How Many Coats Of Paint For Kitchen Cabinets

How to Get a Factory Finish on Cabinets

A factory finish on cabinets – that sleek, ultra-smooth look, is the dream, right?

One important note to keep in mind before we get started, painting cabinets is much more than just slapping a couple coats of paint on them.

How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Keep in mind this process below, as we take a deep dive into painting kitchen cabinets:

• 2 coats of stain blocking primer (our old cabinets were very dark stain)
• 1 coat of cabinet primer
• 2 coats of paint

For cabinet drawers and doors, start with a flat surface and use a high-quality brush or paint sprayer for a smooth application. 

Our professional painter suggested that light sanding between coats helps eliminate brush strokes and gives that desired flawless finish. And, don’t forget the patience, a rushed job never yields the best results. 

This overall process took 5 – 6 days allowing for 24 hours of dry time in between each coat.

Related: See how to paint kitchen cabinets like a professional

How Many Coats of Primer for Kitchen Cabinets

Before we dive into painting, let’s talk about priming – the hero of the cabinet painting process. The number of coats of primer you need depends on the cabinet’s current color and material.

Usually, one to two coats of a high-quality, stain-blocking primer will do. But, if you’re going from a dark to a light color, you might need an extra coat.

Remember, the first coat of primer is crucial in ensuring a smooth finish.

Step 1: Stain Blocking Primer

For our kitchen, the painters applied 2 coats of BIN-Stain Blocking Primer allowing 24 hours of dry time in between coats. 

Once the first coat was dry, the painters lightly sanded with a fine grit sanding block to smooth out any imperfections and eliminate any brush marks. You do not need to sand down to the wood, just lightly sand.

Step 2: Cabinet Primer

Next step was to add the STIX-X cabinet primer and after a 24 hour dry time, lightly sand and wipe clean.

Now that we have talked about the primer, let’s take a look at how many coats of paint we used once the primer application was complete.

Step 3: Cabinet Paint

Last step is to apply 2 coats of Benjamin Moore Advance paint allowing 24 hours to dry in between coats. The BM Advance paint is the paint base and you have the paint store tint to your desired color.

Cabinet Paint Tip: You can use Benjamin Moore Advance Cabinet paint and have the paint store tint it to any brand color you want! For example, I wanted the color Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray but our painter insisted on Benjamin Moore Advance as the brand for the actual paint. All paint brands share color codes with each other so you your paint store can look up any brand color code.

One of the biggest reasons we hired a painting contractor was because I knew I didn’t have the amount of time to dedicate to this project.

I had visions of being super motivated in the beginning and then 1/2 way through becoming super impatient and frustrated because my kitchen was a mess and was overwhelmed. 

If you are planning to tackle the paint job on your own, you definitely want to read this post, how to paint kitchen cabinets professionally. In this post, not only do we share the best paint sprayer to use but we also share the step by step guide on how to clean and prep your cabinets for paint. Everything from removing the old cabinet doors, filling the hardware holes with wood filler and the best way to get a professional finish.

Best Paint for Cabinets

When it comes to the best paint for cabinets, there are several.

Oil-based paint offers durability and a smooth finish, but it can yellow over time.

Latex paint, like Benjamin Moore Advance, is a good choice for its ease of use and resistance to chipping.

In my kitchen, I chose a water-based paint for its quick drying time and low fumes, which was great for a space we use daily.

When selecting paint, consider the type of paint and its intended use – this choice can make or break your project!

Be sure to read our paint review post, Benjamin Moore Advance paint, which is a high-quality paint and recommended by the pros for cabinets.

Do You Sand Between Coats on Cabinets

Yes, you should! Sanding between coats with a fine grit sandpaper , especially after the first coat of paint, ensures a smooth surface for the next layer.

Whether you are using sandpaper or a fine-grit sanding block for a light sanding. This step might seem tedious, but it’s the secret to a professional-looking finish. Just be sure to wipe away the dust before applying the next coat.

How Long Should Cabinet Paint Dry Between Coats

Patience is key when painting kitchen cabinets. Rushing the drying time can lead to a finish that’s not durable or smooth.

Typically, you should wait at least 24 hours between coats of paint. This might vary depending on the type of paint and humidity levels. In my experience, letting each coat dry thoroughly was crucial in achieving that perfect finish.

Painting kitchen cabinets is a great way to breathe new life into your kitchen without the expense of a full remodel.

You can see below, we removed our granite countertops and installed new white quartz backsplash and counters. By removing the dark countertops and installing a lighter color, the kitchen is brighter and more modern feeling.

Remember, the best results come from careful prep work, choosing the right primer and paint and taking your time with each step.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first-timer, following these step-by-step instructions will ensure your cabinets turn out beautifully. Don’t forget to check out my kitchen renovation series below for more tips and inspiration!