Things You'll Need:
- Screwdriver
- Damp sponge
- Coarse grit sandpaper (80)
- Fine grit sandpaper (150)
- Primer
- Foam mini-roller
- Extra fine grit sandpaper (320)
- Paint
- Paint brush (optional)
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Step 1
Choose a heavy-duty paint for the inside of the kitchen cabinets. Use high gloss or semi-gloss rather than wall paint because it is more durable. Unless the inside of the cabinets is already painted with an oil-based paint, in which case you would need to use the same type, use latex or water-based paint for easier cleaning and maintenance.
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Step 2
Empty everything out of the cabinets. You may take the cabinet doors off using a screwdriver for easier access, although this is not absolutely necessary. Take out any removable shelving from inside of the kitchen cabinets.
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Step 3
Wipe the inside of the cabinets clean with a damp sponge. Allow the inside to dry before continuing.
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Step 4
Use a coarse grit sandpaper to sand the inside of the cabinets. Coarseness is measured by a grit number. For the first layer of sanding, 80 is an ideal grit. Follow up by sanding the inside of the kitchen cabinets with a fine grit sandpaper 150 until the surface is smooth. When sanding, remember to move with the grain of the wood rather than against it.
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Step 5
Clean the surface area again with a sponge and water to get rid of any dust from sanding. Let the inside of the cabinets dry.
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Step 6
Apply a primer to the inside of the kitchen cabinets with a foam, mini-roller. The primer will help tremendously if you are painting over a dark color and will also help the paint to stick to the surface. Check with the paint manufacturer for an appropriate primer to use with the specific paint you have chosen. Allow the primer to dry completely, usually about 24 hours, before continuing.
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Step 7
Sand the surface lightly using extra fine (320) grit sandpaper. Wipe clean with a damp sponge and allow to dry.
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Step 8
Paint the back walls of the inside of the cabinets first. Paint the ceiling of the cabinets next, followed by the sides, and finishing with the bottom of the interior. Use a foam mini-roller to apply the paint.
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Step 9
Paint any shelves that may be fixed to the interior of the cabinets. Depending on the size, you may need to use a paint brush rather than a mini-roller.
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Step 10
Allow all of the painted areas to dry completely as instructed by the paint manufacturer and then apply a second coat of paint, if needed.
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Step 11
Wait two to three days before reinstalling shelves and placing items back into the kitchen cabinets.
