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Thinking about painting your kitchen cabinets but totally overwhelmed by where to begin? I’ve been there! I’m Lena Taylor, mom of three and renovation-loving founder of Flipping Gorgeous, and in this post I’m sharing exactly how I transformed my kitchen cabinets — step by step — with tools you can use at home.
Step 1: Pick Your Paint Color
Choosing the right color can take time — trust me, I made five trips to the paint store! I tested samples from Benjamin Moore including Pale Oak, Swiss Coffee, White Dove, Edgecomb Gray, and Revere Pewter. In the end, Revere Pewter won for its perfect taupe tone that complements any lighting.
Step 2: Prep is Everything
Label every cabinet door before removing them — this saves you hours when putting them back. I also used my iPhone to take photos and create a quick map to track where everything goes.
After removing 44 door fronts, I degreased and deglossed each surface using liquid sandpaper. This step helps the primer adhere properly.
Step 3: Prime Like a Pro
I used my absolute favorite primer: [Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Primer](https://amzn.to/3WXKTHH). It’s great for high-adhesion and super smooth coverage — ideal for cabinets.
After priming, I lightly sanded with 80-grit sandpaper to eliminate any drips and ensure a flawless finish.
Step 4: Fill, Sand & Smooth
I updated my drawer hardware to 12-inch pulls by filling old holes with plastic wood filler. Be sure to mark which holes to fill — I made that mistake early on (before the coffee kicked in!).
Step 5: Spray for a Factory Finish
For the door fronts, I used the Wagner Flexio paint sprayer — and WOW. Total game-changer. I used it with Benjamin Moore Advance paint for that professional-grade acrylic look.
It took some testing (and a few YouTube tutorials), but once I got the settings dialed in, spraying was faster and far more even than brushing or rolling.
Step 6: Reinstall & Reveal
After letting everything cure, I reinstalled the doors with help from my dad (a special cameo in this project!). I used Liberty hardware in a champagne bronze finish from Wayfair, which really elevated the final look.
Final Thoughts
Painting your own kitchen cabinets takes time and patience, but it’s 100% doable. The end result? A brighter, more updated kitchen for a fraction of the cost of replacement. If I can do it during nap times and preschool windows — so can you!
Let’s Chat!
Have questions about cabinet painting? Need help choosing your color? Drop a comment below, and be sure to like and subscribe for more home renovation DIYs. And remember — you are flipping gorgeous, my friend! 💖
