How to Get a Smooth Finish When Painting Kitchen Cabinets – 8 Easy Ways

(Last Updated On: September 4, 2023)

It’s a great way to modernize your kitchen without hassle with large-scale, expensive remodeling.

Painting your kitchen cabinets is the most effective method to achieve a fresh appearance without all the headaches.

The kitchen cabinets create the mood for the rest of the space, and it was no shock to us that our readers began to write to us to inquire about how to achieve an even, smooth finish when painting cabinets in the kitchen.

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a straightforward procedure that can transform your kitchen.

If you’re at a crossroads, what should you do? Then the answer is yes, you’ll be pleased with the result.

To achieve a smooth finish for painting kitchen cabinets to be successful, there’s an imperative need to plan appropriately to budget in advance and ensure that all the supplies are in place.

Unlike standard wood, cabinets are made of distinct finishes that require specific care when painting.
Painting your kitchen cabinets can be an incredible alternative to buying new cabinets.

It’s a great way to modernize your kitchen without hassle with large-scale, expensive remodeling.

Painting your kitchen cabinets is the most effective method to achieve a fresh appearance without all the headaches.

While it might be to get an art brush and paint it, there’s more to know about how you paint cabinets in the kitchen. Particularly when trying to get an even finish.

3 COMMON PAINTING METHODS FOR KITCHEN CABINETS

There are many methods you can take when painting cabinets. All of them may or might not be a good choice for you.

It’s all about the available paint tools.

PAINT BRUSH

The most common method to paint cabinets is using a paintbrush.

This is probably the slowest method, but it is possible to use an ordinary paintbrush and create a smooth and smooth finish for your cabinets.
The secret to this method is to use a high-quality painting brush.

Check the best paint brushes on Amazon that we prefer to use.

PAINT ROLLER

How to get a Smooth Finish When Painting Kitchen Cabinets

The third and most popular method for the typical homeowner is to use the paint roller.

The most important thing to consider in this technique is a quality rubber paint roller.

Check the best paint rollers on Amazon that we prefer to use.

PAINT SPRAYER

How to get a Smooth Finish When Painting Kitchen Cabinets

The third and most efficient method of painting cabinets is to use a sprayer.

It is the most preferred technique of numerous paint experts.

If you’re looking for a smooth finish for cabinet surfaces in the kitchen, a sprayer is the best choice.

I know that not all people have access to a sprayer. Don’t let that keep anyone from getting paint on your cabinets in your kitchen.

A high-quality paint brush and roller can still get an elegant finish for your cabinets.

Some of the older school artists prefer the brush method over other methods. This is the way to say everything.

When painting your kitchen cabinets, you can do a few things to achieve a flawless finish.
Check the best paint sprayers on Amazon that we prefer to use.

How to get a smooth finish when painting kitchen cabinets Easily in 8 ways

Let’s Start 👍🏻

1. Complete Your Preparation Work

This is, in fact, the most crucial aspect of the entire process. The paint coat is only as good as the work you have done.

By adequately preparing your cabinets, you create the basis for an excellent paint coating. What exactly is this?

All hardware, shelves, and doors should be removed

This is your first step. It could be a good idea to paint your cabinets how they are.

But painting over or on the edges of hardware can result in a drippy, ugly, unattractive paint job.

Start your task by removing all your cabinets’ shelves and doors.

It is then time to remove all hinges and handles on the doors and the cabinets.

A tip to follow is to label every part of the hardware starting from the left.

This will let you know when to change them at the end of this project.

How to get a Smooth Finish When Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Everything should be clean.

Even the best-maintained kitchen will accumulate grime in unnoticed places.

Cabinets in kitchens collect dust, grease, smoke, and food particles. You name it.

It can leave a thin layer on the outside of the cabinet, which can hinder primer and paint from sticking to the cabinets.

You’ll require a powerful cleaner to wash your cabinets thoroughly to eliminate this issue.

Make sure to do this wherever you plan to paint. Be sure to clean any remaining cleaner after you’re done and dry it thoroughly.

Fill in the Gaps

If you notice any scratches or holes, the cabinet must be repaired with a top-quality filler.

The finish’s smoothness depends on this process, so you should be thorough.

Well of Sand

Once you’ve filled them with indents, You must sand them down smoothly and evenly.
Choose sandpaper of 100-150 grit to complete this step.

This serves two purposes. You’ll be working to smooth the wood filler and any other imperfections raised in your cabinet.

In addition, you’ll have to break the initial finish. A smooth glossy varnish or glaze can prevent the paint from adhering to it.

