Is it better to paint cabinets with a roller or brush?

Author: Marianne Wiegand  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Roller cabinet painting is a great way to get an even finish on your cabinets with fewer brushstrokes. It's also considerably quicker than using a brush. It is essential to use a high-quality roller and the correct type of paint to avoid any brush strokes.

How to get the smoothest finish when painting cabinets?

To get the smoothest finish on your kitchen cabinetry, a thorough sanding before painting and using a paint sprayer is your best bet. The next best thing is to use a very fine sanding sponge in between coats of primer and paint to smooth out your rolled or brushed surface for the ultimate smooth look.

What do professional painters use to paint cabinets?

Acrylic Latex Paint: This is a popular choice for cabinets due to its durability, easy cleanup, and low odor. Look for a high-quality, semi-gloss or satin finish for a smooth surface and easy maintenance.

What is the best method of painting cabinets?

What is the best method for painting kitchen cabinets? You'll likely want to use both a roller and brush for painting your kitchen cabinets. In general, Soloff says rollers are great for larger, flat areas, “ensuring a smooth, streak-free finish.” Rollers also likely help to make the project go a bit faster.

What paint roller gives the smoothest finish on cabinets?

The two best paint rollers for a smooth finish is a High Density Foam Roller with a Rounded Edge and a Lint Free Low Nap Roller, but I will say that even though both of these are good rollers one wins the prize for the smoothest finish.

Brush and roll your cabinets tutorial

How do you prevent roller marks when painting cabinets?

Avoiding roller marks is easier than preventing brush marks–just add enough paint to the roller and overlap each stroke of the roller whenever possible. Once you've applied the first coat, check your work thoroughly for any paint drips and brush marks and rectify them before the paint dries.

Do foam rollers leave a smooth finish?

Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ roller covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish. Light to Medium Textured Surfaces - Microfiber rollers are best. Smooth Surfaces - Use a white woven short nap roller for an ultra fine finish.

Should I roll or brush paint cabinets?

Using a brush for cabinet painting ensures that you will get a smooth, even finish on your cabinets. A brush can also help get into all the nooks and crannies of your cabinets, which a roller might miss.

How do you paint cabinets without brush marks?

Add water for water-based paints or mineral spirits for oil-based ones. Or, you can use additives like Floetrol or Penetrol to extend the open time without sacrificing durability. Meaning, these additives specifically help with greatly reducing the brush and roller marks.

Should you paint cabinets flat or gloss?

There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean. No matter the types of paint you choose, prepping is an important step in the process.

What is the most popular kitchen cabinet color for 2024?

The Newest 2024 Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends
  1. Stained Cabinetry. “Stained cabinetry is definitely having a moment right now,” says Cheyenne Ely, owner and principal designer at Cheyenne Paige Interiors in The Woodlands, Texas. ...
  2. Moody Green. ...
  3. Warm Neutrals.

What paint does Joanna Gaines use on cabinets?

MAGNOLIA HOME BY JOANNA GAINES® TRIM, DOOR + CABINETRY INTERIOR SEMI-GLOSS PAINT 4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value.

Which is better for cabinets, satin or semi-gloss?

Durability: Satin: While satin paint is durable, it's not as tough as semi-gloss. It can still withstand normal wear and tear, but it might show scratches and scuffs more easily. Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss paint is more durable due to its higher sheen.

Is a stiff or soft brush better for painting cabinets?

Firmness:One way to get a smooth finish when painting cabinets is adequate firmness. Softer bristles are more supple and maneuverable but less efficient at even application. Stiff bristles distribute paint more evenly and broadly, making them a more efficient tool.

What is the best sheen for painting cabinets?

Pick A High-Sheen Finish

"We've always recommended egg-shell, semi-gloss, and gloss wall finishes in the kitchen, since durability is essential in a place with moisture and high traffic. Paints with a higher gloss/sheen will generally be easier to clean. Most stains wipe clean with water or mild soap," Watson said.

Why do my cabinets feel rough after painting?

The most likely reason your painted cabinets feel rough is that they didn't get the full sanding they needed before the lacquer went on. A few rough patches here and there can be lightly sanded with 220-grit sandpaper and painted over for a quick fix.

How to avoid roller marks when painting cabinets?

If you do this, you won't have to worry about stippling or roller marks in paint:
  1. Use the right size roller cover. Larger surfaces need larger rollers.
  2. Use the right style of brush for the type of painting you are doing. ...
  3. Use a high-quality paint. ...
  4. Buy enough paint for the job.

Can I use Dawn to clean cabinets before painting?

Apply a few drops of Dawn® Platinum to a bowl of warm water, then dip the sponge in. Squeeze the sponge until suds form. The cleaning agents in Dawn® absorb grease similarly on kitchen surfaces as they do on dishes.

What is the best roller for painting cabinets?

For those looking for paint rollers for a smooth finish, high-density foam rollers should be your first stop. While high-density foam rollers are great, they are not the only option. Lint-free short nap rollers are another excellent choice for achieving a smooth finish.

What kind of brush is best for painting cabinets?

Foam brushes can be used for a smooth finish on cabinets, but they're less durable than bristle brushes. We suggest high-quality nylon or polyester brushes for longevity and a finer finish.

Should I apply primer with a brush or roller?

Applying primer first is the best way to ensure a perfect finish later. Just as it does with makeup and on cars, primer creates a smooth base that promotes better adhesion and truer color from your topcoat paint. Pro-tip: Apply primer using a brush first to “cut in" around edges, then use a roller to fill in.

How to paint cabinets like a professional?

Instructions
  1. Choose your color: ...
  2. Clean your cabinets: ...
  3. Take off doors and drawers: ...
  4. Remove any hardware: ...
  5. Protect contact areas: ...
  6. Scuff any wood to be painted: ...
  7. Prime the cabinets: ...
  8. Start painting:

Does a roller give better finish than brush?

Paintbrushes can provide a certain texture and finish that you won't be able to achieve with a roller. If you're hoping to add a personal touch or give your painting project a more rustic look, then going with paintbrushes might be the way to go.

How to get smooth finish on cabinets?

You'll apply primer first with a brush to “cut in” those hard-to-reach crevices and edges, then go back over the surface with a roller. After your primer is dry, sand everything gently with 220-grit sandpaper. Remove dust with a tack cloth or compressed air, and get ready to paint.

What are the disadvantages of foam rollers?

There are certain conditions and circumstances where use of a foam roller could be detrimental or damaging to a person's body. Foam rolling exercises load and stress the underlying tissues, including nerves, skin receptors, blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as bones.

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