Stained wood cabinets can give your kitchen a warm and classic feel—but they don’t always match modern styles. If you’re thinking of updating your kitchen without a full remodel, painting your stained cabinets can be a game-changer.
The good news? Yes, you can paint over stained wood cabinets. But it’s not as simple as grabbing a brush and going for it. To get a durable, professional-looking finish, you need the right prep and products.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it right—or know what to expect if you hire cabinet painting experts.
Why Paint Stained Cabinets?
Painting over stained wood is a great option if your cabinets are structurally sound but outdated in appearance. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Cost-effective update without replacing cabinets
- Gives your kitchen a fresh, modern look
- Boosts your home’s resale value
- Easier than a full renovation
- Can be customized in virtually any color or finish
But because stained wood is sealed, paint won’t stick well unless you prep it properly. That’s where many DIY jobs go wrong.
Step-by-Step: How to Paint Over Stained Cabinets
1. Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware
Start by removing all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware (like hinges and knobs). Label each piece so you can put everything back where it belongs later.
Lay doors flat in a clean work area—you’ll get a smoother finish that way.
2. Clean Thoroughly
Stained cabinets often have a buildup of grease and dust, especially in kitchens. Use a degreasing cleaner (like TSP) to remove all residues. This step is crucial—if grime is left behind, paint won’t adhere properly.
3. Sand the Surfaces
Sand the cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer fronts to dull the gloss of the stained finish. This helps the primer bond better. Use a medium-grit sandpaper (120–150 grit) and wipe off the dust with a tack cloth afterward.
4. Apply a High-Quality Primer
Use a stain-blocking primer specifically designed for wood surfaces. This seals in the stain and prevents it from bleeding through the paint.
Oil-based primers or shellac-based primers are best for stained wood, though some high-performance water-based options also work well.
5. Sand Again (Lightly)
Once the primer is dry, lightly sand again with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit). This ensures a smooth, even surface for your paint to stick to.
6. Paint Your Cabinets
Now it’s time to paint! Use a high-quality cabinet paint in your chosen finish (satin, semi-gloss, or gloss work best for durability and reliability).
Apply with a brush and roller for detailed work or use a paint sprayer for the smoothest result. Let each coat dry fully, and apply a second coat for full coverage.
7. Reattach Hardware and Doors
Once the paint is fully dry and cured (usually a few days), reinstall all doors, drawers, and hardware. And just like that—your kitchen looks brand new!
When to Call in the Pros
Painting cabinets is a big job that takes time, patience, and the right materials. If you want a factory-smooth finish or just don’t have the time to DIY, working with painting experts is a smart move.
Professionals have access to commercial-grade sprayers, industrial primers, and paints designed specifically for high-use surfaces like kitchen cabinets. They can also spot issues like water damage or wood rot that could affect your results.
Working with a team that offers high quality cabinet painting means you get a finish that not only looks great but lasts for years to come.
Final Thoughts
You can absolutely paint over stained wood cabinets—but skipping steps or rushing through prep can lead to peeling, chipping, or a finish that doesn’t last.
Whether you take the DIY route or hire a team of cabinet painting experts, proper prep is the secret to success. With the right care, your old stained cabinets can be transformed into a beautiful, modern feature of your home.