How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro – Dublin Guide
Most kitchen cabinets don’t need replacing. They just need respect – and a bit of paint done right.
For many homes, the kitchen is the heart of the house. And often, it’s the cabinets that show age first. Scratches, grease, dull colour… But a fresh paint job – done well – can bring back life without spending thousands on replacements.
I’ve painted dozens of kitchens around Dublin – from Rathmines to Lucan – and here’s exactly how I’d do it if it were my own.
Step 1 – Remove doors, handles and hinges
This is not a shortcut job. Unscrew everything. Label each door if needed. Place the hardware in a box so you’re not hunting for screws on day 3.
Step 2 – Clean the surfaces thoroughly
This is the difference between a paint job that lasts 2 years and one that lasts 10. Degrease using sugar soap or a dedicated degreaser. You want to remove every trace of cooking residue.
Hides imperfections, gives a refined, elegant touch
Marks easily, not ideal for frequent cleaning
Best used in low-traffic areas or spaces where the look is the main priority
Step 3 – Sand with care, not violence
Use 120-grit sandpaper. You’re not trying to strip it bare – just enough to create a key for the primer. Wipe clean after.
Step 4 – Prime it properly
Use a high-adhesion primer like Zinsser BIN or Benjamin Moore STIX (if available). Two thin coats are better than one thick one.
P.S: What is Zinsser bin primer?
- Zinsser BIN Primer Sealer is the ultimate shellac-based primer, sealer and stain killer. It is perfect for use on interior surfaces and spot priming of exterior surfaces. It offers unparalleled adhesion to glossy surfaces (including glass) without the need for scuff sanding and blocks stubborn and persistent stains.
Step 5 – Choose your paint wisely
For cabinets, go with satin or eggshell finish – durable, wipeable and elegant.
I often recommend Fleetwood Advanced Satin or Dulux Easycare Satinwood.
Step 6 – Apply the paint (and don’t rush it)
- Use a 4” foam roller and a fine brush for edges
- Apply 2 coats minimum, with light sanding in between
- Let each coat dry 12-16 hours if possible
Step 7 – Reassemble with love
Once fully dry (not tacky!), mount everything back.
Maybe replace old handles for a fresh finish. A €30 detail can make it look like a €3,000 remodel.
I once painted a kitchen in Sandymount where the colour alone changed the feel of the entire home. It was a deep sage green. Quiet, confident. The client sent me a message two weeks later: “Now I want to cook more.”
That’s the power of colour, done right.
Painting your kitchen isn’t just a job – it’s an act of care.
You don’t just cover the old – you reveal something new underneath. A kitchen where conversations feel warmer. Where mornings start better.
Thinking about refreshing your own kitchen? Whether you do it yourself or want a hand from someone who treats it like his own – I’m here. Let’s make your kitchen feel like home again.
Providing a Professional Painting services in Dublin and Surrounding Counties
Providing a Professional Painting services in Dublin and Surrounding Counties
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