Things You Will Need
One way to customize boring stock cabinets is with a fresh coat of paint. With the right painting knowledge and tools, your stock cabinetry color options are limitless.
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Wipe down the stock cabinets with liquid deglosser and a rag. Stock cabinets come prefinished with a slick exterior, and this glossy coating doesn't accept paint easily. Don't sand a stock cabinet exterior, as many feature thin veneers that are easily damaged. Liquid deglosser should be all you need to make the surface matte enough for paint coverage.
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Remove the cabinet hardware, including the hinges. Most prefabricated cabinetry hardware is removable with a screwdriver.
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Place loose doors and drawers on a plastic sheet for easier painting.
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Stick painter's tape to wall surfaces and countertops in case of stray brush strokes.
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Apply general-purpose primer to the cabinets, doors and drawers. Use a synthetic-bristle paintbrush for more precise control around edges, and use a medium-nap roller for larger cabinetry surfaces. Wait for the primer to dry before proceeding. Some general-purpose primers take up to 12 hours to dry, so you should consult the primer's container for the manufacturer's recommended drying times.
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Paint the cabinets, doors and drawers, using high-gloss oil-base paint. Glossy finishes are easier to keep clean, a very important feature for kitchen and bathroom spaces. Use a natural-bristle paintbrush for tight spaces and a new medium-nap roller on the main expanses.
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Apply a second coat of paint once the first coat dries, usually in two to three hours.
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Remove the painter's tape, reattach the hardware and reinstall the drawers after the second coat has dried for at least 24 hours.