Freshly painted cabinets are on every DIYer’s vision board, so it’s no surprise that cabinet painting has skyrocketed in popularity. Homeowners everywhere are tackling kitchen and bathroom makeovers to refresh their spaces without spending tens of thousands on new cabinetry.
At a fraction of the cost of replacement, painting old cabinets can completely transform the look and feel of your home. While the results can be stunning, cabinet refinishing is trickier than it looks. When working with wood that’s been stained, sealed, or heavily used, it is extrememly important to prep the surface properly.
As a professional painting company serving the Quad-City Area (Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey), we’ve seen it all; the good, the bad, and the “oh no, what happened?!” moments. Below are the biggest mistakes people make when painting cabinets, and how to get it right the first time.
1. Skipping the Cleaning Step
Cleaning is the first and most crucial step in any cabinet painting project. Years of cooking residue, oils, dust, and grime accumulate on cabinet surfaces, making it difficult for the finish to look smooth and to bond to the surface. If you skip cleaning or just give them a quick wipe-down, your paint won’t adhere properly, this leads to peeling and bubbling down the road.
Use a degreaser like TSP (trisodium phosphate) to thoroughly clean and prep the wood. As a bonus, it begins to break down the glossy topcoat (polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer), which helps primer bond better.
💡 Pro Tip: Always wear gloves and use proper PPE (like an N95 mask or respirator) when cleaning with TSP or similar products. Safety first!
Taking your time with cleaning ensures the foundation for a long-lasting, professional finish.
2. Skipping the Primer
If cleaning is step one, priming is step two — and it’s non-negotiable. Primer provides the essential bonding layer between your cleaned surface and your paint. Without it, your finish coat will peel, scratch, or chip prematurely.
Even if your cabinets were previously painted, priming is still important. Look for signs like peeling, flaking, or shiny patches, which indicate a weak bond that needs to be sealed before repainting.
Make sure you use a bonding primer like Zinsser 1-2-3, which adheres well to glossy or sealed surfaces. Apply evenly, allow to dry fully, and lightly sand between coats with 220–320 grit sandpaper for a buttery-smooth finish.
🛠️ Pro Tip: Sanding after priming removes bumps, drips, or brush marks and gives your paint that professional “factory finish” look.
3. Using Low-Quality Paint
It’s tempting to grab whatever leftover paint you have in the garage, but not all paints are created equal — especially for cabinets.
Cabinets take a lot of abuse, from fingerprints and water splashes to constant opening and closing. Using a low-quality paint can lead to streaks, uneven coverage, and poor durability.
For cabinet refinishing, we recommend:
- Acrylic enamel or urethane-modified paint for durability and easy cleaning.
- Using a satin finish, which balances sheen with practicality. Satin also hides imperfections better than a semi-gloss or gloss sheen.
- Use trusted brands like Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane, or Behr Alkyd Enamel. Our personal favorite is Sherwin-Williams!
While premium paints cost more upfront, they deliver smoother application, better color retention, and years of extra life; saving you time and frustration.
🎨 Pro Tip: Always use high-quality brushes or a fine-finish sprayer for cabinetry. Cheap brushes can leave visible strokes and ruin an otherwise perfect job.
4. Not Removing the Doors and Hardware
This one’s a classic rookie mistake. Painting cabinets with the doors and hardware still attached might seem like a time-saver, but it leads to messy edges, paint drips, and uneven coverage. Also, please don’t be the person that paints the hinges…just please take them off. I promise it’s easier this way!
Before you start cleaning, make sure you:
- Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware.
- Label each piece and hinge location (a bit of painter’s tape works great for this).
- Set up a clean, well-ventilated area for painting and drying.
Taking the time to prep properly will make your finish look professional, clean, and consistent; and you’ll avoid the telltale DIY look. The hardest part of painting is the prep!
5. Rushing the Process
Cabinet painting isn’t a weekend project, even for pros. The biggest difference between a DIY paint job and a professional one is patience. Each layer (cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting) needs adequate time to dry and cure.
If you rush, you risk tacky surfaces, streaks, dings, or premature peeling. Allow at least:
- 4 hours of dry time after priming before sanding
- 1-2 days after the final coat before reinstalling hardware or using the cabinets
Your patience will pay off with a flawless finish that lasts for years.
6. Ignoring Professional Help When It’s Needed
There’s nothing wrong with DIY, but sometimes the scope of work or condition of the cabinets calls for an expert touch.
At ANB Paint & Repair, we specialize in cabinet refinishing, interior painting, and home improvement services across Prescott, AZ. We use professional-grade materials and precision techniques to deliver a smooth, durable, and factory-like finish that instantly elevates your home.
Whether your cabinets need minor touch-ups or a full refinishing, we’ll help you achieve stunning results, without the stress or mess.
Ready for a Professional Finish?
Don’t risk wasting time, money, and effort on a project that may not hold up.
Let the experts at ANB Paint & Repair bring your vision to life.
📞 Call us today for a free cabinet painting estimate or schedule your free estimate here.
Transform your kitchen or bathroom with expert craftsmanship, quality paint, and attention to detail, because your cabinets deserve more than a DIY disaster.
