How to refinish the inside of cabinets?

Author: Prof. Leda Koelpin  |  Last update: Thursday, May 8, 2025

  1. Prepare. Begin by removing screws from cabinet doors with either a hand screwdriver, or a drill. ...
  2. Clean. Clean inside the cabinet doors with a sponge and soapy water to remove any dirt or oil before sanding.
  3. Sand. ...
  4. Mask Off. ...
  5. Apply Paint. ...
  6. Allow To Dry.

How do you freshen the inside of old cabinets?

Wipe down the inside with a mix of one part rubbing alcohol to one part vinegar and water with a few drops of mild dish washing liquid. Wipe down the entire interior and doors of the cabinets. Followed by a thick paste of baking soda and warm water to take out tough stains.

How to spruce up the inside of kitchen cabinets?

Update your cabinets by putting wallpaper inside drawers or on the back interior walls of cabinets. Wallpaper has its biggest impact if you take doors off cabinets or put glass doors on them so you can always see the wallpaper. Otherwise, the paper is a sweet surprise when you open a door or drawer.

Can I stain the inside of my cabinets?

When staining cabinets, you usually don't have to worry about the inside of the drawers or cabinets since these parts are rarely visible. But you may want to stain the inside of cabinet doors.

Do you paint the inside of cabinets the same color as the outside?

Generally speaking, yes. If the inside of your cabinets is visible, it's usually recommended that you paint them the same color inside and out. If you're creating a certain decor or design, however, you might prefer complementary colors.

Should I Paint The Inside & Underside of My Kitchen Cabinets?

How to refinish the inside of kitchen cabinets?

  1. Prepare. Begin by removing screws from cabinet doors with either a hand screwdriver, or a drill. ...
  2. Clean. Clean inside the cabinet doors with a sponge and soapy water to remove any dirt or oil before sanding.
  3. Sand. ...
  4. Mask Off. ...
  5. Apply Paint. ...
  6. Allow To Dry.

Why don't you paint the inside of cabinets?

Painting the insides of cabinets is not a common practice, and here's why. Most kitchen cabinets are already stained or sealed on the inside to protect against wear and tear.

What is the best finish for the inside of kitchen cabinets?

Glossy paints — including semi-gloss, high-gloss, and satin — are typically better options for kitchen cabinets. Semi-gloss: As one of the most popular paint finishes for kitchen cabinets, semi-gloss has a medium shine that reflects light well, making the cabinets look brighter and more polished.

What is the best paint for inside kitchen cabinets?

The best type of paint for inside kitchen cabinets is ADVANCE® Interior paint, which offers a premium furniture-like finish created to withstand wear and tear. ADVANCE is also available in any Benjamin Moore color. INSL-X® Cabinet Coat is another option for excellent stain resistance and an ultra-smooth finish.

What is the least expensive way to update kitchen cabinets?

If your goal is to update the look of your existing cabinets, the cheapest route is to simply reface them.

What do you line the inside of cabinets with?

The following DIY drawer and cabinet lining solutions won't cost you a dime:
  • Wax paper.
  • Wrapping paper.
  • Extra rolls of wallpaper.
  • Leftover linoleum flooring sheets.
  • Starched pieces of leftover fabric.

How can I update my old kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

Let's Begin!
  1. 9 Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets without Replacing Them. Paint Kitchen Cabinets. ...
  2. Distress the Cabinets. ...
  3. Whitewash. ...
  4. Two-Tone. ...
  5. Change the Cabinet Handles. ...
  6. Add Molding. ...
  7. Change the Kitchen Door Fronts. ...
  8. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting.

How to make the inside of cabinets look nice?

There's something about a fresh coat of white paint that makes everything look fresh and clean. So I gave the entire inside of the cabinet two coats of white, satin wall paint. I used a 4″ foam roller specifically for cabinets. It gives is a smooth finish with less fuzz.

Is Murphy oil soap good for kitchen cabinets?

Murphy® Oil Soap gets deep into grime to break up dirt particles and it's safe to use on wood products like cabinets. Next, gather another cloth or sponge. You may also want to use an old toothbrush to get into crevices.

Why do the inside of my cabinets smell musty?

It is caused by humidity, excess moisture, and poor ventilation. This means mildew can easily permeate in closets, storage bins, under the sink, and in the winter months particularly, cabinets. The good news is that mildew growth can be prevented and that musty smell in cabinets can be eliminated.

Do you stain the inside of kitchen cabinets?

Remove drawers and cabinet doors

I didn't have a lot of cabinets so I was able to line them up in my living and dining room and had my windows open. You don't have to stain the actual inside of the cabinets but its recommended to stain the inside of the cabinet doors.

What color to paint inside of cabinets white?

One of the best kitchen cabinet colors is Alabaster White. This warm white hue adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen and pairs beautifully with both light and dark countertops. Another popular choice is Simply White, a pure white shade that creates a fresh and airy feel.

What do professionals paint cabinets with?

If you want the very best professional finish, spraying the cabinets with lacquer or enamel is the best, but that's beyond most of us. Most often we're painting cabinets that are already installed, or repainting them. Still, we want the best, smoothest, most durable finish we can get.

Should I polyurethane inside cabinets?

Polyurethane is inherently moisture-resistant, making it an excellent choice for protecting wood and MDF surfaces from water damage. By forming a protective layer, it significantly reduces the likelihood of water from seeping into the wood, which can cause swelling, warping, or mold growth.

What can I use to seal the inside of my cabinets?

Sealers For Wooden Cabinets

Polyurethane varnish was a game changer, particularly for anything that was going to be used outdoors and in kitchens where the wood would be subjected to moisture, heat, and the abuse of sharp utensils like knives.

What finish do professional cabinet makers use?

In addition, cabinet painters choose paints with the optimal shine. High-gloss and semi-gloss paints work best on cabinets because they have a stronger finish when compared to other sheens. They are also easier to clean and maintain than a matte finish.

Do you finish the inside of cabinets?

We know it's fun to focus on the material and finish of your external cabinets, but the interior is key, too. After all, this is where you'll store dishware, small appliances, food, and other cooking accessories, so it's important that the interior of your cabinets is stable and well-finished.

What kind of kitchen cabinets cannot be painted?

Cabinets that aren't solid wood—those made of stainless steel, vinyl, laminate, engineered wood, or any other non-solid wood material—are a much bigger task to undertake as they aren't as easy to paint. Paint will not adhere to the finished cabinet surface easily and will often peel off or chip.

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