How do I prep my Toronto kitchen cabinets for DIY paint?

Proper preparation is absolutely critical for a professional-looking cabinet paint job in Toronto's climate — rushing this step will lead to peeling paint within months, especially with our humidity swings between seasons.

Cleaning and Degreasing is your first priority. Kitchen cabinets accumulate years of cooking grease, especially around the stove area. Use a strong degreaser like TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a commercial kitchen degreaser. Pay special attention to the area above your range and any cabinets near cooking surfaces. In Toronto's older homes, you might encounter multiple layers of paint or even lead paint (pre-1978), so test first if your home is older.

Sanding creates the tooth that paint needs to adhere properly. Use 150-grit sandpaper for the initial sanding, focusing on glossy areas and any imperfections. You don't need to sand down to bare wood — just scuff the surface enough that it feels slightly rough to the touch. For detailed areas around raised panels or molding, use sanding sponges or detail sanders. Toronto's century homes often have intricate cabinet details that require extra patience during this step.

Hardware removal and labeling will save you hours of frustration later. Remove all hinges, handles, and drawer pulls. Take photos before disassembly and label each door with painter's tape showing which cabinet it came from — Toronto kitchens often have subtle size variations between doors that look identical. Store all hardware in labeled bags.

Filling and priming comes next. Use wood filler for any dents, scratches, or holes from old hardware. Sand smooth once dry. Prime with a high-quality bonding primer designed for kitchen cabinets — this is especially important in Toronto where humidity from cooking and seasonal changes can cause adhesion problems. Zinsser Cover Stain or Benjamin Moore Fresh Start are proven performers in our climate.

Professional Guidance: While cabinet painting is a popular DIY project, consider the time investment — most Toronto kitchens take 3-5 full days of prep and painting. The difference between amateur and professional results usually comes down to preparation quality. If your cabinets are laminate or thermofoil, or if you discover lead paint, hire a professional painter familiar with these materials.

Next Steps: Plan for a 4-7 day project timeline, accounting for proper drying time between coats. Set up proper ventilation and lighting in your workspace. Purchase high-quality brushes and rollers designed for cabinet work — the investment pays off in the final finish quality.