Do You Have to Paint the Inside of Kitchen Cabinets?

Painting the inside of kitchen cabinets can transform the look and feel of your kitchen. But is it necessary? Here is a detailed look at whether you need to paint the inside of kitchen cabinets, the pros and cons, and tips for achieving great results.

What Are the Benefits of Painting the Inside of Kitchen Cabinets?

Painting the inside of your kitchen cabinets offers several potential benefits:

Enhances the Look of Your Kitchen

Painting the interior of cabinets can give your kitchen an updated, fresh look. Especially if your cabinets are older or worn, a coat of paint can make them look brand new.
You can choose any color you want to liven up your kitchen – bright white for a clean, crisp look or a bold color to add personality.
Painted interiors look much nicer than worn, unfinished cabinet wood.

Makes Cabinets Easier to Clean

Paint forms a protective coating that wipes clean easily. No more scrubbing wood surfaces to remove stains and spills.
Glossy paint is the easiest to clean as grease and grime have difficulty adhering to the slick surface.
Painting covers up old stains that you can’t scrub out of worn cabinet interiors.

Covers Up Damage and Imperfections

If your cabinet interiors are damaged, scratched, or have unsightly holes from old hardware, a fresh coat of paint can hide all those flaws.
Paint adheres smoothly over dents, chips, and uneven surfaces to give a renewed appearance.

Provides a Consistent Look Throughout

Painting the inside of cabinets provides a seamless, uniform look from exterior to interior.
It ties everything together visually and makes the cabinets look well-cared for and intentional.
You don’t have a hodgepodge of mismatched cabinet colors and finishes.

Increases Resale Value

Kitchen updates like painted cabinets can increase your home’s value when it’s time to sell.
Painted cabinet interiors look cleaner and more intentional than unfinished, worn interiors.
Neutral colored cabinets have the widest appeal to potential buyers.

What Are the Downsides to Painting Inside Cabinets?

While there are many benefits to painting the interiors of kitchen cabinets, there are a few potential downsides to consider as well:

Time and Effort

Thoroughly preparing cabinet interiors for painting and then applying multiple coats of paint takes a lot of time and work.
If you have a lot of cabinets, the process could take up most of a weekend or longer. This is especially true if you have to remove all the shelves and hardware.
Reaching the back walls of deep base cabinets can also be challenging and require extra effort.

Potential Mess and Disruption

There is potential for paint drips, splatters, and spills inside the cabinets if not prepped and handled carefully.
All cabinet contents will need to be emptied and surfaces protected with drop cloths. The kitchen may be disrupted for a day or more.
You may not be able to access cabinet contents until the paint is fully cured.

Difficulty Matching Existing Paint

Matching new interior paint to existing exterior paint can be tricky. Differences in color, finish, sheen, and application can be noticeable.
Over time the original exterior paint may fade or yellow, making color-matching even harder.

Reduced Storage Space

Paint adds thickness to the interior surfaces which marginally reduces storage capacity.
Shelves and drawers may not slide as smoothly after painted. Very thick paint can cause sticking.
Wire storage racks and other removable accessories may not fit back inside a painted cabinet.

Chemical Smells and Fumes

Painting requires chemicals, primers, thinners, and other smelly products. Ventilation is key.
The lingering smell of fresh paint in your enclosed kitchen can be unpleasant. It takes some time to fully dissipate.
Oil-based primers in particular can cause headaches and nausea if inhaled, so safety precautions are important.

Shortened Paint Life

The hard use and wear that cabinet interiors see means the paint may show signs of damage sooner than expected.
Grease splatter, scrubbing, sliding shelves in and out, and stored items can all degrade the paint over time.
Darker colors may show more wear and tear inside cabinets than lighter paint colors.

Do You Really Need to Paint the Inside of Cabinets?

Whether it’s worth the time and effort to paint cabinet interiors depends on their current condition and your goals:

For Worn Out or Damaged Cabinets

If the inside of your cabinets are very worn, stained, or damaged in areas, paint can provide a big facelift at relatively low cost.
Covering up flaws and damage so cabinets look fresh and clean again is a good reason to paint the interiors.

For Consistency Throughout

If your cabinet exteriors have been painted but the interiors are different colors or unfinished wood, painting the insides provides a seamless, uniform look.
Matching cabinet interior color to freshly painted or replaced exterior cabinet doors brings everything together nicely.

For a Dramatic Color Change

If you want to change the entire look of your kitchen with a dramatic new color, painting inside the cabinets helps achieve the full impact of your new color scheme.
Without interior paint, opened cabinet doors and drawers would clash with the bold exterior color.

For Quick Kitchen Update

A fresh coat of white or bright paint inside drab old cabinets can give your entire kitchen a fast mini-makeover without a major renovation.
Even painting just the open shelves and visible upper cabinet interiors gives your kitchen a lift.

When Refinishing or Refacing

Whenever you refinish or reface your cabinets with new wood veneer, laminate, or thermofoil, painting the interiors to match is recommended for a seamless look.

