How to Paint a Hallway Cabinet

Paint Selection

• The first step to painting hallway cabinets is selecting the paint. The type of paint, as well as the color, is important to consider to create an attractive look on these cabinets. If you're interested in creating a muted, subtle look, opt for a matte acrylic paint in a color that matches the wall color, or in a shade or two darker or lighter than the wall color. To make the cabinets stand out, select semi- or high-gloss paint in a color that contrasts with the color on the walls; black cabinets against white walls, for example. For high-traffic areas, like hallways, semi- ot high-gloss paint is easier to clean as well.

Preparations

• After you've selected the paint for your cabinets, you have to prepare the area to be painted. This includes the cabinets, as well as the surrounding area. Remove the doors from the cabinets, as well as any hardware from the doors and cabinets themselves (hinges, drawer pulls, etc.) Run painters tape along the walls that butt up against the cabinet. To protect the floor, lay out a drop cloth. In order to paint the cabinet doors, set them on a flat surface that is protected with newspaper, which will protect the flat surface from paint drips.

Painting

• After the preparations have been made, you're ready to begin painting your cabinets. You should mix the paint with a paint stick and you can either pour some paint into a paint pan or leave it in the can -- whichever you're more comfortable with. Apply the paint to the cabinet base and the doors with a handheld paintbrush using smooth, even strokes. Start at the top of the elements and work your way down. Painting the front of the cabinet doors is essential and you can paint the inside, too, if you wish. Let the paint completely dry and apply a second coat if you think it's necessary.

Finishing Up

• Once the cabinet base and doors are painted, finish up the job. Remove the painters tape from the walls around the cabinet before the paint completely dries to avoid pulling the paint off of the cabinet. When the paint is completely dry, replace the doors on the base of the cabinets, screwing the hinges back in place and re-attach the knobs and drawer pulls.