Painting the inside of cabinet doors is an important consideration when renovating or updating your kitchen. While it may seem like extra unnecessary work, there are several good reasons to take the time to paint the inside surfaces. Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of painting the inside of cabinet doors and guidance on how to approach this project.
Reasons To Paint The Inside of Cabinet Doors
Painting the interiors of your cabinetry can make a big difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. Here are some of the top benefits:
Improves Appearance
- Painting the inside of doors gives your cabinets a finished, polished look. Unpainted interiors can look raw, unfinished, and inexpensive.
- Paint makes surfaces look uniform and seamless. It covers up wood grain, stains, colors, and other inconsistencies.
- Painted interiors brighten up the inside of cabinets. Especially if you choose a light color, it makes the contents more visible.
- Coordinating the interior color with your cabinets gives a cohesive, designer look. The inside complements the outside.
Enhances Durability
- Paint forms a protective seal over the wood, sealing out moisture and dirt. This prevents warping, splitting, and cracking.
- Paint fills in small dents, scratches, and other imperfections in the wood surface.
- Paint provides protection if you store acidic foods inside cabinets, which could eat away at bare wood over time.
Easier to Clean
- Paint creates a non-porous, washable surface. Spills and messes can be simply wiped away with soap and water.
- Bare wood tends to stain easily and absorb grime into the grain. Paint prevents this absorption.
- Fewer cleaners are safe for use on bare wood compared to washable painted finishes.
Increases Light Reflection
- Light colors reflect more light, making interiors brighter. This makes it easier to see cabinet contents.
- Gloss and semi-gloss finishes have more sheen, bouncing light around. Matte paint absorbs more light.
- Painted surfaces have more glare than wood. Use satin or matte paints if you want to avoid glare.
Provides a Fresh Look
- Painting the inside of cabinet doors is an easy way to update old, dated kitchens. It lightens up the space.
- You can match the interior color to new appliances, countertops, or backsplashes to give a cohesive updated look.
- Painting just the insides can refresh cabinets without the cost of painting or replacing exterior surfaces.
Reasons You May Skip Painting the Inside of Doors
While there are many excellent reasons to paint inside cabinet doors, there are a few scenarios where you may want to leave them bare:
Displaying Nice Wood Grain
- If your cabinet interiors feature attractive wood with an interesting grain pattern, you may want to show it off. For example, solid wood doors with visible saw marks.
- Painting over beautiful, high-quality wood can be seen as a waste. If you want to highlight the craftsmanship, consider a clear coat instead of paint.
Not Visible When Closed
- For cabinets where the doors close fully, no interior surfaces are exposed. If the inside is not visible, painting may be unnecessary.
- However, moisture and spills can still damage unseen surfaces. And paint prevents warping. So consider making at least the bottom edges paint-worthy.
Already Sealed and Protected
- New, high-quality factory cabinet interiors often come with a protective finish like varnish or lacquer. This negates some of the benefits of paint.
- But paint still provides an extra layer of protection and is easier to clean. So painting pre-finished cabinets is still recommended by most experts.
Concerned About Off-Gassing
- Some homeowners worry that VOCs released from paint trapped inside cabinets could contaminate food items.
- However, modern low- or no-VOC paints eliminate this concern. And ventilation while painting and some post-painting airing out further reduce any residual off-gassing.
Wanting an All-Natural Look
- Painting inside cabinets is a relatively modern trend. Traditionally, interiors were left unfinished.
- If aiming for an authentic period style, like colonial or farmhouse, visible wood surfaces are appropriate. Or use food-safe oils or waxes instead of paint.
Preparing Cabinets for Painting
Proper prep work helps ensure the paint adheres well and provides a smooth, lasting finish. Here are some tips for getting your cabinets paint-ready:
Cleaning
- Remove all stored items and shelf lining. Wash all surfaces with a degreasing cleaner or TSP substitute to remove grease and grime.
- Pay special attention to cleaning grimy areas around slides and hinges. Dust or vacuum surfaces once dry.
Sanding
- Lightly sand glossy or rough areas to dull the surface and smooth flaws. Use fine 120-150 grit sandpaper.
- Watch for dust inhalation and clean up carefully after sanding. Tack cloth all surfaces before painting.
Filling Holes & Repairing Damage
- Fill any screw holes, cracks, or gouges with wood filler. Let dry completely and sand smooth.
- Use spackling or auto body filler for larger holes or defects. Sand and prime fill areas before painting.
Removing Doors and Hardware
- Take doors off cabinets to make painting easier. Remove hinges and other hardware as well.
- Label pieces to ensure correct reinstallation. Fill any screw holes with wood putty. Let dry before sanding.
