How to Refinish Cabinets

Refinishing cabinets is one of the highest-impact, most cost-effective home improvement projects you can do. Instead of a full kitchen or bathroom remodel, refinishing your existing cabinets can give the space a completely fresh look for a fraction of the cost. Here's how to do it properly.

What You'll Need

• Chemical stripper: Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
• Sanding sponges: Romeda 8-Pack Sanding Sponge (60/80/120/220)
• Sandpaper: Atosun 45PCS Sandpaper Set
• Tack cloth: Dura-Gold Pure Gold Tack Cloth, 12-Pack
• All-in-one paint: Heirloom Traditions ALL-IN-ONE Paint, Iron Gate
• Paint roller kit: Bates Paint Roller Kit, 19-Piece
• Chalk paint brushes: Chalk Paint Brushes 5-Piece Set
• Topcoat: General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, Satin
• Painter's tape: ScotchBlue Original Painter's Tape
• Drop cloth: GREEN LIFESTYLE Canvas Drop Cloth, 4x12

Step 1: Empty and Remove Cabinet Doors

Empty the cabinets completely. Remove all doors and drawer fronts, and take off all hardware (hinges, knobs, pulls). Number each door and its corresponding cabinet opening with painter's tape so reassembly is easy.

Step 2: Clean Thoroughly

Kitchen cabinets accumulate grease and grime over years of cooking. Clean every surface with a degreaser — TSP (trisodium phosphate) substitute works well. Rinse and let dry completely. This step is critical for paint adhesion.

Step 3: Strip or Sand

If stripping: Apply Citristrip to the cabinet boxes and doors. Let sit for 30–60 minutes, then scrape off the old finish.
If painting over existing finish: Scuff sand with 120-grit using sanding sponges to create a surface the new paint can grip. This is sufficient if the existing finish is in good condition.

Step 4: Fill and Repair

Fill any holes, dents, or imperfections with wood filler. Let dry, then sand smooth. This is the time to fix any damage before painting covers it up.

Step 5: Wipe with Tack Cloth

Remove all sanding dust with a tack cloth. Wipe every surface — inside edges, corners, and the cabinet boxes.

Step 6: Apply Paint

Use Heirloom Traditions ALL-IN-ONE Paint for cabinets — it's specifically formulated for furniture and cabinets with built-in primer and topcoat. Use a paint roller for flat surfaces (doors and large panels) and a brush for edges, corners, and the cabinet boxes. Apply 2–3 thin coats, allowing full drying time between each.

Step 7: Apply Topcoat (Optional but Recommended)

For extra durability in a high-use kitchen environment, apply 1–2 coats of General Finishes High Performance Topcoat over the paint. This protects against moisture, grease, and daily wear.

Step 8: Reinstall Doors and Hardware

Once fully cured (wait at least 48–72 hours for cabinets), rehang the doors and reinstall hardware. Consider upgrading to new hardware for a complete transformation.

Pro Tips

• Paint cabinet doors horizontally (laid flat) to avoid drips and runs.
• Use a foam roller for the smoothest finish on flat door panels.
• Apply painter's tape carefully around walls and countertops to protect them.
• Allow extra cure time before closing doors — paint can stick if closed too soon.
• Two-tone cabinets (upper and lower in different colors) are a popular trend worth considering.