Can I spray paint inside of cabinets?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can spray paint inside of cabinets, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Proper preparation is key to achieving an even, smooth finish that will stand the test of time. You’ll need to thoroughly clean the cabinet interiors, sand them down, use painter’s tape to mask off areas you don’t want painted, and apply primer before spraying the paint. Work in a well-ventilated area and allow plenty of dry time between coats. Oil-based paints are preferred for their durability, but require extra safety precautions. Take your time and follow all product instructions to get the best results spray painting inside cabinets.

Should I Paint the Inside of My Cabinets?

Painting the inside of your cabinets can totally transform their look and refresh your entire kitchen. It’s an affordable way to update worn or dated cabinets without the expense of a full replacement. Before taking on the project, consider the following:

• Painting the interiors will give you a cohesive, finished look if your cabinets are open-concept without doors.
• It’s worthwhile if your existing cabinet interiors are worn, damaged, or an unappealing color.
• The project will be more involved for enclosed cabinets since doors, shelves and hardware will need removing.
• Make sure to use a high-quality cabinet paint for a durable finish that can withstand regular use.

If your cabinets are structurally sound but aesthetically unappealing, painting the interiors can give them new life. The process takes some work, but the transformed look can make a huge difference.

How to Prepare for Painting

Proper prep work is crucial for getting an even, smooth painted finish inside your cabinets. Follow these key steps:

Remove Door and Shelves

Detach all hardware, take doors off, and remove shelves and rails so you can access the entire interior surface area. Place hardware in labeled bags and keep shelves organized.

Clean Thoroughly

Use a degreaser or TSP substitute to remove all grease, oil residue, wax and dirt. Scrub well and rinse with clean water. Let dry fully.

Sand Surfaces

Lightly sand to help the paint adhere. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.

Mask Off Areas

Use painter’s tape to cover any surfaces you don’t want painted, like hinges or cabinet face frames.

Apply Primer

A quality primer will allow the paint to adhere properly. Fully coat all interior surfaces with a thin layer.

Thorough prep removes possible contaminants and gives the paint something to grip to.

How to Choose Cabinet Paint

It’s important to use a paint formula specifically engineered for the demands of kitchen cabinet interiors:

Paint Type	Features
Alkyd/Oil-Based	Very hard, durable finish; requires mineral spirits for cleanup and thinning
Acrylic Latex	Cures to a hard finish; cleans up with soap and water
Polyurethane	Highly durable with a protective top coat; susceptible to yellowing over time

Oil-based alkyd paints are considered the gold standard, as they cure to an ultra hard, glass-like finish that stands up to cleaning chemicals, grease, moisture and heavy use. Latex acrylic paints provide good durability and are easier to apply.

Opt for cabinet paint in a satin, semi-gloss or gloss sheen for a surface that can be wiped clean. Flat paints are too delicate for the wear and tear of cabinet interiors.

How to Spray Paint Cabinets

While it’s possible to brush paint cabinet interiors, spraying provides the most efficient coverage and professional-looking finish. Follow these tips:

Work Outdoors

Spray painting creates a lot of overspray. Set up in a garage, outdoors or in an enclosed painter’s tent for good ventilation.

Use an HVLP Spray Gun

An HVLP (high volume, low pressure) spray gun is ideal for applying paint in a fine mist to cabinet interiors.

Apply Thin Coats

Lightly spray several thin coats rather than one thick coat for the best finish. Allow proper dry time between coats.

Spray Vertically

Position the spray gun perpendicular to the cabinet surface and spray vertically to prevent drips.

Watch Paint Thickness

Too much paint build up can start cracking or peeling. Keep coats light.

Clean the Gun Properly

Follow manufacturer’s directions to thoroughly clean the spray gun after use.

Spraying requires some skill, but leads to a smooth factory-like finish when done properly.

What Kind of Paint is Best?

