The Complete Guide to DIY Cabinet Interior Painting

Giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into the space. While the cabinet exteriors tend to get all the attention, don't neglect those interiors!

Painting the inside of cabinets is an optional step, but it can add polish and really finish off your kitchen's transformation. The key is doing adequate prep work and using proper painting techniques to achieve a smooth, professional look.

Should You Paint the Inside of Your Cabinets?

Below are some key pros and cons to help determine if taking on cabinet interior painting is right for you:

Pros

• Creates a completely cohesive, seamless look if cabinet interiors are visible through glass doors
• Allows you to get creative with a fun pop of color rather than just painting the standard wood tone
• Gives a true custom, built-in feel for a fraction of the price
• An inexpensive way to update the aesthetic of older, worn cabinets

Cons

• More time consuming than only painting cabinet exteriors and doors
• Harder to reach all sides/edges inside the cabinet boxes
• Need to remove and properly store items stored on shelves
• Possibility of drips requiring touch ups down the line

As you weigh the work needed, also consider how visible the unfinished interiors currently are. If they are mostly hidden behind closed doors, it likely isn't worth the effort to paint inside. However, if freshly painted interiors will be prominently displayed each time you open cabinet doors, the visual impact makes it a smart upgrade.

Prep Work and Materials Needed

Painting your cabinets, inside and out, is largely about precision. Carefully prepping your space and having the right painting tools on hand sets you up for success:

Cleaning and Taping Off

Before painting, thoroughly clean cabinet surfaces with a degreasing cleaner to remove any dirt, oil or grime. Then tape off any areas you want to protect from drips and overpainting. Use high quality painters tape for clean removal. Strategically place drop cloths below surfaces as well.

Paint Selection

Choose a high-quality latex enamel interior paint designed specifically for painting cabinets, trim and furniture pieces. Avoid flat wall paints. The paint should leave a smooth, hard finish that resists nicks and scratches over time.

Brushes and Rollers

Having the right size rollers and angled-tip brushes suited for cabinet painting makes a difference. We recommend a high-density mini foam roller and short-handle angled for best maneuverability.

Painting Cabinet Boxes

Start by removing all shelves, drawers and doors. Beginning with an empty cabinet allows you to fully access all sides from within to paint.

We recommend working in sections - do just one or two cabinet box interiors at a time. Thoroughly paint the first set before moving onto other bases or uppers, letting sufficient drying time pass between coats.

Cutting In

Use an angled sash brush for cutting in, meaning neatly painting the corners and edges along ceilings, floors and walls. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to get crisp lines in those tight interior areas. Apply the first coat using long, even brush strokes only going one direction.

Rolling

Next utilize the mini foam roller to apply paint to the remaining interior sides and back wall of the cabinet box. The small roller width is perfect for navigating this enclosed space. Carefully roll up and down in "W" motions, then left to right to cover evenly.

Apply at least two coats of paint for best durability and allow full drying between coats per manufacturer guidelines. Once fully cured, reinstall shelves and drawers.

Painting Interior Drawers

For a truly built-in custom look, don't stop at just the static cabinet boxes! Paint the inside of those drawers as well using similar techniques:

• Completely remove drawers from the base cabinets and lay flat on drop cloth to paint
• Use angled brush to cut in and paint sides, then foam brush for underneath
• Alternate direction of strokes between coats
• Check periodically that paint isn't building up enough to inhibit smooth drawer movement

Painting Shelves

Take note of where each removable shelf was initially installed so you can return all to exact positions later. Number if needed with painters tape.

Use a small level to mark shelf edge with tape where it meets the side walls. This indicates exactly where to cut in for super straight paint lines later. With tape as your visual guide, paint sides/underside edges first with angled brush then roll remaining top and bottom surfaces.

Paint the edge trim pieces of glass cabinet inserts separately after removing. Let dry thoroughly before reinserting glass and shelves to prevent sticking.

Painting Doors

As with the cabinet boxes and drawers, doors should be removed and painted individually for best results. Lay flat and use painters tape to cover hinges and edges.

If removing the door hinges fully, have help easing doors off and use a spacer like small diameter dowel rods inserted to keep door openings accessible but protected from bumps and nicks until doors are rehung.

Use small foam roller and angled brush to paint doors inside and out. Check for any oozing paint behind the hinges before reattaching doors.

Achieving a Professional Look

With good prep work and painting technique, you can achieve truly seamless results by DIYing your cabinet interiors. Below are some final tips for an integrated, custom look:

• Match interior paint color to exterior for most cohesive aesthetic
• Maintain wet edge and blend layers together
• Inspect for any last drips or unevenness
• Let fully cure 72+ hours before reloading shelves

By taking your time and paying attention to small detail work, your kitchen will look like you hired out for expensive custom built-ins rather than just sprucing up what you already had!

Painting the inside of your kitchen cabinets is one of those nice-to-have upgrades that can have a big visual impact. While the process is admittedly more tedious than a standard exterior paint job, the months of enjoyment looking at your polished, put-together space makes it so worthwhile.

Approach the project in stages, setting aside adequate drying time for each section. And don't feel intimidated - no need for expert skills! With the right guidance and materials, you can DIY your way to a magazine-worthy kitchen that looks like a dream.