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

Author: Prof. Avery Nader  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 22, 2025

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.

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

Should you roll or brush the paint? The answer to this question is simple: you should do both! Using a roller or a brush is really determined by what it is that you're painting. Rollers are perfect for wide flat areas while using a brush works better for small areas, or for areas that aren't perfectly flat.

How do you get the smoothest finish when painting cabinets?

It is important to sand down the top layer of protective finish, if you are painting existing kitchen cabinets, or to use a degreaser. I use 120-grit sandpaper to level out any imperfections in my cabinets, then finish with 220 grit for a smooth surface. Vacuum and wipe down any debris with a tack cloth.

What is the best tool to paint kitchen cabinets with?

A nylon 2.5” angled brush is the professional choice for a smooth, even finish. The best roller for cabinets is a foam roller because it has no nap, or surface texture. Thick-napped rollers are designed to hold more paint for better coverage on large walls.

How do you prevent roller marks when painting cabinets?

How to avoid these roller marks/lines?
  • Good quality roller. 3/8'' to 1/2'' nap
  • Not overloading with paint.
  • Starting the next line just outside the wet edge. 'W' pattern to spread paint.
  • Small sections so a light final pass can be made before paint sets.
  • Stir paint often and used floterol.

Brush and roll your cabinets tutorial

How to eliminate brush strokes when painting cabinets?

When painting larger cabinet surfaces like doors and drawer fronts, it's essential to maintain a “wet edge.” This means overlapping your brush strokes slightly while the paint is still wet. This technique helps to blend the brush marks and achieve a smoother finish.

What paint roller gives the smoothest finish on 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 do professional painters use for kitchen cabinets?

The answer to the question “Do professional painters use to paint kitchen cabinets?” is a resounding yes. Professional painters can create beautiful, long-lasting lacquer finishes for kitchen cabinets with the right primers, enamel paints, colors and semi-gloss finishes.

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.

What paint brush gives the smoothest finish?

Soft Nylon & Polyester—Use this type of bristle for all paints, especially semi-gloss and satin finishes. They provide extra flex for smooth application, leave few brush marks, and have an excellent paint capacity.

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.

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 do you paint kitchen cabinets perfectly?

  1. Step 1: Gather painting supplies. ...
  2. Step 2: Remove cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. ...
  3. Step 3: Clean the cabinetry. ...
  4. Step 4: Use wood filler to repair scuffs and nicks. ...
  5. Step 5: Sand the cabinet doors. ...
  6. Step 6: Apply a coat of primer. ...
  7. Step 7: Sand the cabinet doors again. ...
  8. Step 8: Paint the kitchen cabinets.

Do professional painters use brush or roller?

Professional painters typically use both brushes and rollers when painting. Brushes are used to apply paint in tight spaces or areas with intricate details, while rollers are used for larger surfaces like walls and ceilings.

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.

Are foam brushes good for painting cabinets?

roller:Whether you should use a brush or roller to paint cabinets depends on personal preference, comfort and skill level. If this is your first paint project, you might feel more comfortable using a mini roller to perform the bulk of the application, followed by smaller bristle or foam brushes for the finer details.

How to avoid 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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the best paint sheen for kitchen 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.

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

Cabinet Painting with a Roller & a Brush

On the fronts and backs of drawers and doors, you can use a roller. This will apply the paint in a more smooth and even manner and is much faster than only using a paint brush. Then, use a brush for touching up small areas or for hard-to-reach spots.

How do you get a super 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 is the best color to paint kitchen cabinets?

The 7 Best Paint Colors for Cabinets
  • White. Classic and timeless, white can add a bright and airy feel to your kitchen. ...
  • Cream. Cream-colored cabinets create a warm and inviting look with a touch of traditional charm. ...
  • Gray. ...
  • Soft Green. ...
  • Navy Blue. ...
  • Black.

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