Let me preface this by saying that while I’d rank this about a 4 on a scale of 1-10 for difficulty, this project is not for the faint of heart. What it requires is a time investment (think 1 week, minimum) as well as a great deal of patience and attention to detail.

However, if you are tired of your ho hum builder grade cabinets…this is the perfect way to customize them for an upscale look. You may remember that I had already repainted and tiled the backsplash, so this was the final step in the transformation!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Paint and primer (more on this to come)
  • Nice brushes
  • Sandpaper (both fine and medium grit)
  • Degreaser or TSP
  • Painter’s Tape

Like any good home improvement project, it starts with agonizing over choices. In our case, I knew I wanted to paint the cabinets white, but who knew there were about 100 million shades of white? After taking a few samples home, I decided on Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (not to be confused with Dove White).

Now normally I’d take my swatch down to Home Depot or Lowes and get a color match, but this is not a job for ordinary paint. Think about the banging, food slinging, moisture, and heat that your cabinets are subjected to. As a highly visible and frequently abused kitchen element, you definitely want these babies to come out smooth and durable. After much research and speaking with several paint experts, I decided to go with a new product by Benjamin Moore, “Advance” in a satin finish.

I did come across stories of good results with BM’s Satin Impervo (both oil and waterborne) as well as Aura. There are also several specialty paints made for cabinets, but they are not always easy to find. After a recommendation from their staff, I decided to give this oil/water hybrid product from BM a shot. I purchased some nice brushes, a gallon of their Fresh Start All Purpose Primer and was on my way.

Once you gather all your supplies, the next step is to take down all your cabinet doors and drawer fronts and remove all hardware/hinges. If your kitchen has a complicated layout, you may want to label what came from where to make the re-install less of a headache. Otherwise, get out your cleaning and sanding supplies.

You might be tempted to rush into painting, but let me warn you that your finished product depends entirely on this prep work. Clean your cabinet boxes and doors thoroughly and give them a good roughing up with some medium grit sandpaper/block. My cabinets had a glossy veneer which I didn’t sand completely through-I just sanded enough to take the sheen off and give the surface some grip. Be sure to wipe away the dust with a tack cloth or damp lint free cloth.

Once your cabs are clean and stripped (hehe), give them a coat of primer. For the best adhesion, let the primer cure for a full 24 hours. Patience is a virtue, my friends. The following day prime the back side of the cabinets. To save some time, I actually painted a first finish coat on my boxes the same day. Are you starting to see the pattern here? It’s a whole lot of painting and a whole lot of waiting. Once the back side primer is dry, turn the doors over and give them a light sand with some fine grit sandpaper.

If this is all getting a bit confusing, let me lay out the order like this.

Day 1- Clean, sand, prime boxes and front of doors

Day 2- Lightly sand boxes and put on a first finish coat, prime back of doors

Day 3- Lightly sand front of doors and put on a first finish coat. Lightly sand first coat on boxes and paint a second (and final) finish coat.

Day 4- Lightly sand back of doors and put on a first finish coat.

Day 5- Lightly sand first coat on front of doors and put on a second coat.

Day 8 or 9 or if you have a ton of time Day 10- Reattach hardware and re-hang doors!

Before you get started, let me detail the painting technique I was shown at Benjamin Moore specifically for the Advance paint. It’s designed to flow like oil, so you don’t want to overwork it. Put a good amount on your brush and use long strokes to spread it as evenly as possible. Let it settle itself, try not to go back and brush it too much because it will start to set up in a few minutes. The good news is that you effectively have one practice coat to see how the paint feels and flows. By the second coat, you should be a pro!

Despite all the work, the result is totally worth it. First, let’s look at those boring they-fell-off-the-contractor’s-truck boxes.

After a brief stint as a disaster area…

The kitchen came together beautifully (if I do say so myself).

I also added some beadboard paneling in certain areas, which I’ll show you how to do in another post this week. So, what’s the verdict? You likey? Anyone else thinking about attempting this?

*******Shared On The Following Blogs********


84 Responses

  3. Jennifer@piecesofme

    Love love love this! I have the exact ugly cheap builder cabinets! So sad that they would even use these ugly things! Now I have found inspiration to paint mine! I would love them In white, would u come over paint mine? Lol I need to post a pic of my kitchen to get some advice on colors. Love yours!!!!

