Paint Inside Cabinets for a Polished, Seamless Look

Giving your kitchen or bathroom cabinets a makeover can be an easy way to transform the look of an entire room. And while most cabinet painting projects focus on updating the exterior surfaces, there are good reasons to consider painting the inside of your cabinets as well.

Painting the interiors can provide a more cohesive, built-in appearance--especially if your cabinet doors feature glass panels or open shelving. Prepping and painting the inside does require more time and effort. But the end results are well worth it, providing a clean, uniform background that beautifully showcases glassware, dishes or decorative items on display.

Why Should You Paint the Inside of Your Cabinets?

Upgrading your cabinets with a fresh coat of interior paint offers several great benefits:

• Enhances visibility of contents: Interior paint allows you to better view items on shelves.
• Provides a uniform look: Coordinates with painted doors for a seamless aesthetic.
• Ideal for glass doors or open cabinets: Showcases interiors that are already visible.
• Creates an upscale, built-in look: More polished and designer than plain wood.
• Easier to clean and maintain: Smooth painted surface resists stains.
• Opportunity to change color scheme: Fun way to give kitchen or bath a new look.

Factors to Consider Before Painting Cabinet Interiors

Assessing Existing Condition

The condition of your existing cabinets will influence the amount of sanding, priming and prep work required. Wood cabinets may be more porous and require sealing for proper paint adhesion. Previously finished or painted cabinets also react differently than raw wood. Make note of any existing:

• Cabinet materials: Wood, laminate, metal or other
• Earlier finishes or stains
• Paint or resurfacing products previously applied
• Surface damage, wear patterns or imperfections

Determining Visibility

Evaluate whether the cabinet interiors will be seen when doors are closed before deciding to paint the inside. Factors like glass door panels or interior lighting increase visibility. Consider:

• Will the new paint be visible behind closed doors?
• Do cabinet doors feature glass panels or windows?
• Are there open shelves without doors?
• Is cabinet interior illuminated by lighting?

Setting Realistic Expectations

While painted cabinet interiors have a beautiful, built-in look when completed, there are important considerations to factor in when deciding on this project.

• Labor and time intensive: Thorough prep and multiple coats required
• Visibility of back corners: Imperfections in unfinished areas may still show
• Maintaining fresh look over time: Could require occasional touch ups

Selecting the Best Paints and Finishes

Paint Options:

With cabinetry, the question often comes down to oil-based versus water-based paints. While oil paints provide a smooth, durable finish, the fumes and clean up hassles steer many DIYers toward water-based options. Consider:

• Enamels - Durable, glassy smooth finish; oil-based preferred for cabinets
• Epoxies - Highly chemical resistant for kitchen use
• Alkyd - Modifies quick-drying latex for a harder finish
• Acrylic latex - Water cleanup; not as hard-wearing over time

Primers and Sealants:

No quality cabinet paint job is complete without primers and sealants before and after painting. Oil-based primers excel at blocking stains from wood knots and tannins. And a final sealing coat protects the finish.

• Primers - Stain-blocking, adhesion promotion
• Sealants - Protect painted finish from moisture, spills and wear

Sheens and Finishes:

The right paint sheen plays a role in the final appearance too. Traditional gloss and semi-gloss enamels lend a smooth, luxurious look. But lower sheens hide flaws in imperfect surfaces. Sheen should match cabinet doors.

• Gloss - High shine and depth; shows more flaws
• Semi-gloss - Slightly less shine; popular for doors
• Satin/eggshell - Soft glow; hides imperfections better
• Matte - Flat velvety finish; disadvantage of looking dingy over time

Preparing Interiors for Optimal Paint Adhesion

Cleaning and Degreasing

Messy, greasy cabinet interiors host years of splatters and spills. Thorough cleaning removes grime so primers and paints properly adhere.

• Wash with mixture of TSP substitute and hot water
• Rinse surfaces thoroughly; let dry fully
• Remove doors, drawers and hardware if possible

Sanding and Deglossing

For smooth coatings, proper prep requires sanding to rough up the surface. This allows paints to grip. Lightly sand glossy areas and address specifics like:

• Latex paint - Sand with 220 grit sandpaper
• Oil-based paint - Use 120-150 grit sandpaper
• Laminate - Degloss with 220 grit; avoid damaging coating
• Corner areas - Sand rough or unfinished places

Filling Holes and Imperfections

Spot fill any nicks, dents or surface irregularities using solvent-based wood filler, according to package directions. Allow to fully cure before sanding smooth.

Priming

Proper prep makes the difference between painted cabinets that fail quickly and those that withstand years of wear. Priming ensures better adhesion and provides added protection.

• Use oil-based primers on bare wood
• For shiny surfaces, use bonding primers
• 2 coats often needed for optimal results

Painting Cabinet Interiors Step-by-Step

Gather Supplies and Set Up Workspace

Painting inside cabinets is detail work requiring some special supplies for best results:

• Angled trim brushes for corners
• Paint tray, mini rollers and brush spinner
• Good lighting - headlamp or flashlight
• Low tack painter's tape
• Drop cloths and corner protectors

Apply First Coat

With surfaces prepped and primed, the initial interior paint coat smoothes surfaces while allowing paint to penetrate.

• Use angled brush to cut-in corners
• Roll larger flat sections using mini foam roller
• Maintain wet edge as you paint
• Work systematically from top to bottom

Let First Coat Dry Properly

Resist temptation to rush the job. Allowing proper cure times lets paints form strong bonds to surfaces beneath them. Typical drying time is 2-4 hours between coats.

Lightly Sand Between Coats

While not always essential, light sanding between coats can promote better adhesion. It also smooths any debris, dust nibs or drips.

• Use 220 grit sandpaper
• Avoid scuffing down to bare surface
• Wipe clean after sanding

Apply Second (Final) Coat

The last round of interior paint unifies the color and provides full protection. Carefully apply for a flawless finish.

• Brush out all loose bristles, strings and blobs
• Maintain wet edge; allow proper drying

Achieving a Flawless Final Finish

Inspect Closely and Fix Imperfections

Thorough inspection reveals any last minute touch ups needed to achieve perfectly smooth results. Address issues like:

• Drips or runs
• Overlap marks
• Smudges
• Specks of dust
• Brush marks

Remove Dust Nibs and Particles

Despite taping, dust infiltrates the tiniest crevices. Gently sand then wipe clean with a tack cloth for flawless results.

Apply Protective Sealant (Optional)

Adding one last protective coat of water-based polyurethane seals the paint against moisture, spills and general wear-and-tear.

• Use flat or satin finish
• Thin first coat 10% with water
• Let dry before applying second coat

Proper care keeps your painted cabinet interiors looking like new for years to come:

• Use only gentle, non-abrasive cleaners
• Immediately wipe spills and stains
• Allow paint to cure 30 days before cleaning
• Use cutting boards to avoid utensil damage
• Touch up any nicks or scratches promptly

Transforming the forgotten interior spaces of your cabinets brings satisfying results. The process helps reduce waste by extending the life of existing cabinetry too. Just allow plenty of time for careful prep and application. The effort pays off for kitchens and bathrooms that look cohesively designed and custom-finished.