Cabinetry painting is a multi-stage refinishing process that involves applying an even topcoat of specialized paint over existing cabinet surfaces to change their color and refresh their appearance. Unlike standard wall painting, it is a detail-intensive task that requires specific preparation to ensure the finish can withstand high-traffic use, moisture, and heat.

Key Characteristics:

Surface Coverage: Painting provides a uniform, color-rich finish that completely hides the natural wood grain.

Specialized Materials: Professionals typically use cabinet-grade products like water-based acrylic polyurethane or high-quality enamel paints, which are more durable than standard house paint.

Structural Preservation: The process keeps the original cabinet boxes and doors intact, making it a cost-effective alternative to a full kitchen remodel or replacement. 

Typical Professional Process:

Disassembly: Removing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.

Surface Preparation: Detailed cleaning with degreasers followed by sanding to remove old residues and ensure proper paint adhesion.

Priming: Applying specialized bonding primers to create a stable base for the topcoat.

Coating: Applying multiple thin layers of paint using spray or brush systems to achieve a smooth, factory-like finish.

Sealing: Adding clear sealants or protective topcoats to improve resistance to daily wear and tear. 

Comparison with Related Methods:

Cabinet Refinishing: Often used interchangeably with painting, but specifically refers to stripping old finishes to apply new stains or paint while potentially preserving the wood’s original character.

Cabinet Refacing: A more invasive process where the cabinet boxes are kept, but all visible doors and drawer fronts are replaced with new ones.