    Reply
  4. katie

    Wow those look great!!! I would love to paint my cabinets but I’m not sure if I have the time or the patience.

    Reply
  5. Amanda

    VERY nice, they look wonderful. You are SO right about the prep work. I am in the middle of the same exact project! Today is the day I prime the back of the cabinet doors. The hardware was old brassy grossness with 50 years (literally) of gunk on them. After a good soaking and scrubbing I lightly primed then used Rustoleum’s Hammered Black. They look awesome! Can’t wait for it to all come together 🙂

    I have a backsplash I have to paint too, going to look and see if you have a post you did on that. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Cindy

    Hi!
    Your kitchen looks marvelous, just beautiful! You did an amazing job on it, good for you and if you like it then it is perfect!
    Hugs, Cindy

    Reply
    • Miranda

      I know this is 7 years later! LOL!! But i was wondering how well these held up over the years? I am about to try and tackle my fake, ugly, manufactured home cabinets and when I googled the ‘how to’s’ your tutorial popped up and here I am! 🙂 So please let me know how well these held up 🙂 Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Rachael Evans

        They still look great! So glad I made the jump!

      • Lori

        I am glad I am not the only one reading and appreciating this 7 years later!

  9. brandi

    Your cabinets turned out great! I love the color you chose. I’ve been wanting to repaint my kitchen cabinets as wall and your tutorial makes me think I can do it myself! thanks for the inspiration. You did a beautiful job!!!!!

    Reply
    • Rachael

      Good for you for trying to tackle this yourself Jen! It’s definitely worth the money savings to do it yourself. It probably cost me about $200 between paint, primer, brushes, and other supplies-but it would have been A LOT more for a pro to do it.

      Reply
      • Stephanie Lewis

        Did you have to take the cabinets off the wall to paint the body of the cabinets? Also, did you paint the inside of the cabinet drawers or just the outside. I just purchased a professional paint sprayer off Groupon. Do you think it will make it easier or is it better to hand paint.

        Thanks,

      • Rachael Evans

        Hi Stephanie! I painted the cabinet boxes on the wall, just taped off where needed. Honestly the prep work involved in spraying cabinets is enough to turn me off of it. You have to drape everything you don’t want painted in plastic because it will get oversprayed if not! But, it does leave a great finish, and if you hired a professional this would most likely be the method they use. So it’s a toss up!

  13. laurie@heavenswalk

    Rachael – I am SO jealous of your beautiful cabinets! I would give anything to paint my cabinets….but still working on talking hubby into it. You know guys and their wood……ugh! The transformation is just amazing and really brought your kitchen up to date and very inviting! Great work! Happy WW!

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
    • Rachael

      How neat Lisa, we’ll be cabinet twins! Can’t wait to see your kitchen. I think you’ll love the Advance. The guys at BM may suggest the Aura, but it dries very quickly so I heard even pros have a hard time not overbrushing it. The Advance gives you a bit more time before setting.Good luck!

      Reply
  14. cindy geilmann

    Wow, that is a great transformation. They should have been white all along. I’m not kidding, beautiful and beautiful back splash. I’d like to paint my cabnets white, but their a solad oak and I don’t dare.

    come visit
    cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com

    Reply
  15. Jan

    Your kitchen transformation is perfect. You did a marvelous job and made it all seem so effortless. I know you must be thrilled with the outcome. Thank you for sharing this transformation on the Boardwalk Bragfest, and I hope to see you again next Tuesday!

    Reply
  18. sharon

    Bravo Rachel! I saw your project at the PoPP, and I had to tell you how spectacular your cabinets look. You’re right about being patient – this is a time consuming project that requires lots of preparation before the paint can is ever opened. But WOW! What great results you achieved!……you must be thrilled. Now I’m going to enjoy the rest of your site…

    Reply
  19. Meg

    Great job! My sister wants to re-do her cabinets, so I forwarded this to her for a tutorial! Thanks so much! I’d love for you to link up to my link party going on now! alittleknickknack.blogspot.com

    Reply
  21. Jen

    Absolutely gorgeous! I was just telling my husband that we really need to repaint the kitchen cabinets. Since we had it done for us last time, I had no idea where to start. Thanks to this, now I do! Thanks so much!