For Increasing Home Value

Neutral colored and freshly painted kitchens appeal to the widest range of potential homebuyers.
Painting worn or outdated cabinet interiors can pay off when you go to sell your home down the road.

How to Prepare Cabinets for Interior Painting

Proper prep work before you begin painting will help ensure your painted cabinet interiors come out looking great. Here are the key steps:

1. Empty the Cabinets

Remove everything – shelves, drawers, accessories, food items, etc. lf possible, label items so you know which cabinet they came from.

2. Clean Surfaces

Use a degreaser or tsp substitute to thoroughly clean interior surfaces of dirt, grease, and grime. Rinse with clean water.

3. Sand Cabinets

Lightly sand to rough up glossy surfaces for better paint adhesion. Tack cloth after sanding to remove dust.

4. Fill Holes & Repairs

Fill any holes, scratches and dents with wood filler and allow to fully dry. Sand smooth.

5. Remove Hardware

Unscrew hinges, pulls, and other hardware. Set aside carefully in labeled bags or bins.

6. Tape Off Areas

Use painters tape to cover any adjacent surfaces you don’t want painted. Tape off countertops, floors, etc.

7. Prime the Cabinets

Paintable wood primer provides a base layer for the new paint to stick to. Apply with a brush or sprayer per manufacturer directions.

Once prepped, you’re ready to begin applying the interior cabinet paint.

How to Paint Inside Kitchen Cabinets

Follow these tips for the best results painting the inside of kitchen cabinets:

1. Work in Sections

Paint one section of cabinet interiors at a time. Do all the prep work on a section before you begin painting it.

2. Use Angled Paintbrushes

Use mini angled brushes to easily reach the back corners and edges. Buy quality synthetic bristle brushes.

3. Apply Multiple Thin Coats

Thin, even coats of cabinet paint hide better than thick, gloppy paint. Allow proper drying time between coats.

4. Work Top to Bottom

Paint the upper interior surfaces before lower cabinet areas so drips don’t spoil finished work.

5. Check for Drips

Inspect for drips along edges and corners. Use a small artists brush to smooth out.

6. Replace Shelves and Hardware

Once the paint has fully cured, put cabinet interiors back together by replacing shelves, hardware etc.

7. Touch Up as Needed

Check for any missed spots or new paint damage. Do touch ups to get flawless results.

With attention to detail and proper technique, your freshly painted cabinet interiors will look amazing!

What Kind of Paint Should You Use?

Choosing the right type of paint makes all the difference in achieving a smooth, durable finish that will hold up over time. Here are great options:

Cabinet Enamel

Paint labeled specifically for cabinet use offers an extremely hard, durable finish that dries to a smooth, uniform surface. It’s formulated to resist yellowing and withstand cleaning chemicals. The enamel sheen resists moisture, grease, and dirt. Most cabinet paint includes built-in primer.

Acrylic Latex Paint

Water-based acrylic latex paint works well for interior cabinet surfaces. It applies easily, dries relatively fast, and provides good flow and leveling. Acrylic latex paint is easy to clean up with water and soap.

Oil-Based Alkyds/Enamels

Alkyd paints create an extremely durable, glossy finish. The longer dry time allows paint to self-level for a super smooth coat. Alkyds adhere especially well on slick surfaces. The strong odor and solvent cleanup requires good ventilation.

Epoxy Paint

Two-part epoxy paints are extremely durable and resistant to moisture, chemicals, and scratches. They leave a thick, glass-like coating. Epoxies adhere well to tricky surfaces but require careful mixing and application. Odor and cure times vary by brand.

No matter which type of paint you choose, select one specifically formulated for interior cabinet use. The product labels should state it is safe for kitchen cabinets, easy to clean, and scrubbable.

How Long Does Cabinet Paint Need to Cure?

It’s important to give cabinet paint plenty of time to fully cure and harden before using your cabinets again. The drying and curing times depend on the paint product, temperature, humidity, and ventilation.

Here are some general guidelines for how long to wait before using newly painted cabinets:

Light Use: 1-3 days. After this time, you can start putting back lighter items and begin using the cabinets minimally.
Normal Use: 3-5 days. Wait this long for replacing most cabinet contents and normal kitchen use.
Heavy Use: 5-7 days. Give cabinet paint at least this much time before returning heavy pots, pans, and appliances into the cabinets.

Test paint in hidden spots with your fingernail to see if it dent/scratch easily before heavy use. The curing process continues for 30 days, but cabinets are safe for use much sooner than that in most cases. Give paint as much time as possible to fully harden before reloading and using kitchen cabinets.

Painting Cabinet Interiors by Color

The color of paint you choose for kitchen cabinet interiors depends on the look you are trying to achieve, as well as how much daily wear and tear the paint will need to withstand. Here are some tips:

White

White is the most popular color choice for cabinet interiors because it keeps things clean, fresh, and bright. White reflects light well, making cabinet interiors visible and the kitchen feel open. It’s also easy to touch up white paint if it gets damaged over time. Soft white, bright white, ivory, and cream are all great neutral options.

