How to Paint Existing Cabinets

Remove the hinges and handles from the cabinet. In most cases, you'll just need a Philips head screwdriver to remove the hardware.

Set the drawers and doors on a drop cloth or disposable plastic sheet.

Put on rubber gloves and use a rag to scrub the cabinets, doors and drawers with a trisodium phosphate cleanser, also known as TSP. TSP cleaning solutions are highly effective at removing the grease and cooking oils commonly found on existing cabinetry.

Sand the existing cabinets with 150-grit sandpaper. This helps rough-up the glossy finish common on many finished cabinets. Without sanding, this slick surface won't accept paint easily.

Use a damp rag to wipe away sandpaper dust.

Tape off nearby trim, wall surfaces or other objects with painter's tape. Even though the doors and drawers are removed for easier painting, accidental brush strokes can still be an issue when you're painting the main cabinetry frame.

Apply primer to the cabinetry, doors and drawers if the existing exterior is wood or laminate. If your existing cabinets were already painted before, the new paint will adhere just fine to the sanded-down paint exterior, and you don't need to prime the cabinets.

Wait for the primer to fully dry. Drying times vary widely based on the brand, so it's best to check the container for the manufacturer's recommendation.

Paint the cabinetry edges and tight corners using a 2- or 3-inch wide paintbrush and oil-based paint.

Paint the rest of the cabinetry, doors and drawers with a paint roller and oil-based paint.

Wait about two hours for the first coat to set, then add a second coat if necessary.

Return the cabinet drawers, reattach the doors and screw the handles back in after the final coat has cured for a full 24 hours.