Prep the Area

• 1). Remove all items from the kitchen, including anything in the cabinets or on the counters.
  
  
• 2). Apply paper and tape over all counter tops or any adjacent surface you don't want covered in paint splatter.
  
  
• 3). Remove the doors and all the hardware. Pull out all drawers and remove hardware. Place a piece of tape on each door and opening, marking each with corresponding ink so you will know which door goes with each opening.
  
  
• 4). Clean the doors and cabinets thoroughly to remove any dirt, fingerprints, food or other residue. Vacuum out cabinets if necessary.
  
  

Cabinet Doors

• 1). Fill in any holes or dents, including the hardware holes if you intend to install new hardware. If not, leave the hardware holes and concentrate on any irregular areas. Once dry, sand the putty with 100-grit sandpaper gently until smooth.
  
  
• 2). Install cup hooks on the upper edge of any upper cabinet doors and on the lower edge of lower cabinet drawers.
  
  
• 3). Lay the doors face down on a drop cloth and apply primer to the backs of each door. Use a primer and paint specifically designed for the material your cabinets are made out of. Ask the paint professional at your local hardware or home improvement store which type will work best for you.
  
  
• 4). Allow the backs to dry, and then flip them over and prime the door fronts. Once they are mostly dry, hang the doors from the cup hooks and allow to finish drying.
  
  
• 5). Sand any imperfections or brush strokes with the 100-grit sandpaper. Make sure the primer is completely dry before sanding.
  
  
• 6). Apply two coats of paint to the doors. Paint the backs first, and then the fronts. Allow the cabinets to hang until completely dry.
  
  

Cabinet Bases

• 1). Prime the cabinet bases while the doors are drying.
  
  
• 2). Sand any imperfections that may be noticeable with the 220-grit sandpaper. Make sure the primer is completely dry before sanding.
  
  
• 3). Paint the bases, applying two coats to each section. If you don't feel it necessary to apply two coats to the cabinet interiors, stop after one.
  
  
• 4). Reinstall cabinet doors and door hardware, when everything is completely dry. Remove tape, paper and drop cloths and replace all kitchen items.