How to Add Decorations to Kitchen Cabinets

Remove your kitchen cabinet doors. Using a screwdriver, undo the screws holding the doors on the hinges and place them aside. Make sure to keep the hardware in a plastic bag so you don't lose any screws. While you can stencil on a cabinet door when it is hanging, the odds of drips and paint running are much higher. In addition, it is easier to work with the doors on a flat surface.

Thoroughly clean the doors. Kitchen cabinets can collect dust, grease and grime. Use a regular kitchen cleaner and a scouring pad if necessary to remove all the dirt. Allow the doors time to dry completely before proceeding.

Tape your stencil in place. Using painter's tape, arrange your design the way you like it and then press it into place. The tape will help hold the stencil steady while you work and will peel up without affecting the surface underneath it.

Paint over the stencil. Using a foam brush, lightly coat it with paint and slowly fill in the stencil. Work gradually and be careful not to use too much paint as it might run underneath the stencil. Remove the stencil slowly once you are done painting. Allow the paint to dry overnight before proceeding.

Seal the stenciled design. In order to make sure that your new design does not peel or chip off, use a clear polyurethane sealant over the entire front of the cabinet doors. Use a regular paint brush and gently apply the sealant, working slowly and lightly to avoid drips. Allow this coat enough time to dry, at least eight hours. It should feel completely smooth to the touch.

Re-hang the cabinet doors. Once everything is dry, re-hang your kitchen doors using your screwdriver.