    Reply
  22. Lisa

    What a beautiful job! Thank you so much for detailing your steps. We are about to paint our cabinets with the same color – White Dove. We’ve already painted all the natural trim in our house this color, along with several built-ins. The kitchen is the last big project. I haven’t tried this Ben Moore product and can’t wait to give it a go. I absolutely despise oil-based paint but with kitchen cabinetry it’s important to be durable. I’m excited to start this project now that I’ve seen your transformation! Great job – thank you for sharing it!

    Reply
  23. Missy

    Thank you for your post! It looks amazing! Our kitchen has a very similar layout, except I have a small island rather than the bar. My cabinets are off the contractor’s truck I believe, but in Walnut. Along with the fake brick I have on my large wall, its very 70’s-ish. Your project is quite inspiring! Maybe next spring I will tackle this beast! I’m bookmarking you so I can come back to this info! Thanks again!

    Reply
  25. Eileen

    It looks fabulous. I once did this to the hardest of cabinets. They were some kind of formica or something and it took a lot of de-glosser and then primer and paint. But they went from ugly make- believe wood to gorgeous white and it opened up the whole area. Your kitchen looks awesome. The white makes the backsplash stand out more!

    Reply
  26. Kari

    Hi, I just wanted to know how you feel about the paint you used on your cabinets now that you’ve had them for a little bit now. I used regular satin paint, and my nail polish makes marks all the time. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lovely Crafty Home

      Kari- it has been really durable, it’s a really hard finish and I can wipe them down without worrying about chipping the paint. I think the only way to get a really durable finish is to use a paint that has a bit of oil in it. The hybrid was easy to use and easy to clean up (pretty low odor also). BM makes a completely water based paint called Aura which some people have used for cabinets, but I saw some mixed reviews. Overall I’m really pleased with how the Advance turned out- little to no brush marks! I’d definitely recommend it.

      Reply
  27. Sarah @ The Ugly Duckling House

    This looks fab! Thanks for stopping by The Ugly Duckling House today.

    This is a great tutorial, one I will reference when I tackle the kitchen cabinets this summer. Question for you: Are you happy with the white you chose? I’m stumped with all the white options out there and am considering a possible pale gray instead. Not sure though.

    Hope to see you stop by again soon!

    Reply
    • Lovely Crafty Home

      Thanks Sarah! Yes I LOVE the white, and I probably spent 2 weeks comparing different shades. I looked up the most popular (BM Linen White, Decorator’s White…) and they really looked different in my space. I’m glad I opted to get samples rather than just picking a color that was really popular. I did consider other colors for a two toned look like a slate gray or a gray-green color on the bottoms and white on the top, but I decided that I change my mind too much to put a color other than white on them. Good luck with whatever you choose!

      Reply
  28. Olivia @ Swan White Curtain

    First, you did a fantastic job! Second, THANK YOU so much for putting that little daily task list up. I have dreaming of a kitchen makeover and that’s how I’ve been planning it out, day by day. Brilliant!

    Reply
  29. Jenny

    I just came across this great tutorial. I am actually using the Advance line now to repaint my doors. I love the hard finish and its sheen (satin). I am curious as to what kind of brush you used? Also, did anyone there try to sell you on using cabinet coat? (That is what my paint guy suggested for kitchen cabinets. But, then on another day suggested Advance for my doors/trim).

    Reply
    • Lovely Crafty Home

      I used BM brushes also, a 2″ one for most of it. The first time I went in, one guy suggested Aura-but I was just getting color samples. Then the next time I was there, someone else suggested the Advance and made a good case. I’m glad I went with it. I haven’t heard of the Cabinet Coat…is that a BM product?

      Reply
      • Jenny

        I don’t know a whole lot about it, yet. I was at an independent paint store that carries BM. Here’s I quote about someone else using it:

        “Apparently Benjamin Moore manufactures it but it is available under the brand name insl-x in other paint stores as well…It is a water base enamel paint…Contains ethlene Glycol. Can recoat is 6 hours….I would dry them flat because they say it levels out like Aura …. Too much applied on vertical surfaces will run….It is a much harder finish than Aura…It feels just like oil.”

