Introduction
Cabinet painting has a strict order of operations — each step prepares the next, and skipping ahead causes failures that don’t show up until weeks later. Print this checklist and work it top to bottom. For quantities at each stage, the Cabinet Paint Calculator has you covered.
Shopping List with Quantities
Buy everything before Day 1 — mid-project store runs kill momentum. Quantities for a medium kitchen (20–28 doors):
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Urethane-trim enamel | 2 gal (7.6 L) | Same batch; one for the job, one for touch-up stock |
| Bonding primer | 1 gal (3.8 L) | Plus 1 qt (0.95 L) shellac primer for tannin spots |
| Degreaser / TSP substitute | 2 × 950 mL (32 oz) | Two bottles — the range zone drinks it |
| Sandpaper | Multi-grit pack + 10 sheets 320-grit | 120/150/220 for prep, 320 for between coats |
| Foam sanding pads | 4–6 pads (150/220) | For profiles and moldings |
| Angled sash brushes | 2 × 65 mm (2.5 in) | Synthetic; one for primer, one for enamel |
| Foam mini rollers | 6-pack + frame (100 mm / 4 in) | High-density foam for flat areas |
| Painter’s tape | 2 rolls, 36–48 mm (1.5–2 in) | Delicate-surface type |
| Drop cloth + plastic sheeting | 1 canvas cloth + 1 roll sheeting | Cloth for floors, sheeting for masking |
| Wood filler | 250 mL (8 oz) | Water-based, paintable |
| Paintable caulk | 2 tubes | Acrylic-latex, not silicone |
| Tack cloths | Pack of 6 | Or microfiber cloths as reusable alternative |
| Labels + zip bags | 1 pack each | Numbered tape for doors, bags for hinges |
| Paint strainers | Pack of 5 | Especially if spraying |
| New hardware (optional) | Count + 2 spare | Measure hole spacing before ordering |
Planning Phase
Sub-checklist: measure and budget
- ☐ Count all doors, drawer fronts, and exposed panels; measure linear cabinetry for frames
- ☐ Run quantities through the calculator; buy paint + primer + 10% spare
- ☐ Choose enamel type and sheen (see material guide)
- ☐ Test for lead if home predates 1978
- ☐ Set a total budget with 10% contingency (see cost guide templates)
Sub-checklist: prepare the site
- ☐ Order new hardware (pulls, hinges) if replacing — measure hole spacing first
- ☐ Arrange a dust-controlled work area for doors (garage, basement, spare room)
- ☐ Check weather: plan painting for days with humidity below 70%
- ☐ Clear the kitchen: empty cabinets near the work zone, cover food and dishes
- ☐ Plan meals for the door-less week (simple cooking, paper plates)
Prep Phase
Sub-checklist: teardown and labeling
- ☐ Remove all doors, drawer fronts, hinges, and hardware
- ☐ Label every door/drawer with its location (tape on back)
- ☐ Bag and label all hinges and screws by location
- ☐ Photograph hinge positions for reassembly reference
Sub-checklist: surface preparation
- ☐ Degrease all surfaces twice (TSP substitute or degreaser)
- ☐ Scuff-sand everything: 150 grit, then 220 grit
- ☐ Fill dings and dents with wood filler; sand smooth when dry
- ☐ Drill new hardware holes now (before painting), fill old holes
- ☐ Vacuum all surfaces; wipe with tack cloth
- ☐ Mask walls, counters, floors, and appliances; lay drop cloths
Troubleshooting checkpoint: end of prep
- ☐ Rag test: wipe a surface with a clean white cloth — any yellow means degrease again
- ☐ Gloss test: no shiny spots remain; everything is uniformly dull from scuffing
- ☐ Filler check: run a finger over filled areas — perfectly flush, no ridges
- ☐ Label audit: every door, drawer, and hinge bag is labeled; count matches
Prime Phase
Sub-checklist: priming
- ☐ Apply bonding/stain-blocking primer to all surfaces
- ☐ Let dry per can instructions (usually 1–2 hours)
- ☐ Inspect for bleed-through or adhesion issues; spot-prime as needed
- ☐ Caulk joints between frames and walls/panels (paintable caulk)
- ☐ Light sand with 220 grit; tack-cloth again
Troubleshooting checkpoint: after primer
- ☐ Bleed-through: any amber/pink spots showing through? Spot-prime with shellac before topcoat
- ☐ Adhesion test: press masking tape firmly onto the primer, rip off — primer should stay put
- ☐ Caulk lines: smooth, continuous beads; no gaps at joints
Paint Phase
Sub-checklist: topcoats
- ☐ Apply first enamel coat — thin, even, maintain wet edge
- ☐ Let dry per recoat window (usually 4–6 hours minimum)
- ☐ Light sand with 320 grit; remove dust
- ☐ Apply second enamel coat
- ☐ Inspect in raking light for misses, drips, or holidays; touch up while wet if possible
Troubleshooting checkpoint: after each coat
- ☐ Raking-light inspection: shine a light across each door at a low angle — misses and drips reveal themselves
- ☐ Orange peel: texture forming? Next coat goes on thinner, in calmer air
- ☐ Dust nibs: let cure, sand with 320 grit, tack-cloth before next coat
- ☐ Coverage: old color ghosting through? That’s normal after coat one — coat two covers it
Cure and Reassembly Phase
Sub-checklist: reassembly
- ☐ Wait 24–48 hours before handling doors
- ☐ Install new pulls/handles on doors before rehanging
- ☐ Rehang doors; adjust hinges for even gaps
- ☐ Reinstall drawer fronts; test operation
- ☐ Touch up any scuffs from reassembly
- ☐ Remove masking; clean the kitchen
- ☐ Be gentle for 30 days — no harsh cleaners, avoid slamming
Troubleshooting checkpoint: after rehanging
- ☐ Binding: any door rubbing? Adjust hinges before the paint fully cures around the contact point
- ☐ Reveal gaps: even 2–3 mm (1/8 in) gaps all around; adjust as needed
- ☐ Handle alignment: pulls level and at consistent height across doors
Final Checks
- ☐ All doors open/close without rubbing
- ☐ Hinge gaps even and consistent
- ☐ No visible brush marks, drips, or holidays in normal light
- ☐ Caulk lines clean where frames meet walls
- ☐ Touch-up paint labeled and stored for future repairs
- ☐ Old paint waste disposed properly (dried out or hazardous waste facility)
30-day follow-up
- ☐ Inspect high-wear zones (handles, range-adjacent doors) for early chips
- ☐ Touch up any damage with stored paint
- ☐ After 30 days: full cure reached — normal cleaning may resume
Related Guides
- Complete Guide — full estimating walkthrough.
- Pro Tips — technique details for each phase.
- Common Mistakes — what this checklist prevents.
- FAQ — quick answers.
Get Your Number
Work the list in order and nothing gets skipped. Start with quantities from the Cabinet Paint Calculator, then check boxes until the kitchen is done.
Disclaimer: This checklist covers typical cabinet repaint projects. Adjust for your specific situation — glass fronts, open shelving, and islands each add steps.
