When it comes to painting cabinets and furniture, we know there are questions: How do I clean them before painting? What paint should I use? How much does it cost? Relax - repainting your cabinets or furniture doesn't have to be intimidating.
With Benjamin Moore’s ADVANCE paint, a DIY furniture refresh can be more affordable than replacing the furniture outright — and done in less time than you think.
The Best Way to Paint Cabinets and Furniture
Watch our how to video for a look at our recommended process for repainting cabinets and other furniture, or keep reading for our helpful step-by-step guide!.
Step #1: Flat Surfaces and Space to Dry
A flat painting surface is the key to refinishing your furniture. Remove all drawers and doors, and don’t forget to remove any hardware. Then find an area that gives you enough room to work — and enough space to let everything dry for extended periods of time.
Step #2: Prep!
The first rule of furniture repainting: make sure they are clean and dry. Use a gentle grease remover and a damp sponge to wipe them clean, and let everything dry thoroughly. After cleaning, it’s time to roughen things up! Most furniture finishes are too smooth or glossy to reprime and repaint, so using a medium sandpaper (we like 100- to 150-grit), sand down your surfaces a little — not enough to sand away the current finish entirely, but enough to give the primer a little more grit to stick to. Wipe away any dust with a slightly damp cloth, then let dry.
Step #3: Protect Your Surroundings
Make sure to tape a drop cloth or another protector over the countertops and the surrounding work area while painting.
Step #4: Ready to Prime
When it’s time to prime your cabinets and furniture before painting, knowing your surface can go a long way.
If you’re painting wood or laminate cabinets, our Fresh Start High-Hiding All Purpose Primer is the choice of professionals. Do not use lacquer-based primers, as they can impede how ADVANCE adheres to the surface of the cabinets.
After you’re done, take a break: the primer must dry at least 24 hours before moving on to Step 5.
Step #5: Sand Again
Once your primer is completely dry (at least 24 hours in a well-ventilated area), it’s time to sand again. Using a fine, 220-grit paper or sanding block, sand all surfaces lightly, focusing especially on areas that may have drips or pools (i.e. inside corners and anywhere two flat areas meet). Make sure the surface is as even as possible — this ensures your paint will go on smoothly. Wipe away any dust with a slightly damp cloth, then let dry.
Step #6: Time to Paint!
Using a premium Benjamin Moore nylon/polyester brush, apply the first coat of Benjamin Moore ADVANCE Interior Paint.
Time-saving tip: Painting cabinet doors (and similar large areas) may go faster if you use a foam or microfiber paint roller instead of a brush.
Like with primer, let your first coat of paint dry completely before moving on.
Step #7: Sand for a Third Time
Sand a third and final time with 220-grit sandpaper.
Step #8: One Final Coat of Paint
A second coat of ADVANCE Interior Paint will give you complete coverage and allow the finish to cure evenly.
We love the look of Blueberry Hill 812 and the pop of color it brings to formerly white cabinets.
Step #9: Let it dry
The longer the paint dries, the more durable its finish will be, and the less likely it will stick during reinstallation. At minimum, let the cabinets dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours — however, two or three days is even better. Once everything is fully dry, you can begin replacing the hardware in your repainted cabinets.
ADVANCE INTERIOR PAINT
With its durable, furniture-like finish for cabinets and trim, it's the finish professionals prefer.
