Kitchen cabinet painting process
The art of transformation: painting your kitchen cabinets in Charlotte with Glenny’s Painting
Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s where your family gathers, where conversations happen, and where countless memories are made. But when your cabinets start to look worn, faded, or dated, the whole kitchen can lose its charm. Before you start pricing new cabinets, here’s some good news: a professional kitchen cabinet painting can completely transform your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of a remodel. And if you’re in Charlotte or the surrounding areas, Glenny’s Painting has mastered the art of bringing tired cabinets back to life. View our most recent work.
In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes to show you the exact process professionals follow when painting kitchen cabinets—and why hiring an experienced Charlotte painting company like Glenny’s Painting can make all the difference between a “weekend project gone wrong” and a stunning, long-lasting finish.
Why painting kitchen cabinets beats replacing them
Replacing kitchen cabinets can be one of the most expensive parts of a renovation—often running tens of thousands of dollars. In contrast, professional cabinet painting costs only a fraction of that, while delivering results that look brand new.
Repainting offers several key benefits:
Cost efficiency – You save money while still achieving a high-end, refreshed look.
Speed – Most projects are completed in just a few days, not weeks.
Customization – You get to choose from an endless variety of colors and finishes.
Eco-friendly – Repainting keeps perfectly good wood out of landfills.
But to achieve that “factory finish” appearance, every step—from prep to final coat—has to be done right. That’s where professionals like Glenny’s Painting shine.
Glenny’s Painting team working on a recent kitchen cabinet painting project in Charlotte. The customer opted to go with white cabinets.
Steps to getting your kitchen cabinets professionally painted
Below are the steps Glenny’s Painting follows when painting kitchen cabinets for customers in the Charlotte area.
Step 1 – the initial consultation
Every cabinet transformation with Glenny’s Painting begins with a personalized consultation. One of our team leaders will visit your home, inspect the cabinets, and discuss your goals. We’ll talk about the current condition of your cabinetry, any damage or repairs needed, color and finish options, and your desired timeline and budget. We’ll also provide a detailed written estimate, so you know exactly what to expect—no hidden costs or surprises.
This step is all about collaboration. We listen closely to your vision and helps guide you to colors that complement your countertops, flooring, and overall kitchen style. Whether you’re dreaming of a crisp white, a dramatic navy, or a warm greige, the right shade can transform your space’s entire mood.
Step 2 – preparation — the secret to a flawless finish
Beautiful cabinet finishes are 80% preparation and 20% painting. That’s why Glenny’s Painting puts so much time and care into this stage of the process. Preparation includes several detailed steps:
Labeling and removing cabinet doors and drawers
Each door and drawer front is carefully removed, labeled, and stored in an organized system to ensure everything goes back exactly where it belongs.
Cleaning and degreasing
Kitchens are notorious for grease and cooking residue. Every surface is deep cleaned with a professional-grade degreaser to ensure no contaminants interfere with adhesion.
Sanding the surfaces
The team sands down each surface to remove the glossy topcoat and create a perfect bonding surface for primer and paint.
Repairing imperfections
Small dents, scratches, and holes are filled and smoothed out. This makes the finished paint job look factory-fresh.
This meticulous attention to detail is what separates professional cabinet painters from DIY attempts. Proper prep ensures that paint adheres evenly and resists peeling, chipping, or cracking over time.
Step 3 – priming like a pro
Once the cabinets are clean and smooth, priming begins. This step is critical because it seals the wood and creates a uniform surface that the paint can cling to.
At Glenny’s Painting, the team uses high-quality bonding primers specifically designed for kitchen cabinets. These primers block stains and prevent tannins from bleeding through—an especially important step for oak or other open-grain woods.
Primer also helps ensure color accuracy. Without it, darker stains can distort lighter paint shades. After the primer is applied, it’s lightly sanded again for an ultra-smooth surface. That’s the level of craftsmanship you only get from professionals who take pride in their work.
Step 4 – spraying vs. brushing — the professional technique
When it comes to cabinet painting, technique makes all the difference. While DIY painters often use brushes or rollers, Glenny’s Painting typically uses professional-grade sprayers that deliver a perfectly even, streak-free finish.