The best paint for cabinet interiors is one formulated specifically for kitchen cabinet use. Key qualities to look for include:

• Durability – Hard, scratch and stain-resistant finish.
• Adhesion – Bonds tightly to cabinet surfaces.
• Ease of Application – Sprays on smoothly without drips.
• Color Retention – Won’t yellow over time.
• Fast Drying – Can apply multiple coats quickly.
• Low Odor – Has less fumes than traditional oil-based paint.

Alkyd and latex acrylic paints designed for cabinets offer a balance of these desired traits. Some popular options include:

• Benjamin Moore Advance – Water-based alkyd enamel
• Sherwin-Williams ProClassic – Acrylic-alkyd hybrid
• PPG Breakthrough – Acrylic latex
• Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations – All-in-one kits

Stick with a reputable brand that specializes in kitchen cabinet paint for optimal results.

How Long Does Cabinet Paint Need to Dry?

Allowing each coat of paint proper drying time is crucial for a durable finish. Here are some general drying guidelines:

• Let primer dry for at least one hour before painting.
• Allow at least 4 hours dry time between paint coats.
• Let final coat dry overnight before reinstalling doors/hardware.
• Wait 1-2 weeks before putting dishes, food or other items inside painted cabinets.
• 30 days curing time allows paint to reach maximum hardness and durability.

Cooler temperatures or higher humidity can lengthen the drying process. Adequate ventilation and a dehumidifier can help speed up drying between coats.

Rushing the paint drying stages can ruin the final finish. Be patient and allow each layer to fully cure before adding another.

Should I Use a Paint Sprayer?

While it is possible to brush paint cabinet interiors, using a paint sprayer allows for the most efficient, seamless coverage. Advantages of spray painting cabinets include:

• Creates an ultra smooth finish without visible brush strokes.
• Sprays paint into hard to reach nooks and crannies.
• Applies thin, even layers of paint.
• Minimizes drips compared to brush painting.
• Can adjust spray pattern for different surfaces.
• Less tiring than painting by hand for large projects.

Spraying does have some drawbacks to consider:

• Overspray can be messy requiring drop cloths.
• Requires tenting off your work area.
• More prep work masking off surfaces.
• Higher upfront cost for equipment.
• Takes practice to master proper spray technique.

If you already own a paint sprayer or are painting a large number of cabinets, spray painting is the best application method for a flawless finish.

What Precautions Should I Take?

Painting cabinet interiors requires care and safety precautions:

• Work in a well-ventilated area away from any ignition sources.
• Wear protective gear like gloves, goggles and a respirator mask.
• Protect surrounding surfaces from overspray.
• Turn off HVAC systems to prevent fumes spreading.
• Keep children and pets away from the workspace.
• Follow all manufacturer safety directions.
• Allow proper dry times between coats.
• Properly dispose of rags, paint cans and other hazardous items.

Use extreme caution when using flammable oil-based paints, cleaners or solvents. Take steps to prevent fumes build up and ventilation issues. Being safe allows you to focus on achieving the perfect painted finish.

How Do I Get an Even Coat?

Achieving an even, consistent coat of paint involves careful technique:

• Apply light, uniform coats rather than trying to cover in one thick coat.
• Maintain consistent spray distance and overlap each pass.
• Use horizontal strokes then vertical strokes for complete coverage.
• Feather out edges to blend sections together.
• Periodically shine a work light at an angle to check for missed spots.
• Wrap edges and spray into corners to prevent build up.
• Add additional coats in thin layers for any uneven areas.

Rushing the process can lead to drips, sags and unevenness. Be methodical, allowing proper drying time between patiently applied coats.

How Do I Avoid Drips?

Drips and runs in the paint are unsightly and can ruin all your hard preparation work. Avoid them with these tips:

• Make sure surface is properly cleaned and primed first.
• Mix paint thoroughly and check consistency – thin with solvent if too thick.
• Keep spray gun nozzle perpendicular and closer to surface.
• Use consistent hand motion and overlap passes.
• Spray light coats, building up slowly.
• Watch for sags forming and smooth out quickly with brush.
• Ensure proper drying time between coats.
• Keep air ventilation on to aid drying.

