Painting the inside of kitchen cabinets can transform the look and feel of your space. But is it absolutely necessary? Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons of painting the interiors of kitchen cabinets to help you decide.
An Introduction to Cabinet Painting
Painting cabinets is one of the most popular kitchen remodeling projects today. A fresh coat of paint provides an instant facelift at a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry. While most cabinet painting projects focus on the exterior surfaces, painting the interiors can also have benefits. Let’s explore those in more detail.
Reasons to Paint Inside of Cabinets
Here are some of the top reasons you may want to paint the inside surfaces of your cabinets:
- Enhance appearance – Painted interiors look cleaner and more finished. They also allow you to add color for a pop of visual interest every time you open a door.
- Cover flaws – Paint can disguise surface damage, wood stains, grease buildup, and other imperfections for a more uniform look.
- Freshen up dingy surfaces – Interior paint renews the look of dingy, dated cabinets and provides a clean slate for organizing contents.
- Protect against spills – Paint forms a protective barrier against minor spills and stains inside cabinets to keep surfaces looking their best.
- Change color scheme – Painting interiors allows you to change the interior color palette of your kitchen by selecting a hue that complements your exterior cabinet color.
Reasons to Skip Interior Painting
On the other hand, here are some reasons you may opt to not paint the inside of cabinets:
- Time-consuming prep – Thorough prep is essential for good adhesion and may involve cleaning, sanding, priming, taping off edges, etc.
- Difficult access – It can be challenging to paint tight cabinet interiors, edges, and corners thoroughly.
- Added costs – Beyond the paint itself, painting interiors requires primer, supplies like brushes and trays, and substantially more time/labor.
- Minimal visual impact – With doors closed, painted interiors have little impact on kitchen appearance compared to exterior surfaces.
- Reduced storage – Paint adds a thin layer that slightly reduces storage capacity in cabinets, which may be noticeable in smaller spaces.
- Disrupting contents – Painting requires emptying and cleaning out cabinets fully, which can be disruptive.
Preparing Cabinets for Interior Painting
If you do opt to paint inside your cabinets, proper prep is crucial for success. Here are some key steps to prepare cabinets for interior painting:
1. Empty Cabinets Completely
Remove everything from cabinets so all surfaces can be accessed for cleaning, prep, and painting. As you empty cabinets, discard anything you no longer need.
2. Clean Surfaces Thoroughly
Use a degreasing cleaner to remove grime, grease, dust, and debris. Pay special attention to greasy areas around handles. Rinse with clean water and let dry fully.
3. Sand Cabinets Lightly
Use 220-grit sandpaper to scuff up existing finishes. This helps paint adhere better. Carefully sand edges and corners. Vacuum up sanding dust.
4. Spot Prime as Needed
Use a high-bond primer to spot prime any raw wood, stains, or excessively damaged areas that need extra adhesion boost.
5. Tape Off Edges and Areas Not Being Painted
Use painter’s tape around the edges of cabinet frames and shelving that won’t be painted. Also tape off any hinges, slides, or hardware to keep paint off.
6. Remove Doors and Drawers
Removing the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware allows for easier access during painting. Mark them to keep organized.
Once prepped, the cabinets are ready for painting!
Choosing Interior Cabinet Paint
When selecting paint for inside cabinets, consider:
Paint Sheen
A satin or semi-gloss sheen is ideal for interiors. It is shinier than exterior cabinet paint for easy cleaning but not overly glossy. Avoid flat/matte sheen for difficult to clean interiors.
Durability
Choose an interior paint that is kitchen-rated and specifically formulated to withstand moisture, grease, cleaning chemicals and frequent use/contact.
Ease of Application
Look for an interior cabinet paint designed for smooth application, adhesion, and coverage. Thick viscosity and a small-tipped brush are also beneficial.
Color
White and light cabinet interiors keep contents visible. Bolder colors add a punch of excitement when opened but reduce visibility.
Once you settle on a product, test it out on a spare interior surface or back of a door to ensure it meets your needs before committing to the entire project.
Painting Cabinet Interiors Step-By-Step
Once prepped and with paint selected, follow these key steps to paint the inside of cabinets:
1. Paint Back Panels First
The back panel of each cabinet section is the largest continuous surface, so it’s best to start here. Use a high-quality, small-tipped synthetic bristle brush. Apply paint in a ‘V’ or ‘W’ pattern then fill in. Work top to bottom.
2. Paint Interior Frames and Shelves
With the back panels complete, move on to framing, edges, and shelves using an angled brush. Take care going over pre-taped edges. Apply paint in smooth strokes front to back or left to right.
