What Order Should I Paint My Cabinets in a Kitchen Remodel?

January 4, 2025

Remodeling your kitchen is an exciting project, but it requires careful planning and coordination. From installing new countertops to updating flooring, every step needs to happen in the right order to ensure a smooth process and flawless results. If you’re planning to include cabinet painting as part of your kitchen remodel, you might be wondering—what’s the best time to paint your cabinets?

At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we recommend saving cabinet painting for the final stages of your remodel. Here’s why—and how cabinet painting fits into the ideal kitchen remodel timeline.

The Ideal Order for Your Kitchen Remodel

1. Demolition and Prep Work
Start by removing old materials and fixtures like cabinets, countertops, and flooring. Demolition can be messy, with plenty of dust and debris, so it’s best to complete this step before any painting begins. Clearing the space ensures a fresh start for all the new installations.

2. Structural and Electrical Changes
If your remodel includes moving walls, adding electrical outlets, or updating plumbing, this is the time to handle it. These tasks often require cutting into walls or ceilings, which could damage freshly painted surfaces if done later.

3. Flooring Installation
Install your new flooring next. Doing this step before painting cabinets ensures the floors are protected from splatters or spills. It also avoids the need to adjust cabinet heights for thicker flooring materials like hardwood or tile.

4. Cabinet Installation or Refinishing
If you’re replacing your cabinets, they should be installed before painting and before countertops are added. If you’re keeping your current cabinets and simply refinishing or painting them, wait until other major installations are complete to avoid damaging the new paint job.

5. Countertop Installation
Countertops are heavy, custom-fitted, and often require adhesives that can create dust and debris. Installing countertops before painting your cabinets protects the painted surfaces from accidental damage during the installation process.

6. Backsplash Installation
Once your countertops are in place, it’s time to add the backsplash. This step involves grout, adhesives, and cutting materials that can create a mess. Completing this step before painting ensures no splashes or spills affect the cabinet finish.

7. Appliance Installation
Bring in new appliances toward the end of the remodel. Installing appliances before painting cabinets reduces the risk of damaging freshly painted finishes while moving heavy items into place.

8. Painting Cabinets and Walls
Finally, it’s time to paint! This is where Spray ’n Coat Painting comes in. Painting cabinets and walls last ensures that surfaces are free from scratches, dust, or debris left behind by earlier stages of the remodel. It also allows us to touch up any nicks or scuffs that may have occurred during installation.

9. Final Touches
Finish your remodel by adding light fixtures, cabinet hardware, and decorative elements. With cabinets and walls freshly painted, your kitchen will look polished, cohesive, and ready to enjoy.

Why Painting Cabinets Comes Last

Avoiding Damage: Painting last minimizes the risk of scratches or chips from tools, dust, or heavy materials being moved around during the remodel.
Perfect Fit and Finish: Waiting until all major installations are complete ensures that the paint color complements the finished look of your kitchen, from countertops to backsplashes.
Cleaner Results: Painting at the end allows us to provide a spotless finish, free from any dust or debris that might interfere with the paint application.

What About Wall Painting?
If your remodel includes wall painting, this should also be done at the end of the project. Painting walls after the backsplash and cabinet work ensures the paint looks fresh and untouched by any installation-related scuffs or marks.

Contact Spray ’n Coat Painting for a Flawless Finish
At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we know the importance of timing during a kitchen remodel. Our team works closely with homeowners and contractors to schedule cabinet and wall painting services at just the right moment. Painting your cabinets last ensures a stunning, long-lasting finish that enhances the overall beauty of your remodel.

Contact us today or fill out our request form to schedule your free on-site estimate and let Spray ’n Coat Painting bring the finishing touches to your dream kitchen!

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