Proper spray painting technique and allowing enough dry time between layers prevents drips. Touch up individual drips with a small brush before applying next coat.

What’s the Best Way to Clean Cabinets Before Painting?

Thoroughly cleaning cabinets before painting is essential for proper paint adhesion. Follow these steps:

1. Remove all shelves, doors and hardware (label parts).

2. Wipe down all surfaces with a deglosser or TSP substitute.

3. Scrub interior surfaces with a degreasing cleanser and scouring pad to remove grease and grime buildup.

4. Rinse cabinets with clean water and let fully dry.

5. Lightly sand cabinet interiors with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up existing finish.

6. Wipe or vacuum away all sanding dust.

7. Clean using a tack cloth to remove any residual debris.

8. Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and let dry completely.

9. Tape off any areas you don’t want painted like face frames or countertops.

10. Apply primer before painting for best adhesion.

Proper prep removes dirt, oils and old finish so the new paint bonds tightly. Don’t skip cleaning steps or the paint could fail prematurely.

Should I Remove Doors and Hardware Before Painting Cabinets?

Yes, you should remove all doors, shelves, knobs and hinges before painting. Here’s why:

– Allows you to fully access and clean all cabinet interior surfaces.

– Hardware like hinges can be sprayed separately for full coverage.

– No risk of getting paint onto other surfaces like countertops.

– With doors off, you can paint the cabinet boxes and doors independently.

– New paint may stick to and fuse hardware together if not removed.

– Easier to spray paint evenly with cabinet boxes empty.

– Prevent doors from accidentally closing and marring fresh paint.

– Doors can be laid flat for optimal spraying.

Take pictures of hardware placement before removing. Carefully number doors and shelves to reattach in the proper location. Proper prep makes the painting process much smoother.

How Do I Dry Cabinets Quickly After Painting?

There are a few tricks to speed up the drying process after painting cabinets:

– Ensure adequate air circulation with fans, open windows and HVAC systems.

– Use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity level low.

– Rotate small cabinet parts to evenly expose all sides to airflow.

– Position cabinet doors on sawhorses so air can circulate on both sides.

– Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to gently move air over painted surfaces.

– Add a second coat only when previous coat is completely dry to the touch.

– Shake or roll excess paint out of roller covers and brushes before rinsing.

– Use high quality paint designed for fast drying like Benjamin Moore Advance.

– Apply paint thinly without excess buildup to reduce drying time.

Rushing or over-painting before fully dry can ruin the finish. Be patient and allow each coat to completely dry before recoating.

What Mistakes Should I Avoid?

Painting cabinet interiors may seem straightforward, but there are some common mistakes to be aware of:

• Skipping proper cleaning and preparation.
• Not removing doors, drawer fronts and hardware.
• Failing to properly mask/cover other surfaces.
• Applying paint too thick all at once leading to drips.
• Not allowing adequate drying time between coats.
• Incorrect spray painting technique like spraying too far away.
• Inadequate ventilation leading to prolonged drying.
• Applying final coat too soon and trapping solvents.
• Loading up cabinets with items before paint fully cures.
• Not cleaning spray equipment properly after use.

Rushing the prep work, application process or drying times can all negatively affect the final finish. Be patient, work in proper conditions and follow all manufacturer instructions.

Conclusion

Spray painting the inside of cabinets allows you to give worn, dated cabinets an affordable facelift. With proper preparation, application and drying time, you can achieve a flawless, glass-like painted interior finish. Removing doors and hardware, cleaning thoroughly, applying thin coats, and allowing proper drying between layers helps ensure success. While spray painting takes some practice, the renewed look of your kitchen cabinets makes the time and effort worthwhile. Just be sure to have the right equipment, use painter’s tape to protect surfaces, work in a ventilated area and follow all safety precautions when spray painting cabinet interiors.