How to Paint an Old Wood China Cabinet

Remove the drawer and cabinet pulls from the china cabinet by unscrewing them with the screwdriver. Put the hardware in a bag to keep it safe.

Set the china cabinet on the plastic tarp to avoid messes. Remove drawers and removable shelving and put these pieces on the tarp.

Sand the surfaces of the china cabinet with sandpaper, including drawer fronts and shelving. If the cabinet has flaking paint, remove the paint with a paint scraper first and then sand the surfaces. Create a slightly scuffed texture over every surface of the china cabinet so that the primer and paint adhere effectively to the wood surface. Wipe the sanded surfaces thoroughly with the tack cloth after you finish sanding.

Apply painter’s tape over the edges of glass panes in the china cabinet to keep primer and paint from spreading onto the glass.

Load a paintbrush with acrylic primer and apply the primer over the surfaces of the china cabinet, including drawer fronts and shelving. Work carefully so that the primer covers the wood in a thin and even layer, removing excess primer from the wood with the brush where necessary. If the cabinet has recessed or raised surfaces, dab the paintbrush bristles gently into these areas to ensure adequate coverage. Allow the primer to dry for the time recommended on the primer label.

Load the paintbrush with the acrylic semi-gloss paint and apply a layer of paint over the dried primer. Paint neatly to ensure that the paint covers the wood evenly. Allow the paint to dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer.

Apply a second coat of paint using the same application method. Allow the second coat of paint to dry for about 48 hours so that you don't gouge or nick the painted surfaces before they set fully.

Reinsert the drawer and cabinet hardware and secure them with the screwdriver. Place drawers and shelving back in the cabinet.