How to Paint Wall Cabinets

Remove any doorknobs with a screwdriver on the wall cabinets. Remove any hardware that shows when the cabinets are closed, for example, remove decorative hinges on the doors. The door may be removed. Place any hardware and screws in a jar or box so you don't lose them.

Strip the wall cabinets of any old paint or finish. Open windows to keep the room well-ventilated. Lay down old newspapers to protect the area in which you are working, and apply a gel stripper with a large paintbrush to the wall cabinets. Follow manufacturer's directions regarding how long to leave the stripper on. Then scrape all of the paint or finish and get off of the cabinets with a paint scraper. Throw away the newspapers with the old paint and used gel. If your wall cabinets are unfinished, dust and check for cleanliness. Wipe away any grime with a cotton rag dipped in warm, soapy water. Let the cabinets dry.

Lay down fresh newspapers or a painter's drop cloth. Apply painter's tape to the walls right up to the edge of the cabinets. The painter's tape prevents any cabinet paint from getting on the surrounding walls.

Paint on one coat of primer with a large, soft paintbrush. Follow the grain of the wood. Use long strokes. Use a small paintbrush for cover edges and fill in corners. Allow primer to dry for at least two hours or overnight.

Use a clean paintbrush and apply one coat of color using long, even strokes. Always follow the direction of the grain of the wood when painting. Use a narrow brush for edges and corners. Allow to dry for at least two hours or overnight. Repeat if you would like a second coat of paint. A second coat of paint will be most opaque. Remove painter's tape after everything is dry.

Replace hardware hinges and door knobs.