Kitchen cabinet painting mistakes can quietly derail an entire renovation project. If you’re in Oviedo, FL, and have been thinking about updating your kitchen, this might sound familiar:
You’ve picked out the perfect color, maybe even the ideal hardware, but once the painting starts, things just feel… off.
The finish isn’t quite right.
The paint is already chipping. Or worse, your cabinets look streaky and uneven.
We’ve seen it plenty of times with homeowners around Oviedo. Painting kitchen cabinets seems simple—until you’re knee-deep in sanding dust or peeling paint. While a fresh coat of paint can completely change how your kitchen feels, the process has some common pitfalls that can sneak up on even the most prepared.
In this article, we’re breaking down the most frequent missteps folks make when painting kitchen cabinets—and how professional painters in Oviedo, FL help avoid them from the start.
Key Takeaways:
- Rushing the timeline leads to poor finishes and paint failure.
- Skipping primer can cause peeling, especially over oil paint.
- Wrong paint sheen makes cleaning harder and shows wear quickly.
- Removing cabinet doors before painting gives a cleaner result.
- Labeling hardware saves time and avoids mix-ups during reassembly.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting Mistakes to Avoid
Giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference, but it’s also one of those projects where small mistakes can lead to big regrets. From choosing the wrong products to skipping key prep steps, the details matter more than most people expect.
Below, we’re walking through the most common kitchen cabinet painting mistakes:
1. Underestimating How Much Time It Really Takes
Many homeowners assume that kitchen cabinet painting is a quick weekend project. The reality? It’s more of a weeklong (or longer) process if you want the job done right. Between prep, drying time, priming, multiple coats, and finishing touches, it’s not something to rush.
Each layer of paint needs proper drying time to avoid a sticky mess or future peeling. This is why professional painters in Oviedo, FL typically block out several days for a cabinet job and avoid cutting corners with quick fixes.
If you’re curious about how long the process actually takes, we break it all down in our post on the timeline for painting kitchen cabinets.
2. Skipping the Primer (Yes, It’s Still Necessary)
If there’s one thing that will guarantee future regret, it’s skipping the primer. Whether your cabinets are wood, laminate, or previously painted, primer helps the new paint grip properly and creates a clean, even base for color.
More importantly, not all surfaces pair well with latex paint right away. For example, if your cabinets were previously coated in oil-based paint, applying latex without an oil-based primer will eventually lead to flaking.
We covered this in depth in our post on the importance of primer. Trust us, it’s not just a suggestion—it’s what makes your paint last.
3. Painting Cabinets Without Removing the Doors
This one’s more common than you’d think. It might feel easier to paint cabinets while the doors are still attached, but doing so can create a sloppy, uneven finish. Plus, you’re way more likely to miss edges or cause drip marks.
Removing the doors not only helps with access and precision, but it also allows you to paint in a more controlled space. Labeling the doors and hardware also saves time later when putting everything back together.
4. Not Sanding or Cleaning Before Painting
Cabinet surfaces—especially those near the stove or sink—collect grease, residue, and general grime. Painting over that is like building a house on sand. The paint won’t stick, and it’ll peel far sooner than you expected.
Sanding lightly creates a rough surface for the primer and paint to cling to. Cleaning with a degreasing solution beforehand ensures nothing gets between your paint and the cabinet material.
When prepping cabinets, we always factor in sanding time and clean-up to make sure everything adheres smoothly.
5. Choosing the Wrong Paint Sheen
Here’s a subtle but impactful mistake: using the wrong paint sheen for cabinets. Matte paint may look modern, but it’s not very durable in a high-traffic space like the kitchen. It also collects smudges and grease marks, fast.
Semi-gloss or satin sheens are much easier to clean and offer the right amount of shine without looking glossy. They also highlight your cabinet door styles better, especially if you have panel detailing or unique textures.
Learn more about what paint finish works best for this type of project in our detailed post on paint sheen for cabinets.
6. Not Labeling Hardware and Hinges
Once the doors are off and the hardware is in a pile, it’s easy to forget what goes where. Reinstalling without a system leads to uneven alignment, missing pieces, and a lot of frustration.
The easiest way to handle this? Use labeled bags for each cabinet’s screws and hinges, and mark the back of each door. This kind of organization is what helps professional teams work efficiently, and avoid repeat trips to the hardware store.
7. Painting Too Thick or Too Fast
Thick coats of paint might seem like a shortcut, but they’re actually a trap. Thick layers tend to drip, bubble, or peel faster. You also run the risk of visible brush marks and uneven drying.
We always apply thin, even layers of paint and wait the full drying time between coats. It’s not the fastest method, but it gives cabinets the clean, smooth look that lasts for years.
8. Forgetting to Protect the Kitchen
This one’s easy to skip when you’re eager to get started, but your floors, counters, and appliances need covering. Even the most careful painter can send a splatter flying. Tape off edges, use drop cloths, and cover surrounding areas with painter’s paper.
Prepping the space properly saves you from a mess later. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes tasks that separate rushed jobs from professional ones.
9. Using the Wrong Sealant (or Adding One That’s Not Needed)
Modern cabinet paints are formulated to be durable, so sealants aren’t always necessary. But if you’re adding one, using the wrong type—like wax-based sealants—can attract more dust and grime.
When in doubt, a water-based polyurethane is typically the safest bet for kitchen surfaces. But the best decision often depends on the type of latex paint or oil paint you’re using, and whether you’re painting high-traffic areas like near the sink or stove.
10. Painting Before the Rest of the Remodel
You’d be surprised how many folks paint their kitchen cabinets, only to swap out countertops or install a new backsplash right after. That new work often scratches or chips the fresh finish.
If you’re planning more than just cabinet painting, wait until the rest of the construction is done. Kitchen cabinet painting mistakes don’t always happen during painting—they can happen after, too.
Final Thoughts
Painting your cabinets is one of the most rewarding updates you can make in a kitchen. But these kitchen cabinet painting mistakes can easily sabotage your results if you’re not careful. From skipping the primer to rushing the timeline or using the wrong materials, it’s a process that rewards patience and experience.
At Cabinet Coating Kings, we’ve helped homeowners across Oviedo, FL avoid these mistakes and walk into a kitchen that actually feels new. Our painters bring years of experience, the right prep methods, and an eye for details that truly make the difference.
Here’s how we handle your cabinet project from start to finish:
- Proper prep, cleaning, and sanding before we touch a paintbrush
- Smart primer and paint selection that works for your cabinet type
- Organized labeling of doors and hardware for a seamless reinstall
- Protective coverings for floors, counters, and appliances
- Flawless application with professional tools and timing
We service Heathrow, Mount Dora, Sanford, FL and the surrounding areas, so if you’re ready to refresh your kitchen the right way, call us at 407-917-9535 for a FREE estimate!
