Never paint the outside edge of the drawers all the way to the back, they will not fit into their slot when you are finished. We also tape off the inside of the top of the drawer; this guards against drips and makes for a neater edge.
When priming and painting, make sure to paint the inside edges where doors and drawers go. If you don't do this then when you place the drawers or doors back on you will see a sliver of the inside wood and your efforts will not look professional.
Although it isn't common practice, painting the inside of your kitchen drawers is certainly possible. It is mostly a matter of style and personal preference. The interior of your drawer boxes will likely feature unpainted wood, but it is almost certainly finished.
There are two good reasons for this: One, finishing the inside of the case helps retard movement due to moisture exchange and two, finishing the insides of the drawers makes for a much nicer utility. The drawers are cleaner and more pleasant to use.
Start by brushing paint into the detailed areas, without going overboard. Catch any globs as soon as possible. Then, before loading your roller with paint, quickly go over the brush strokes on the raised areas. Now dip your roller in paint and roll it around on your paint tray to get it evenly coated, but only lightly.
Wood cabinets are ideal for painting, but any surface that can be scuffed with sandpaper can be painted. Laminate cabinets require a special bonding primer. The laminate must be in good condition for best results. Choose a high-quality paint.
Give drawers an upgrade by lining them with a soft protective material-like felt or leather-which will protect the interior surface from dings and scratches (especially if you're storing valuables like jewelry). For a waterproof alternative, try colorful oilcloth.
Painting is not small-space friendly.
Painting inside is do-able, but it's tricky in a small space: everything will be covered in drop cloths and you'll have to step around newly painted pieces and paint cans. And, of course, the project will probably take longer than you think.
If you've got a dresser or chest of drawers that doesn't quite match the rest of your home's decor, don't throw it out—repaint it! A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into an old, unflattering piece. Start by sanding the dresser all over to scuff up the existing finish so that it will accept the new paint.
Paint cabinet drawer fronts.
DO NOT paint the sides of the actual drawers. You are only painting the panels attached to the fronts of the drawers.
We always apply the paint to the two sides first, then the front, then the top, then the drawers. Don't overwork the paint, or spend time getting it perfect.
Lining the drawers and shelves will protect the paint and prevent any nicks and scratches. Be sure to choose a non-adhesive liner, like the Clear Classic, as adhesive liners may end up doing more damage to your painted furniture.
When lining a drawer I use gift wrap most of the time, but wallpaper works well as do book pages, maps, and other large pieces of paper. I have even used fabric. All of these materials work well. Home Goods, TJMaxx and Marshalls are my #1 source for finding pretty rolls of gift wrap at bargain prices.
There are two finishes that are perfect for this: shellac and water-based polyurethane. One or two coats on the interior should do the trick. This material will lock in the oil odor while producing no smell of its own. Your FIL or Grandfather should be able to help you apply either material.
Use a foam brush to wipe up extra paint on the edges and corners of the plywood. Wait for the first coat of paint to dry and then lightly sand the plywood. Wipe the plywood with a damp cloth to remove any dust before adding the second coat of paint. You can apply a third coat of paint if desired.
Doors typically require a good amount of time, because you need to paint both sides and let them fully dry in between coats. You can begin with the back side of your cabinet doors. Apply one coat, wait 24 hours and then move on to your second coat of paint.
If you don't clean before sanding, contaminates (like cooking grease) will be pressed down into the wood. Contaminates will keep the soon be applied paint for sticking. You can remove the doors here in the process or wait until after you wash them down. It is totally up to you and situational dependent.