How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
If you're looking to update the look of your kitchen without breaking the bank, painting your cabinets is a great option. Not only is it cost-effective, but it's also a fun DIY project that can be completed over a weekend.

At John Paul’s Paint & Décor, we offer everything you need to make your kitchen cabinet redo a reality! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to paint kitchen cabinets using Benjamin Moore products and supplies from our locally owned store. Don’t forget—we also deliver to Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Bradley, and beyond!
What Benjamin Moore Products and Supplies You'll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. Here's what you'll need:
- Screwdriver (to remove cabinet doors and hardware)
- Painter's tape
- Sandpaper (100 or 150-grit and 220 grit)
- Dropcloths
- Foam roller or paintbrush
- Primer
- Paint
Steps to Prepare Your Kitchen Cabinets for Priming with Benjamin Moore Paints & Primers
- Remove all cabinet doors and hardware using a screwdriver.
- Remove all cabinet shelves.
- Clean the cabinet doors and surfaces to remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated over time.
- Sand the cabinets with 100 or 150-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots or imperfections.
- Wipe the surfaces clean with a cloth to prepare the surface.
Apply Benjamin Moore Primer
Before you start painting, it's important to apply a coat of primer. This will help the paint adhere better to the surface and prevent any stains or imperfections from showing through. At John Paul’s Paint & Décor, we carry several different brands of primers from Benjamin Moore, including the Fresh Start® line and INSL-X® line, each offering reliable and all-purpose coverage options perfect for cabinetry.
- We recommend INXSL-X® Prime Lock Plus for wood cabinetry and Fresh Start® High-Hiding All Purpose Primer for laminate cabinets.
Use a foam roller or paintbrush to apply the primer evenly, making sure to cover all areas of the cabinets. Let the primer dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Paint the Cabinets
Once the primer has dried, it's time to sand. Use the 220-grit sandpaper to catch all drips on inside edges and corners and wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.
Now, the time has come to paint your cabinets. Benjamin Moore offers a variety of interior paint options that are perfect for kitchen cabinets. Their Advance® Interior paint line is a popular choice, as it's specifically designed for trim, baseboards, and cabinets, and offers a smooth, durable finish.
Use a foam roller or paintbrush to apply the paint in even strokes, making sure to cover all areas of the cabinets. Start at the top and work your way down, being careful not to leave any drips or streaks. Let the first coat dry completely before applying a second coat.
Tips for Painting Kitchen Cabinets
- If you're painting over wood cabinets, use a high-quality primer to prevent the grain from showing through the paint.
- Use painter's tape to protect areas you don't want to paint, such as the backsplash or countertops.
- Work in small sections to avoid overworking the paint and creating a thick, uneven layer.
- Make sure to let each coat dry completely before applying the next one.
- Use a high-quality paintbrush or foam roller to ensure a smooth finish.
Choosing the Right Benjamin Moore Paint Color
Choosing the right color for your kitchen cabinets can be a daunting task. John Paul’s Paint & Décor and Benjamin Moore offers a wide range of colors to choose from, so take your time and choose a color that complements your kitchen's overall design. Consider the color of your countertops, backsplash, and flooring, as well as the color of your walls.
If you're unsure which color to choose, consider using our Color Selector tool to see all the options and complementary tones you can mix and match at our store in Bourbonnais, IL.
Contact Us To Learn More
In conclusion, painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to update the look of your kitchen without breaking the bank. With the right tools and materials, you can achieve a beautiful, professional-looking finish in just a weekend.
John Paul’s Paint & Décor offers a wide range of Benjamin Moore paint and supplies that are perfect for kitchen cabinets, so visit us today to get started on your painting project, give us a call at (815) 614-3842, or contact us online and a member of our team will get in touch with you.
We serve homeowners, businesses, construction companies, handymen, and paint contractors in the greater Bourbonnais, IL area, including Kankakee, Bradley, Limestone, Coal City, Elwood, Manhattan, Braidwood, Peotone, Wilmington, Manteno, Aroma Park, Essex, Gardner, Bonfield, Hercher, Clifton, Watseka, Frankfort, Mokena, Pontiac, Monee, Tinley Park, Orland Park, and New Lenox, Illinois.
We look forward to working with you!