        I did see a sample of it that was done 6 years ago and it was a very nice, smooth finish. And non-yellowing. I need to get more paint so I’ll ask him the difference next time.

  30. Kristy

    I love the way they turned out. I have been considering a whole house painting of the fake “oak” woodwork in my house. The problem I am having is wondering how it would look if I leave the fake “oak” doors looking like oak and having all white woodwork. What are your room doors and woodwork like? Are they white? Are they oak? I love the look of white woodwork especially the way it looks against painted walls. I know I could paint the doors too but just the thought of painting all the woodwork is daunting enough!

    Reply
    • Lovely Crafty Home

      We have mostly cheapo white interior doors, but I gel stained our front door to look like a dark wood door and it looks great against the white trim. In general, I think white trim goes with most anything and I wouldn’t worry about the doors!

      Reply
  31. Beaded Board = Instant Charm

    […] November 8, 2010 2 Comments Auto Adsense WPNow that we’ve learned to tile a backsplash and paint cabinets, I’d like to share with you one more trick to help you customize your kitchen: […]

    Reply
  32. Brenda

    Thanks so much for this tutorial, I was wondering if its possible to Lacquer your cabinets? if so do you have an idea on how to do this? My cabinets don’t have knobs build on them, any tips on how to put knobs on the cabinets?

    Reply
    • rachaelevans

      Brenda- You can lacquer cabinets, but I have never done it. I just prefer the look of a more satin finish. But, if you use a high quality high gloss paint, you should be able to get the same effect with having to lacquer (and it will be less work). You can buy cabinet knobs at most hardware stores and they come with screws, all you have to do is drill a hole where you want to put the knobs. It’s super easy and makes a huge difference in how the kitchen looks!

      Reply
  34. Marie

    HAPPY JANUARY 1st,. 2013!!! It’s been just my dog and I up all night trying to make something out of nothing in this horrible handiman special. Your website ended a horrible 2012 and brought in 2013 in much better light. THANK YOU

    Reply
  35. marsha

    Hello, I was wondering if you could tell me how your cabinets are holding up after painting them? I am getting ready to paint mine and researching colors, brands, etc. Also you said your cabinets are “fake wood” – what do you mean by that? Mine are fake wood as well – the doors aren’t but I live in a manufactured home and the boxes are paper covered junk. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  36. RTHall wood cabinets - RTH

    […] Tutorial: painting (fake wood ) kitchen cabinets Jennifer@piecesofme november 1, 2010 . love love love this! i have the exact ugly cheap builder cabinets! so sad that they would even use these ugly things!. […]

    Reply
  37. RTHall wood cabinet - RTH

    […] Tutorial: painting (fake wood ) kitchen cabinets Jennifer@piecesofme november 1, 2010 . love love love this! i have the exact ugly cheap builder cabinets! so sad that they would even use these ugly things!. […]

    Reply
  38. Jan Ries

    I realize I found this blog post 4 years after the fact, but if you are still around, I have a couple of questions … Had been thinking of painting my cabinets with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, but worried about brush strokes (don’t want). Do your cabinets show brush strokes with this paint? Also, with ASCP, they use a wax or a topcoat to protect the paint. Did you use something like that? How have they held up to daily life? Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Jan – I think ASCP would work fine with a wax on top, just apply thin coats with a high quality brush and you shouldn’t see brush strokes. The paint I used is very smooth, it’s a hybrid paint so it levels a bit like oil based. BUT, you can’t over work it. The more you mess around with the paint, the more you will leave strokes. It didn’t require a top coat, and has held up really great. Going back, I probably would have waxed it just for extra protection, plus I like the finish it leaves. Does that help?

      Reply
  39. Jonathan

    We have the fake wood cabinets that has a film you know the ones at lowes or Home Depot can those be refinished I heard you have to sand a little and put a special primer on them

    Reply
  40. Ashley

    Hey, I am getting ready to follow up step by step tutorial of painting my cabinets, wondering how the paint has held up over the 5 years sunce you painted your cabinets? Would you do anything differently if you were to do it again?

    Reply
  41. Caroline Gunn

    My cabinets are vaneer and have paper on the frame part of the cabinet door. can I still use ure technique?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hmmm… do you mean the veneer is paper? If you’re totally committed to painting (this will be irreversible), then I’d sand quite a bit through the paper to get some grip. Use a primer, and it should work fine!