Light Colors

Light gray, beige, taupe, light yellow, soft green, robin’s egg blue, and other light colors work well for a subtle hint of color inside cabinets without going overboard. Light colors show dirt and wear less than darker paints. Cool undertones are best for cabinet interiors.

Medium to Dark Colors

Bolder colors like navy, cobalt, emerald, red, black, and dark gray make more of a design statement but show wear much easier. Glossier paint finishes help camouflage scuffs and stains. Stick with darker colors only on cabinets that see gentler use.

Stained or Natural Wood

For a natural wood look, use wood conditioners, stains, tung oil, or clear finishes instead of painted color. This retains the authenticity of real wood grain. Reseal occasionally to protect from moisture and food stains.

Whatever interior cabinet color you choose, be sure to coat areas viewable when doors and drawers are closed in a matching shade. Contrasting interior/exterior color conflicts visually when cabinets are open.

Do’s and Don’ts of Painting Inside Cabinets

Follow these top tips for painted kitchen cabinet interiors that look amazing and stand the test of time:

DO

Do remove doors, drawers, and shelves to paint Separately whenever possible.
Do clean surfaces extremely well prior to starting. Degrease twice if needed.
Do sand glossy surfaces lightly to help paint adhere.
Do use high quality primer meant for cabinet use if needed.
Do apply multiple thin coats of paint for best coverage.
Do inspect paint closely as you work to catch any drips.
Do allow several days for cabinet paint to fully cure before heavy use.

DON’T

Don’t try to paint cabinet interiors without thoroughly prepping first.
Don’t use inferior quality paint not meant for cabinet use.
Don’t overload the brush or roller with too much paint.
Don’t forget to paint cabinet bottom edges and lips if visible.
Don’t slam or scrape painted cabinet doors and drawers when wet.
Don’t scrub, clean, or load down painted cabinets until fully cured.

Painting Inside Kitchen Cabinets: Final Takeaways

Painting the inside of kitchen cabinets completely transforms their appearance, hiding flaws, damage, and wear for a refreshed, cohesive look.
Proper prep and using cabinet-specific paint help ensure you achieve long-lasting, professional results.
While painting cabinet interiors takes time and care, the renewed look can make your kitchen feel brand new again.
Approach the project systematically, working in sections and allowing adequate dry and cure time before using cabinets again.
With attention to detail and smart color choices, you can give your kitchen a mini makeover with a freshly painted cabinet interior.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Inside Kitchen Cabinets

Do you have to paint the back of kitchen cabinets?

You don’t necessarily have to paint the back panel inside cabinets if it will never be seen. If the cabinet backs are unfinished, damaged, or different colors however, painting provides a consistent finish.

Should cabinet shelves be painted?

For longevity, it’s best to remove shelves and drawers to paint separately if possible. This allows treating all edges evenly and prevents paint wear from sliding in and out.

How do you paint inside kitchen cabinets professionally?

Thorough cleaning, sanding, priming, using high quality acrylic enamel paint, angled brushes, replacing hardware, filling nail holes, smoothing drips, and adequate dry time result in the most professional look.

Can you use regular wall paint on cabinets?

While you can technically use any paint on cabinets, paint formulated specifically for cabinet use will be much more washable, durable, and long-lasting. The right paint for cabinets costs a bit more but is worth it.

How do you paint inside cabinets without taking them out?

Use painters tape to isolate areas you don’t want painted. Have mini angled brushes on hand. Work top to bottom and avoid drips. Consider removing doors at least for easier access and to paint the backs. Take your time.

How long does it take to paint inside kitchen cabinets?

For an average sized kitchen with no major repairs needed, plan on 15-30 hours for proper interior cabinet paint prep and painting. Working alone, it typically takes 5-7 days painting only a few hours each day.

Can you paint over wood cabinets without sanding?

Lightly scuff sanding helps paint adhere best, especially on glossy finishes. Thorough cleaning, quality primer, and proper paint can allow you to skip sanding in some cases. But sanding gives the most durable results.

What mistakes to avoid when painting cabinets?

Painting before full surface prep, applying paint too thick, improperly tackling drips, insufficient dry time before use, using poor quality brushes and paint, and painting in very humid/cold conditions are common mistakes that ruin cabinet paint jobs.

How do you paint the inside of cabinets white?

The same thorough prep and high quality paint applies for white interiors. Opt for bright white, soft white, or white with a barely noticeable undertone. Maintain wet edge and watch for drips. Allow extra cure time since white scuffs easiest before use.

Conclusion

Painting the inside of kitchen cabinets is a big project, but the refreshed look is well worth the time and care invested if your cabinets are worn or dated. Proper preparation and using cabinet-specific paint designed to withstand moisture, grease, cleaning chemicals, and frequent use will help your painted interiors last for many years before needing a touch up. With strategic color choices, attention to detail in application, and ample cure time before use, you can give your kitchen cabinets a brand new lease on life with a painted interior facelift.