This process mimics the look of a factory-applied coating, giving your cabinets that luxurious, silky texture that feels brand new.
But spraying isn’t just about equipment—it’s about control and precision. The team sets up a professional spray booth, often using a dust-free, ventilated workspace right in a sealed area of your home. They mask off surrounding surfaces and apply paint in multiple thin, even layers for a flawless finish.
The result? No brush marks, no drips—just smooth, durable perfection.
Step 5 – applying the Paint
This is where your vision truly comes to life. Once everything is properly prepped and primed, Glenny’s Painting applies your chosen high-quality cabinet paint.
Professional-grade paints are different from standard wall paints. They’re formulated for durability, scratch resistance, and moisture protection—perfect for the constant handling that kitchen cabinets endure.
Depending on your desired look, the team may apply two coats of paint for solid, vibrant coverage, as well as a clear protective topcoat, which adds extra durability and a subtle sheen.
Every coat is allowed to dry and cure properly before the next one goes on. It’s a slow, patient process—but that’s exactly why professional results last for years.
Step 6 – reassembly and final touches
After the paint has cured, each cabinet door and drawer is carefully reinstalled. The team ensures all hardware is properly aligned, soft-close hinges function smoothly, and everything fits perfectly.
If you’ve chosen new hardware—such as updated knobs or handles—this is when they’re installed. Small changes like this can make a big visual impact and help your freshly painted cabinets truly shine.
Before leaving, Glenny’s Painting performs a final walkthrough with you to ensure every detail meets their exacting standards—and yours. They don’t consider the job complete until you’re thrilled with the results. Once the work is done, you’ll be amazed by how different your kitchen feels.That same space you’ve walked into hundreds of times suddenly looks modern, fresh, and full of life.
Many homeowners in Charlotte are surprised by how much painting cabinets revitalizes their entire home’s atmosphere. The new finish reflects light differently, makes the room look cleaner and brighter, and even increases resale value. Best of all, you get this transformation without the mess or downtime of a full renovation. You can typically start using your kitchen again within just a few days.
Why Choose Glenny’s Painting in Charlotte?
There’s no shortage of painters in the Charlotte area—but cabinet painting is a specialized craft. Glenny’s Painting has built a strong reputation for precision, professionalism, and exceptional customer service.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Experience – Over 15 years of expertise specifically in cabinet refinishing and repainting.
Quality materials – Only premium primers, paints, and finishes are used.
Clean process – Every job site is kept neat and contained, with minimal disruption to your home.
Color expertise – We are experts with colors! We will help you choose colors that complement your décor and fit your style.
Local reputation – As a trusted Charlotte painting company, Glenny’s Painting proudly serves homeowners in South Charlotte, Ballantyne, Matthews, Mooresville, and beyond.
We’ve transformed hundreds of kitchens throughout the region—and each one is a showcase of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Pro Tips from the Pros
Before you start your cabinet painting journey, here are a few insights from Glenny’s Painting’s expert team:
Always use the right paint type: Cabinet-grade enamel or acrylic urethane paints provide superior durability and a smooth finish.
Don’t skip primer: Even the best paint won’t adhere well to unprimed surfaces.
Mind the humidity: In Charlotte’s climate, humidity can affect drying times, so professionals monitor conditions carefully.
Let the paint cure fully: Even after it’s dry to the touch, cabinet paint continues to harden over several days.
Keep it clean: Use mild soap and water for cleaning—no harsh chemicals needed.
Whether you live in a cozy bungalow in Plaza Midwood, a modern home in Ballantyne, or a classic residence in Matthews, freshly painted cabinets can breathe new life into your space.
When you choose Glenny’s Painting, you’re not just hiring a painter—you’re partnering with local professionals who treat your home with care, respect, and pride. Their process is detailed, their results are lasting, and their customers can’t stop raving about their kitchen transformations.
If your cabinets are ready for a new look, there’s no better time to take the first step. Reach out to Glenny’s Painting in Charlotte, NC, for a free estimate and discover how a simple repaint can make your kitchen feel brand new again.