to start? A cabinet kit is a great option—it includes everything needed to change the color of your cabinets with minimal guesswork.
Step 1: Prep and Label
Prep your workspace with drop cloths and painter’s tape. Remove all doors and drawers. Label each cabinet box with a post-it that matches the coordinating drawer or door. Keep hardware in a labeled cup or bag.
Step 2: Clean and Degrease
Clean all cabinet surfaces with a damp, soapy sponge. Then use the included deglosser or a product like Krud Kutter to remove grease and shine. Wipe everything again to remove residue and let dry completely.
Step 3: Optional Sanding
Lightly sand with fine sandpaper to roughen the surface (not down to bare wood). Wipe away dust and vacuum to prevent debris from getting into fresh paint.
Step 4: Paint Cabinets
Once dry, apply the first coat of Rustoleum Cabinet Transformation paint (bond coat). Use a brush for corners and details, then a high-density foam roller for smooth, even coverage. Allow at least a couple of hours between coats. It usually takes 2–3 coats for full coverage, especially if going from dark to light.
Use painter’s pyramids to flip and paint both sides without smudging.
Step 5: Apply Top Coat
When the paint is fully dry, apply a thin top coat to seal and protect the finish. Let dry overnight before reattaching doors and hardware.
Final Tip:
Touch-ups are easy, so save leftover paint. I painted my cabinets over five years ago, and they still look great!