How to Repaint Furniture with Cabinet Paint: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Cabinet Paint?

Cabinet paint is designed for durability and smooth finishes, making it an excellent choice for furniture that sees daily use. It resists scuffs, scratches, and moisture—perfect for high-touch pieces like tables, dressers, and chairs. Painting furniture is an easy weekend project that can quickly refresh a room, whether you’re updating a tired piece or adding a pop of color to brighten your space. It’s a simple, impactful way to give your home a new look without a full renovation.

????️ What You’ll Need From Ace Hardware:

Cabinet Paint:

Clark+Kensington Semi-Gloss 1 Quart – White
Premium meets practical with Clark+Kensington Premium Cabinet, Door & Trim paint. Get a factory-like, ultra smooth finish at a value price. This acrylic-alkyd blend resists scratches, chipping & scuffing. Paint + Primer in One cuts down on work and saves you time.

Shop Clark + Kensington Semi Gloss

Clark+Kensington Semi-Gloss 3.5 Quart – Tintable Base
Tintable to all 1100+ gorgeous designer colors in the Clark+Kensington color palette and can be color matched to any color.

Shop Clark + Kensington Semi Gloss

Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines KILZ Semi-Gloss Cabinet and Trim Paint

Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Paint features a water-based acrylic formula with the durability of oil-based paint—ideal for cabinets and trim. With colors handpicked by Joanna from her own projects and backed by KILZ’s 40+ years of trusted quality, it’s perfect for adding charm to any renovation, remodel, or refresh.

Shop Magnolia Home Cabinet Paint

Paintbrushes: A high-quality angled brush helps with precision; a foam roller is great for flat surfaces.

Purdy XL Dale 2 in. Medium Stiff Angle Trim Paint Brush

Excellent for precision work on trim and cabinets.

Shop Purdy Angle Brushes

Purdy White Dove 4-1/2 in. W Jumbo Mini Paint Roller Kit Threaded End Ideal for smooth surfaces like cabinets and doors.

Shop Purdy Paint Rollers

Sandpaper: Use 100- to 150-grit for smoothing surfaces.

Ace 11-1/4 in. L X 4-1/4 in. W 100 Grit Silicon Carbide Drywall Sanding Sheet 5 pk
Suitable for smoothing surfaces before painting.

Shop Sandpaper at Ace Online

Drop Cloths: Protect your workspace from spills..

Ace 9 ft. W X 12 ft. L 8 oz Canvas Drop Cloth 1 pk
A heavyweight canvas drop cloth ideal for painting and cleaning, providing excellent protection for your workspace.

Shop Drop Cloths and Accessories at Ace Online

Painter’s Tape: Ensure clean lines and protect areas you don’t want painted.

Painter’s Tape – Painting Tape
Ace Hardware stocks a variety of painter’s tapes in different sizes to suit all kinds of painting projects.

Shop Painters Tape at Ace Online

Step 1: Prep Your Piece

Remove Hardware: Take off knobs, handles, and any removable parts.
Clean Thoroughly: Use a degreaser or TSP (trisodium phosphate) to remove grime.
Sand the Surface: Lightly sand to create a surface that paint can adhere to.
Dust Off: Wipe down with a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

Step 2: Paint

First Coat: Apply a thin, even coat of cabinet paint using your brush or roller.
Dry Time: Let the first coat dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Second Coat: Apply a second coat for full coverage and durability.

Step 3: Finish

Seal the Deal: Once the paint is dry, apply a clear protective finish if desired.
Reattach Hardware: Once everything is dry, reattach knobs and handles.

Pro Tips

Test Paint Colors: Always test a small area before committing to a color.
Work in Sections: If your piece has intricate details, work in small sections to ensure even coverage.
Ventilate: Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated to speed up drying times and reduce fumes.

Still Not Sure If You Understand Everything?

Visit your local Ace Hardware paint department – Our helpful, knowledgeable team is here to guide you in choosing the right products for your project.