Your kitchen cabinets take up a huge amount of visual space. And you know what that means? It means a fresh coat of paint can do more than just make them look brand new. It can transform your kitchen’s style and save you thousands compared to a full remodel. But here’s the catch: painted cabinets can be stunning…or they can be a DIY disaster. Before you grab a paintbrush and start slapping on color, there are a few golden rules you’ll want to follow. Here’s our list of do’s and don’ts to keep your cabinets looking polished instead of patchy. The Cabinet Painting Do’s Do Clean Thoroughly: Grease, dust, and kitchen grime are sneaky. If you don’t clean your cabinets properly before painting, all that gunk will show through the new paint, or worse, prevent it from sticking. A little elbow grease goes a long way. Do Remove the Doors and Hardware: It’s tempting to cut corners, but trust us: painting around hinges and handles never looks neat. Take the doors off, label them, and store hardware in a baggie so you don’t end up with the world’s hardest jigsaw puzzle later. Do Sand (Yes, Really): Sanding is the unglamorous step nobody wants to do, but it’s the secret to a smooth, professional finish. Even if your cabinets don’t look glossy, a light sanding helps paint adhere and prevents chipping. Do Use the Right Paint: Cabinets need durable paint that can handle daily wear. Satin, semi-gloss, or specialty cabinet paints are designed for the job. Flat wall paint? Not invited to this party. Do Test a Sample First: Colors can look completely different under your kitchen lighting than they do on a tiny paint chip at the store. Paint a test section before committing to “soft sage” that mysteriously turns into “swamp green” under your pendant lights.