How to Put a Spray Finish on the Inside of Kitchen Cabinets

Spray finishing a cabinet interior will create a seamless look.

Creating a seamless look when painting kitchen cabinets is much easier when the interior of the cabinet is painted the same color as the exterior. This will ensure that, even with the cabinet doors open, the cabinet is attractive and works with the rest of the kitchen design. Before painting a cabinet interior, it is important to prepare the surface by spraying on a paint primer. Although surface preparation may take some time, the end result will be perfectly finished cabinets.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Acetone
• Rag
• Glazing putty
• Plastic putty knife
• Sanding block
• Vacuum
• Tack cloth
• Face mask
• Spray primer sealer
• Spray paint
• Scuff pad
• Damp cloth
• Polycrylic protective finish spray

Instructions

Preparation

1. Remove the cabinet doors from the frame by unscrewing the hinges. Then remove all hardware such as knobs, handles or decorative elements.

2. Clean the inside of the cabinet with acetone. Use a rag to rub the acetone into the surface. Let dry.

3. Apply a thin layer of glazing putty to the sides and bottom of the cabinet interior using the plastic putty knife. Do this by scraping a small amount of putty onto the putty knife. Using long strokes, smear the putty along the surface, evening it out with the putty knife. Let dry completely.

4. Sand the dried putty with a sponge sanding block. Use a low-grit sanding block to create an even, smooth surface.

5. Vacuum any sanding dust away. Then, wipe the area down with a tack cloth to remove leftover sanding dust.

Spraying and Finishing

1. Spray the interior with the spray primer sealer. The area should be well ventilated and a face mask should be worn at all times while spraying. Spray the first layer on with long, even arm strokes. Apply coats in this manner until the surface is completely covered. Let dry.

2. Apply the spray paint to the primed surface in the same manner as the primer application. Again, long, even strokes will result in a smooth finish. Let dry.

3. Scuff the painted surface using a scuff pad. Then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any particles.

4. Spray the inside with polycrylic protective finish spray. Spray using long strokes as you did the spray primer and paint. Apply one or two coats, then let dry for at least 24 hours before using.

References

• Taylor Cabinet Door Company: Tips on Painting Your Cabinet Interiors