Painting your kitchen cabinets can completely change the feel of your kitchen, giving it a fresh, modern look. Want white cabinets? Or maybe something bolder, like navy or deep green, a quality paint job makes all the difference. But here I tell the truth, painting cabinets isn’t as simple and easy as it looks.
Many homeowners might think painting cabinets is easy—until the paint starts chipping or peeling. Then they’re stuck redoing the whole thing, which takes way longer (and costs more) than doing it right the first time. So before you start, make sure you know the big mistakes to avoid.
At Brinton Painting, we bring over 20 years of experience to every project—and we’ve seen it all. We’ve helped countless homeowners across Arizona avoid common painting pitfalls. In this blog, we’re breaking down 7 cabinet painting mistakes to avoid, whether you’re tackling the job yourself or hiring a pro. If you want long-lasting, beautiful cabinets, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Mistake #1: Skipping the Prep Work
Look, nobody enjoys prepping cabinets – it’s the worst part. But here’s the cold truth, if you skip the cleaning and sanding, and your fancy new paint job will be chipping within weeks.
Cabinet surfaces need to be cleaned, sanded, and primed:
All that cooking oil and dust make your cabinets a sticky mess. If you paint directly over it, the paint won’t stick, and it won’t last.
What We Do Differently:
At Brinton Painting, we use professional cleaners to remove grime, then sand everything down for proper adhesion. Finally, we use a high-bonding primer to give your cabinets the perfect base.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Paint
All paints are not created equal. Cabinet painting requires durable, high-adhesion, and smooth-finishing paints. This isn’t a ‘use whatever’s in the basement’ situation.
A lot of DIYers grab regular wall paint or chalk paint because it seems simpler to use. But the truth is, those paints just aren’t made for stuff you touch all the time—like cabinet doors and drawers. Pretty soon, you’ll start noticing scuffs, stains, and brush marks that won’t go away.
Our Pro Tip:
We use cabinet-grade enamel or urethane-modified acrylics that level smoothly and cure hard for daily wear-and-tear. If you’re in Phoenix or Gilbert, that means your cabinets will survive monsoons, holiday cooking, and everything in between.
Mistake #3: Not Waiting for Dry Time
Drying and curing are not the same thing. Many people rush to recoat or reinstall cabinets before the paint is ready, only to find sticky drawers or smeared finishes.
Here’s what happens when you rush:
- Paint bubbles or blisters
- Doors stick and peel
- The finish never fully hardens
What We Recommend:
Follow all manufacturer-recommended drying times, especially in humid monsoon season or cold desert winters. At Brinton Painting, we schedule our projects to allow for proper curing so your finish lasts years, not months.
Mistake #4: Painting Over Damage
Have scratches or cracks? If you paint over them won’t hide the flaws—in fact, it often highlights them.
Many Arizona homes, especially older builds in Gilbert and Queen Creek, have cabinet surfaces that need repairs before painting. Ignoring these means your “new” cabinets will still look worn out.
Our Solution:
We fill, sand, and smooth all imperfections before applying primer. This gives you that factory-finish look that’s hard to achieve without professional help.
Mistake #5: Using Cheap Brushes or Rollers
Cabinet painting is not the time to use the $2 brush from the bargain bin. Cheap tools leave behind bristles, streaks, and uneven coverage, especially on smooth cabinet panels.
What Happens:
- Brush marks stay visible.
- Roller texture shows up under glossy finishes.
- Paint doesn’t reach corners or panel edges cleanly.
Our Advice:
Go with good-quality synthetic brushes and smooth rollers that are made for enamel paint. At Brinton Painting, we take it up a notch by using pro spray tools to get that super clean, even finish—no streaks, no drips, just smooth results.
Mistake #6: Picking the Wrong Color
Choosing a cabinet color can feel like a headache. That color you loved in the store? It might look totally wrong with your counters or turn your kitchen into a dark little box.
Common Mistakes:
- Choosing colors that don’t match your flooring or countertops
- Ignoring how Arizona’s bright sunlight affects color tones
- Going too trendy (and regretting it 6 months later)
Here’s How We Help:
We offer color consultations to help you choose a timeless, space-enhancing shade that works with your home’s lighting and style. Whether you’re in Phoenix, Chandler, or Gilbert, we’ll help you pick a color that adds value and appeal.
Mistake #7: Taking the DIY Route Without a Plan
We love a good DIY project, but cabinet painting is one of the toughest to get right. It requires proper tools, time, and techniques that many homeowners underestimate.
Here’s the truth:
- DIY jobs can drag on for weeks.
- It’s easy to miss key steps like sanding between coats.
- Fixing a bad paint job usually costs more than doing it right the first time.
Why Choose Brinton Painting:
We’ve painted hundreds of kitchen cabinets all around Gilbert and Phoenix and nearby areas across Arizona. Our experienced painters take care of everything—prep, repairs, spraying, sealing, you name it. We work fast, keep things tidy, and make sure it’s done right. And yep, our work is guaranteed, so you don’t have to worry about costly mistakes.
Discover more about our painting services:
- House Painters in Phoenix
- Interior House Painters Phoenix
- Exterior House Painters
- Apartment Painting
- Stucco Repair and Painting
- Commercial Painting
Contact us today to schedule your free quote and transform your kitchen into a space you’ll love!