      Reply
  42. Jeff Biskup

    What paint brush did you use to apply the paint to the cabinets? I am concerned of applying to my cabinets and showing bad brush strokes.

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      I used a Benjamin Moore brush, but I wouldn’t necessarily say it was required. I would be just as happy now to use my trusty wooster short cut. The BM Advance is self leveling – so if you don’t overwork it, it will make it’s own smooth finish.

      Reply
  43. Kris Johnson

    Your kitchen looks great. It doesn’t look like it but I’m just wondering if you have brush marks? I have maple cabinets. I’m thinking of painting them but I’m terrified of brush marks. I’m thinking between chalk paint and advance my B Moore. What type if cabinets do you have….maple, oak?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Kris – They were laminate (i.e. cheap, not solid wood). I would suggest a very good sanding and then the advance. It has self-leveling properties that prevent brush marks – one of the reasons I used it. There is a small learning curve though – practice first. You’re more likely to add the brush marks yourself if you overwork the paint than anything else. I think you could get a nice finish with chalk paint, but you will definitely need to sand between coats and may need more coats in total.

      Reply
  46. Diy Wood Kitchen Cabinets – Finn P Ramsey

    […] doityourself instruction of how to refinish wooden kitchen cabinets. The complete process of using. Tutorial painting (fake wood) kitchen cabinets. Amy with good day! November 1, 2010. Wow! The kitchen looks amazing! You have mad diy skills […]

    Reply
  48. Pam K

    I know I’m pretty late to this post but I’m thinking about painting my cabinets and I’m trying to find answers to two things. First my son just put a huge crack in on of my pantry doors by slinging a hundred pound marine corps bag over his shoulder. It split down the middle but because the veneer stuff is like a paper type product it wasn’t a clean split. I have to try to fix and putty first but the side of the pantry is a 7 plus foot tall veneer that you find on the side and back of cabinets. It’s the first thing you see walking into the door and I’m trying to find out how to prep it. Does the vertical painting show brush strokes? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Pam – I would definitely use wood filler and/or glue. Sand and repeat until you can’t feel the crack. I painted all of my doors off the hinges, laying down flat. If you don’t over work this paint, it dries really smoothly. It’s self-leveling like oil. I’ve never had too many problems wit brush strokes even with latex though. Just apply thin coats, sanding in between if necessary. Good luck!

      Reply
  49. Jenny Jeffries

    I have painted two sets of wood kitchen cabinets but I have been concerned about painting the veneer cabinets in the house we are trying to buy. The first set I painted held up very well. The second set did not. I used porch paint on the first set. I have attributed their long wear to the paint but I’m wondering if yours are still holding up well. I had a friend hire painters to paint hers and they were pealing in two weeks.

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Jenny – It really has a lot to do with how well you prep. If you’ve had the cabinets for awhile, you really need to de-grease and sand well. I love how the Ben Moore paint has held up over the years, but I think with proper prep you could use regular latex with several coats of paste wax and achieve a similar result.

      Reply
  50. Anne

    Hi,

    I just stumbled upon your blog recently and find it very informative. I’m thinking about undertaking this task but was wondering how the cupboards held up for you. Have you experienced any chipping or scratching of the paint?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Anne – They have held up really well! A little wear and tear, but nothing that would make me actually take steps to do touch ups. In hindsight, I probably would have done an additional step of paste wax, but it wasn’t really a thing at the time I did this project. Good luck!

      Reply
  51. Sabrena

    I realize that my comment is years later but I just came across this great DIY post while googling. Nonetheless, just wanted to tell you what others have been saying, You’ve done a fabulous job! I’m encouraged to try this myself. I know this project will more than likely take me longer than you did BUT the outcome will be well worth my time & efforts for sure. Amazing how all these years later, your work is timeless. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  52. North East Factory Direct

    I really like the information provided in this article and I really like the way you have explained each and everything so well. Very well done with the article, hope that you will continue to do posting

    Reply
  54. Francine

    THANks…I plan to attempt this after the New Year. My cabinets look even cheaper. Pressed wood of unknown type, with some cheapo veneer on it. 🙁

    Reply

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