Giving your kitchen a fresh, updated look doesn’t always require a costly renovation. Many homeowners in San Antonio are discovering that with the right cabinet painting tips and a bit of patience, they can completely transform their kitchens for a fraction of the price. However, while the do-it-yourself route is rewarding, it’s also easy to make costly errors along the way. At San Antonio Paints, we meet plenty of customers who come to us after running into DIY cabinet painting mistakes, and our mission is to help homeowners avoid those pitfalls from the start. As a proud locally owned distributor of premium Benjamin Moore paints, we’re here to guide you through the process with the right products and expert advice.
In this article, we’ll walk through some of the most common mistakes painting kitchen cabinets, explain why they happen, and show you how using Benjamin Moore paints can help ensure your project ends with professional-looking results.
Skipping Proper Prep Work
One of the most common mistakes painting kitchen cabinets is rushing into the project without proper preparation. Cabinets, unlike drywall, endure years of fingerprints, grease, cooking splatters, and general wear and tear. If you simply apply paint directly onto the surface, even the best paint won’t adhere properly, leading to peeling, chipping, and uneven coverage.
The right approach starts with cleaning. Before you even think about sanding or priming, every cabinet door, drawer, and frame should be thoroughly cleaned with a degreaser. Once the surfaces are spotless, sanding becomes the crucial next step. Sanding not only removes the glossy finish that repels paint but also creates a slightly rough texture that helps the primer grip.
Here’s where Benjamin Moore products shine. Their specialized primers are formulated to block stains, seal surfaces, and create the perfect foundation for your finish coat. Pairing the right primer with their cabinet-quality paints ensures long-lasting durability. At San Antonio Paints, we regularly recommend Benjamin Moore’s Fresh Start High-Hiding All Purpose Primer because it provides superior adhesion and prepares your cabinets for a flawless topcoat.
Choosing the Wrong Paint
Another frequent error DIYers encounter is using the wrong type of paint for their cabinets. Many homeowners assume wall paint will do the job. Unfortunately, wall paint doesn’t stand up to the constant handling that cabinet doors and drawers experience. The result? Sticky finishes, easy scratches, and chipped paint within weeks of finishing the project.
This is why selecting a paint specifically engineered for cabinetry is critical. Benjamin Moore offers several options that provide the durability and beautiful finish homeowners want. The most popular choice among our customers is the Advance Interior Paint, which levels beautifully, dries to a hard, furniture-like finish, and is available in a variety of sheens. It’s designed to withstand heavy use, resist stains, and make cleaning easy—all essential qualities for kitchen cabinets.
At San Antonio Paints, we always remind customers that the wrong paint can make the difference between a project that looks professionally done and one that looks rushed and amateur. Choosing the right Benjamin Moore formula eliminates much of the frustration and ensures your hard work pays off for years to come.
Skipping Primer or Using a Low-Quality One
Skipping primer altogether is one of the most damaging DIY cabinet painting mistakes we see. Some homeowners are tempted to save time or money by painting directly onto wood or laminate. Others may grab a bargain-bin primer that doesn’t offer the stain-blocking or adhesion needed for cabinetry. The problem is that wood tannins can bleed through paint, old stains may resurface, and glossy cabinet finishes can resist even high-quality paints if they aren’t properly primed.
The good news is that Benjamin Moore primers are specifically formulated to tackle these challenges. For example, their INSL-X Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer is a lifesaver for slick surfaces like laminate or melamine. It ensures that your topcoat sticks firmly and provides the smooth finish homeowners expect.
When you invest time and energy into a project as big as cabinet painting, skipping primer is never worth the risk. At San Antonio Paints, we recommend always starting with the right primer for your cabinet material. Not only does this step give you a stronger foundation, but it also helps the vibrant color of your Benjamin Moore paint stand out without streaks or blotches.
Rushing the Drying and Curing Process
Patience is one of the hardest parts of a DIY painting project, especially when you’re eager to see your “new” kitchen take shape. Many first-time painters make the mistake of reattaching cabinet doors or stacking items inside too soon. While paint may feel dry to the touch within a few hours, it can take days—or even weeks—for it to fully cure. Using cabinets before the paint has hardened risks smudges, scratches, and impressions from hardware.
Benjamin Moore paints are designed to dry and cure evenly, but like all high-quality coatings, they require time to reach their maximum durability. Advance Interior Paint, for example, has a longer open time, which allows it to level beautifully without brush marks, but it also requires patience during curing.
At San Antonio Paints, we always advise our customers to give freshly painted cabinets at least a few days before reinstalling them and to avoid heavy use for the first two weeks. It may feel like a long wait, but the reward is a smooth, lasting finish that won’t be compromised by rushing the process.
Underestimating the Importance of Technique
Even with the best products, poor application techniques can lead to disappointing results. Some common mistakes include applying paint too thickly, failing to sand between coats, or using the wrong brushes and rollers. Thick coats are especially problematic, as they lead to drips, uneven drying, and a less professional appearance.
The secret to a beautiful finish is thin, even layers. Start with primer, then apply at least two coats of Benjamin Moore cabinet paint, sanding lightly between each coat for a smooth surface. Using the right tools also makes a world of difference. High-quality synthetic brushes and small foam rollers are perfect for achieving that sleek, factory-like look.
One of the benefits of shopping at San Antonio Paints is that we don’t just sell you the paint—we guide you through the process. Our team can recommend the right tools and share hands-on cabinet painting tips that prevent common mistakes. Paired with Benjamin Moore’s superior paint technology, good technique ensures you’ll be proud of your finished cabinets.
Conclusion
At San Antonio Paints, we know firsthand how rewarding it is to take on a DIY project and transform your space with your own hands. However, we also know that cabinet painting can be one of the trickiest tasks for homeowners to tackle on their own. Skipping preparation, using the wrong paint, neglecting primer, rushing the curing process, and overlooking technique are the most common mistakes painting kitchen cabinets—but they’re also the easiest to avoid when you have the right guidance and products.
Benjamin Moore paints, with their advanced formulas and unbeatable durability, are our top recommendation for any cabinet painting project. When paired with proper preparation and technique, they deliver a professional-quality finish that stands the test of time.
As a locally owned and operated business in northern San Antonio, San Antonio Paints is proud to be your neighborhood source for premium Benjamin Moore products. Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a seasoned painter, our team is here to help you choose the perfect paint, primer, and tools for your project.
Need Paint in San Antonio, TX?
At San Antonio Paints, we can help you with all your indoor, outdoor, and painting sundries needs. We are a proud distributor of premium Benjamin Moore products. We are locally owned and operated; our storefront is located in northern San Antonio, TX. We look forward to helping you choose the perfect paint for your project! Contact us today!