Sanding it down a bit can give a lasting finish. It is recommended to rub it again after applying the primer.

Clean It Once More

A thorough sanding will naturally leave a layer with fine wood particles.
Clean it up again and concentrate on areas prone to retaining dust. A dry brush is helpful in those corners.

2. Make Use of A Primer

Another method of laying the foundation to create smooth finishing is to apply a high-quality primer.

  • The primer functions as glue, holding both the cabinets and paint.
  • A well-designed primer is essential for achieving an even and long-lasting finish.
  • Primer can also help prevent color from fading, which requires lesser coatings.
  • Whichever primer you pick ensures compatibility with the paint you’re applying.
  • Specific primers work for both latex and oil-based paints.
  • After priming, lightly dust the cabinets again using 220-grit sandpaper and clean them.

3. Apply paint with a paint sprayer

Using the simplest application, a paint sprayer will surely give the most smooth, professional look. 👌

Spraying your cabinets will eliminate any marks from brushes and offer a uniform layer of paint.

If desired, paint sprayers can be rented at home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot.

One drawback of applying a paint sprayer to cabinets that are already in use is the large quantity of excess spray.

How to get a Smooth Finish When Painting Kitchen Cabinets

All of the surrounding areas must be coated. If not, you’ll have a fine layer of paint all over the place.

4. Select a Lacquer Paint

Only if you have an air sprayer! Lacquer paint provides the most durable, smoothest look to your kitchen cabinets.

The only drawback of using it is the drying time. The lacquer is extremely dry – too fast to be used for a spray.
You’re fine if you cannot employ a paint sprayer or don’t want to mess around with lacquer.

Read on for some tips on creating a smooth finish using a brush.

5. Invest in a good paintbrush and a foam roller

If you’re painting cabinets, quality is paramount. Tools that aren’t up to par will result in bad outcomes.

If you plan to paint your cabinets using a roller and brush, choose the right one.

A smaller brush is the most effective choice, and an angled cutting brush can assist in securing corners.

Select a roller with excellent ratings designed to give a smooth finish.

How to get a Smooth Finish When Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Foam rollers are ideal for creating smooth surfaces. 👌

6. Using a brush, apply the product and then finish with a roller

The paintbrush and roller will collaborate to create an even, smooth look in this project.

Paint your cabinets using uniform, smooth strokes.

When you’ve got an even coat, move it using a small foam roller, smoothing it out. This will remove any brush strokes.

7. Apply several thin, even coats

In the world of painting, there is no such thing as more than.

Applying excessive amounts of paint at one time is a frequent mistake that results in poor-quality color.
The excess paint will run off and not dry in a proper manner.

Paint is best applied in thin coats evenly spaced and then allowed to dry between coats.

8. Lightly sand between coats

Even if the paint appears smooth, it could benefit from sanding.

Minor imperfections that aren’t visible could be noticed when more paint is applied or viewed in alternative lighting.

Be sure to wait until the paint is dry, then lightly sand it with sandpaper 220-grit. Clean everything off before applying the paint.

How to get a Smooth Finish When Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Most Commonly Asked Questions

Which paint roller will give the smoothest finish to cabinets?

A: The most effective cabinet paint roller is a dual-action paint roller.

Do you prefer rolling or painting cabinets using a brush?

A: It’s better to apply paintbrushes to cabinets as they provide a smoother appearance.

How do I keep from getting paint marks from brushing cabinets?

A: To avoid leaving paint marks from brushing cabinets, using a roller when applying paint is recommended.

Brushes made of rollers are more likely not to create marks than conventional brushes.

You can also use a cloth or sponge to prevent the formation of marks left by brushes.

How can your smooth and glossy finish cabinets be without spraying?

A: You can apply an oil-based primer that you spray on and paint with latex or oil-based paint.

How do you achieve the most smooth and smooth finish for your paint?

The answer is that there are myriad ways to create a smooth and flawless finish to your painting.

It is possible to use sprayers, employs an airbrush, or even a roller.

Read More: How to Clean Kitchen Sink Drain?

Final Thoughts

It is possible to paint your kitchen cabinets to make them look amazing. However, you must take your time, use the right paint and use the proper application.

If you are beginning an undertaking to remodel your kitchen, such as painting your cabinetry, remember that your kitchen is slightly overturned for a while, so you should plan meals that do not require much cooking or cleaning after.

Your home is where you can relax. So, decorate it with colors and styles that are pleasing to you.
Don’t be concerned about the latest trends or what others think of your choices.