Painting Knotty Pine Cabinets White

Wash the cabinets using a rag or sponge and soap and warm water to remove accumulated grease and grime; if the cabinets are particularly dirty, you may need to use a brush and a product designed to remove grease. If the cabinets are dirty, the new paint will not adhere properly. Allow the cabinets to dry.

Remove the cabinet hardware and hinges. Store them in a plastic bag if you plan to re-use the same hardware. On the back of each cabinet door, mark the location of the cabinet with a note on a piece of masking tape. This ensures that you return each cabinet door to the proper location.

Fill the hardware holes with wood putty if you plan to use new hardware that does not fit into the existing holes. Add additional putty to the pine knots to fill the cracks. This ensures a smooth paint finish. Allow the putty to dry according to the package instructions.

Sand the wood putty after it has dried to prevent bumps on the finished cabinets. If the cabinets have a glossy finish, sand the entire surface to allow the primer and paint to adhere.

Add a coat of acrylic primer to the cabinets with a wool or polyester roller. The primer allows the paint to stick, and helps cover the knots in the wood. Allow the primer to dry.

Paint the cabinets with white latex paint, using a roller. Allow the first coat to dry, and add a second coat to ensure even coverage.

Wait at least three days before re-hanging the cabinet doors. If the humidity is high, wait five days for the paint to completely dry. Attempting to hang the cabinets before the paint is completely dry will damage your new paint.

Re-hang the cabinets using the old hinges, or replacements if desired. Replace the cabinet hardware.