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Paint kitchen cabinets like a pro

Refresh tired kitchen cabinets with paint instead of replacing them — save thousands.

Last reviewed May 31, 2026 by the EveryDIY.ca editorial team

Paint kitchen cabinets like a pro
2–4 days $200–$400 CAD pricing

Paint kitchen cabinets like a pro

Replacing kitchen cabinets in Canada starts around $8,000. Painting them yourself costs $200–$400 and a long weekend.

What you'll need

  • Cabinet/trim enamel paint (Benjamin Moore Advance or Behr Cabinet & Trim)
  • Bonding primer (Zinsser BIN or STIX)
  • Foam mini-roller and angled brush
  • 220-grit sandpaper
  • TSP cleaner or degreaser
  • Painter's tape

Steps

  1. Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware. Label every door (D1, D2…) with masking tape inside the hinge cup.
  2. Clean thoroughly with TSP. Grease will reject paint.
  3. Lightly sand all surfaces with 220-grit. Wipe with a tack cloth.
  4. Prime with a bonding primer. One coat is usually enough.
  5. Apply 2 thin coats of cabinet enamel. Roll flat panels, brush profiles. Let each coat cure 4–6 hours.
  6. Reinstall after 24 hours. Full cure for daily use takes 7 days — go easy.

Pro tip

Spray nothing indoors without proper ventilation and a respirator. Brush and roll gives an excellent finish if you use the right paint.

Editorial note. Wear appropriate PPE. When in doubt — especially with electrical, gas, or structural work — hire a licensed Canadian tradesperson. See our safety policy.