3. Paint Sides and Interior Doors
Moving outward, paint the cabinet sides next using vertical brush strokes. Finally, paint inside surfaces of doors and undersides of shelves with short, smooth strokes.
4. Inspect for Drips
Closely inspect for any drips or runs, especially on vertical edges and surfaces. Use a small artists’ brush to catch drips. Allow paint to fully dry.
5. Apply Second Coat If Needed
For the smoothest finish, apply a second thin, even coat of paint to all interior surfaces following the same order. Let the paint fully cure before reassembling cabinets.
6. Remove Tape and Reinstall Doors/Drawers
Carefully remove all painter’s tape once paint is fully cured. Check edges for any paint seepage under tape and touch up as needed. Then reinstall doors, drawers, and hardware.
Tips for a Flawless Interior Paint Job
Follow these pro tips as you take on painting the inside of kitchen cabinets:
- Work in a well-ventilated area to limit fumes.
- Maintain a wet edge and overlap strokes as you paint.
- Inspect paint coverage and catch any drips after finishing each section.
- Use a small level to identify any uneven areas on shelves/frames and fix before painting.
- Seal existing wallpaper before painting or remove wallpaper lining older cabinets.
- Use painter’s caulk to fill any small gaps for a seamless painted finish.
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for paint application, dry time, and curing.
- Apply primer before painting if changing to a much darker paint color.
- Use a high density foam mini roller for easier application on broad flat surfaces if desired.
Cost to Paint Cabinet Interiors
If hiring a professional, expect to pay:
- Paint only – $300 to $800 for a small to medium sized kitchen.
- Paint with new hardware – $500 to $1,200 or more depending on materials.
- Full cabinet restoration – $2,500 to $7,000+ for stripped/sanded cabinets plus new interiors.
Doing it yourself cuts costs substantially, with DIY interior painting costing:
- Basic paint job – $50 to $150 for paint and supplies.
- With priming/prep – $100 to $300 depending on kitchen size and condition.
No matter which route you choose, prep work makes up a significant portion of the time/expense. But properly prepped and painted cabinets can last 5-10 years before needing a refresh.
Alternatives to Cabinet Interior Painting
If you decide that painting inside cabinets isn’t the right choice for your kitchen, consider these alternative options:
- New cabinet liners – Self-adhesive vinyl liners cover shelving for an instant makeover.
- Contact paper – Adhesive-backed contact paper allows you to cover cabinet sides and shelves.
- Laminate interiors – New laminate offers durability and allows wood grain to show through.
- Veneer – Thin wood veneers applied to cabinet sides and doors refresh worn interiors.
- Stain/oil treatment – Penetrating oil stain treatments enhance wood grain without painted overlay.
- Do nothing – Simply cleaning and degreasing dingy cabinets can freshen up the space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Cabinet Painting
Still deciding if interior painting is right for your kitchen? Here are answers to some common questions:
Do you have to paint the inside of cabinets when refinishing?
Painting inside cabinets is optional and not an essential step to refinishing them. Focus first on cleaning, sanding, and painting exterior surfaces which have the biggest visual impact. Only paint interiors if set on adding color or protecting surfaces.
Can you just paint cabinet boxes?
Yes, you can paint the main cabinet boxes without painting the doors if you prefer. This allows you to refresh the most visible interior surfaces only. Use painter’s tape to protect the cabinet edges where the doors close from overpainting.
Should I spray or brush interior cabinet paint?
Most pros prefer brush painting cabinet interiors as spray painting risks overspray falling into the cabinets. Brushing also allows you to fully coat edges and corners. Use high quality small brushes made for trim work.
How do you paint the inside of cabinets white?
The process involves the same steps as painting interiors any color: clean thoroughly, scuff sand, apply primer if needed, then use a small brush to apply two coats of white cabinet paint allowing proper dry time between coats.
Can I paint over varnished cabinets?
You can paint over varnish but it can cause adhesion issues, so sanding is highly recommended first. Use 220 grit sandpaper to scuff the entire interior so paint bonds well. Clean thoroughly after sanding then paint.
Conclusion
Painting the inside of kitchen cabinets allows you to change the appearance, hide flaws, and give them a deep clean. While it adds time and expense, painted interiors can provide a seamless, polished look. Focus on proper prep and application for smooth, long-lasting results. Consider alternatives like liners or a simple deep clean if painting inside cabinets seems too extensive. But a fresh coat of paint can make contents pop against clean, bright interiors.
I hope this detailed overview helps you decide whether taking on interior cabinet painting is the right choice to give your kitchen a fresh, updated look with a dose of your unique style.