How To Clean Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting Them

How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets Before Painting Them

Cleaning your kitchen cabinets before painting them is an essential step in ensuring a smooth, professional-looking finish. Dirt, grease, and other contaminants can prevent the paint from adhering properly, leading to peeling and chipping down the road. Follow these steps to properly clean your kitchen cabinets before painting:

Step 1: Remove all hardware

Remove all knobs, handles, and hinges from the cabinets. This will make it easier to clean the surfaces and paint them evenly.

Step 2: Clean the surfaces with a degreaser

Use a degreaser to remove grease and grime from the cabinet surfaces. Apply the degreaser to a clean cloth and wipe down the cabinets thoroughly. Rinse the cabinets with clean water and allow them to dry completely.

Step 3: Sand the surfaces

Lightly sand the cabinet surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper. This will help to remove any remaining dirt or debris and create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Wipe down the cabinets with a tack cloth to remove any dust.

Step 4: Apply a primer

Apply a coat of primer to the cabinet surfaces. Primer helps to create a barrier between the paint and the wood, which prevents the paint from absorbing into the wood and causing the grain to show through. Allow the primer to dry completely.

Step 5: Paint the cabinets

Apply two coats of paint to the cabinet surfaces. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Once the paint is dry, reattach the hardware and enjoy your newly painted kitchen cabinets!