Priming
- Priming creates a uniform base coat for the paint to adhere to.
- For the best bond, use a primer made for the cabinet material. Oil-based primers work well for covering wood grain.
How to Paint Inside Cabinet Doors
Once prepped, you can begin applying paint using these tips:
1. Work in a Dust-Free Area
Paint inside cabinet doors in a clean, dust-free, and well-ventilated environment. Areas like a garage, basement, or covered patio work well. Lay down drop cloths or newspapers.
2. Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Read the label on your paint products and follow instructions precisely. Note dry times, priming needs, and cleanup directions. Stir paint thoroughly before and during use.
3. Use Proper Painting Tools
Use high-quality mini foam rollers and angled trim brushes intended for fine finish work. Disposable rollers and brushes are convenient options. You’ll also need paint trays and liners.
4. Apply Primer Coats
If priming, apply an even coat according to manufacturer directions with a small foam roller. Allow proper dry time before a light sanding or applying paint.
5. Paint the Inside Edges First
Use an angled trim brush to carefully paint the inner door frames and inside edges. Avoid dripping paint runs.
6. Paint Center Panels Next
Once edges are complete, use a mini foam roller to apply paint to inner door panels. Roll vertically with light, even pressure.
7. Trim by Brush as Needed
Use an angled sash brush to cut-in and smooth out corners or details. Gently feather out paint edges.
8. Apply Additional Coats
Follow recoat times on paint can labels, usually 2-4 hours. Sand lightly between coats if needed to smooth drips or debris in paint. Allow paint to cure fully before rehanging doors.
Choosing Interior Paint Sheens & Colors
You have several good options when selecting paint sheens and colors:
Sheens:
- Satin – Provides a smooth finish with some subtle shine. Resists stains, easy to clean.
- Semi-Gloss – Durable, stain-resistant, and very easy to clean. Has a somewhat shiny appearance.
- Matte – No sheen, hides imperfections well. Not as washable but pleasant classic look.
Color Choices:
- White – Brightens up interiors and makes contents very visible. Can look sterile so soft white is preferable to bright white.
- Same as Exterior – Matching interior color to cabinet doors gives a seamless, designer look.
- Complementary Color – Choose an interior shade that complements the main cabinet color but has enough contrast to be its own accent.
- Vibrant Color – For a fun, eclectic look try painting the inside a bright, bold shade like turquoise, yellow, or red.
Best Practices for Painting Inside Cabinet Doors
Follow these tips and best practices as you take on the project:
- Carefully read and follow the instructions on paint products. Do not cut corners.
- Proper prep work like cleaning, sanding, and priming ensures best results.
- Work slowly and cautiously. It is better to apply multiple thin coats rather than thick, dripping coats.
- Use high-quality mini paint rollers and angled sash brushes made for detail painting.
- Work in a clean, dust-free area with adequate ventilation.
- Allow proper dry and cure times specified on the paint can before recoating or reinstalling doors.
- Finish painting door fronts and cabinet frames before installing newly painted doors.
- Be patient. Painted kitchen cabinets are an investment that should last for many years when done properly.
Painting Inside Cabinet Doors FAQs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about painting the inside of kitchen cabinet doors:
Should I paint cabinet interiors if I’m just painting the exteriors?
Yes, painting insides even if you don’t paint outsides helps protect, brighten, and update interiors. Plus it gives a polished, finished look.
What kind of paint should I use?
Water-based latex (acrylic) paints are best for cabinet interiors. Look for cabinet, trim, or furniture paints. Use semi-gloss or satin sheens.
Do I need to prime before painting?
Priming is highly recommended. Oil-based primer seals surfaces well. Or use a bonding primer made for laminate and wood.
How do I prep laminate cabinets for painting?
Clean thoroughly then lightly scuff sand laminate before priming. Water-based bonding primer adheres well to laminate.
Should I paint theinside of drawers too?
Yes, drawers are used frequently so painting them provides extra protection and makes contents more visible.
How long does cabinet paint need to cure?
Most cabinet paints take 2-3 weeks to fully harden and cure. Avoid cleaning or replacing doors during this period.
Can I paint just part of cabinet interiors?
Yes, at minimum paint visible edges and bottom surfaces. But fully painting all inside surfaces is recommended for best results.
Conclusion
Painting the inside surfaces of kitchen cabinet doors provides many benefits that make it worth the extra effort. Prepping and painting the interiors well will give your kitchen a polished, pulled-together look. Matching cabinet interiors to exterior colors gives a custom, seamless appearance. Light colored interiors reflect more light for visibility. Painted surfaces are easier to clean and more durable. And a fresh interior paint color helps update old cabinets easily. Follow the techniques outlined here for best results painting the inside of your cabinet doors.