How to Paint a Hard & Shiny Overcoat on Cabinets

Remove cabinet doors. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws from the hinges attached to the cabinet doors. Once all screws are removed, the door should fall off. If not, jiggle the door gently to loosen it.

Clean cabinets. Fill a bucket with equal parts of warm water and white vinegar. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the cabinets and doors thoroughly. Remove all dust, stuck-on food or other debris. Do not use any other cleaning products or soap, as they can leave a film that will get stuck in the overcoat. Allow the cabinets to dry overnight.

Prepare the area for painting. Use a dropcloth to cover the ground, countertops or anything else that you don't want paint to get on. Use painters tape to tape between the cabinets and the wall, so keep paint off the wall.

Paint the cabinet doors. Dip a white china bristle paintbrush in the overcoat. Coat the cabinet doors using long, vertical strokes. Continue until all cabinet doors are coated. Paint the rest of the wood on the cabinet. Allow the topcoat to dry.

Apply a second layer of top coat for a thicker, harder finish. Repeat Step 4.

Put the doors back on the cabinet. Line up the cabinet doors with the hinges, then screw them back into place.