Painting the inside of cabinets can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. A fresh coat of paint makes old cabinets look new again. But is it necessary to paint the inside of cabinets? Here is a detailed look at whether you need to paint the interior of cabinets.
What Are the Benefits of Painting the Inside of Cabinets?
Painting the inside of cabinets offers several benefits:
Brightens up the space
Applying a fresh coat of paint to the interior of cabinets makes the space appear brighter and more open. The white or light paint color reflects light better than stained or darker cabinet interiors.
Provides a uniform, finished look
Painting the inside of cabinets provides a uniform, seamless look from the exterior to the interior. Unpainted cabinet interiors can look unfinished.
Covers up flaws
If the cabinet interiors are damaged, worn, or have an unwanted stain, a coat of paint provides an easy fix. Paint covers up scratches, water marks, and other imperfections.
Easier to clean
Painted cabinet interiors are easier to wipe down and keep clean compared to raw wood. Paint provides a protective barrier you can quickly wipe down.
Refreshing new color
A new paint color instantly updates the look of worn or dated cabinets. Painting the inside a trendy color like gray provides a stylish, modern look.
Reasons You May Not Need to Paint the Inside of Cabinets
While painting the cabinet interiors has benefits, there are also reasons you may not need to paint them:
Beautiful wood grain
If the cabinets have high-quality wood with beautiful grain, you may opt to keep the natural wood interior for a premium, rich look.
Not visible
For cabinets without glass doors or interior lighting, the interior often isn’t visible so painting provides no aesthetic value.
Good condition
If the cabinet interiors are still in good shape with no significant flaws, the existing finish may just need a good cleaning rather than painting.
Cost
Painting the cabinet interiors adds extra time and work to the kitchen or bathroom makeover. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s one step you could potentially skip.
Hassle
Painting inside cabinets can be tedious and time-consuming. For DIYers, it adds a significant effort compared to just painting the exterior surfaces.
Personal preference
Some homeowners simply prefer the look of stained or natural wood cabinet interiors over painted ones. It’s purely an aesthetic choice.
What Should You Consider When Deciding?
If you’re not sure whether painting the inside of your cabinets is worth the time and cost, consider these factors:
- Are the interiors visible? If glass doors or lighting show off the interior, painting may be worthwhile for aesthetics.
- What is their current condition? If worn or damaged, paint would provide an improvement. But if still in good shape, paint may not be necessary.
- Do you like the existing look? Preserve beautiful wood grain and quality finishes if you like the current interior aesthetic.
- Are you selling? Painted interiors help a home show well if you’re putting on the market.
- What’s your budget? If funds are tight, focus on exterior surfaces since interiors don’t impact function.
- Will you DIY? Factor in the effort needed to paint inside cabinets yourself or the cost to pay a pro.
Tips for Painting the Inside of Cabinets
If you decide to paint the interiors, follow these tips for getting an expert, flawless look:
- Remove all shelves and hardware so you can access all surfaces.
- Sand to degloss and roughen the surface so the paint adheres.
- Clean thoroughly and apply primer first for the best coverage.
- Use a high-quality cabinet paint in a satin or semi-gloss sheen for easy cleaning.
- Apply in thin, even coats using a small roller or brush.
- Use painter’s tape to cleanly separate the interior/exterior borders.
- Allow proper drying time between coats according to the paint product instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you paint the inside of upper cabinets?
In most cases, yes. The upper cabinets are often the most visible since they are eye level when open. Painting them provides a uniform look.
What sheen is best for cabinet interiors?
A satin or semi-gloss paint is ideal for inside cabinets. These sheens are easy to wipe clean yet avoid looking too shiny.
Should you paint the inside of drawers?
It is recommended to paint inside drawers for durability and an attractive, complete look. Use drawer pulls to easily pull out each drawer for painting.
Can you use the same paint for the interior and exterior?
Yes, using the same cabinet paint for both makes the process easier. Satin enamels work well for a uniform finish inside and out.
Should you paint shelves or replace them?
Painting the existing shelves is advised since wood shelves are expensive to replace. Use a small roller to easily paint shelves outside of the cabinets.
Conclusion
Painting the inside of cabinets takes more time and effort, but offers a beautiful, finished look. For worn or dated cabinets, a fresh coat of paint on the interiors can make a dramatic difference. Evaluate the condition of your cabinets, their visibility, and your budget and preferences to decide if taking on this extra painting work is worthwhile for your kitchen or bathroom remodel. With the right prep and application, you can give your cabinets an expert interior paint job.