Cabinet Painting: The Full Materials List
5 min read·Updated July 7, 2026
Materials for a durable cabinet paint job — degreaser, primer, urethane enamel, and the small tools that make or break the finish.
Prep is 70% of the job
Cabinet paint fails on the prep, not the paint. TSP or degreaser + 220-grit sanding + a bonding primer are non-negotiable if you want it to last more than 12 months.
Materials
- Degreaser (TSP or Krud Kutter)
- 120/220-grit sandpaper
- Bonding primer (Zinsser BIN or STIX)
- Urethane enamel or alkyd cabinet paint (Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane, Benjamin Moore Advance)
- Foam mini rollers + a high-quality synthetic brush
- Painter's triangles or a drying rack
- Screwdriver + labeled bags for hardware
Timing
Plan for 4–6 days. Prep + prime + 2 topcoats + cure = you can rehang in 5 days, but full hardness takes 21–30 days.
Skip the checklist
Let Matly build this list for you.
Upload a photo or contractor quote — get a full materials list in 60 seconds.
Keep reading
Interior Paint Project: Materials Checklist
Every material you need for interior painting — coverage math, finishes by room, and the small items most people forget.
Kitchen Update (Non-Structural): Materials Checklist
Refresh a kitchen without a full remodel — paint, hardware, faucet, backsplash. Materials list only.