The Professional Cabinet Painting Process: What Really Goes Into a Quality Finish

One of the most common questions we get as professional cabinet painters in Ottawa is:

“Can you paint my kitchen cabinets in a day?”

Well, technically—yes. But here’s the truth: just because we could, doesn’t mean we should.

At our company, we specialize in long-lasting kitchen cabinet refinishing—not rushed, short-term solutions. And when you're dealing with one of the most valuable features in your home (yes, most cabinet sets are worth more than a car!), speed shouldn’t be the top priority. Quality should.

Why Fast Cabinet Painting Isn’t Worth It

Creating a factory-quality finish that lasts for years takes more than a brush and a few hours. It takes time, attention to detail, and a proven multi-step process.

Below is a real-world timeline of what it takes to do the job right.

Day 1 – Deep Cleaning

We start by degreasing and cleaning every cabinet door and drawer front. Most wood is porous, so it must dry completely overnight—otherwise, moisture can get trapped under the paint, leading to bubbling or peeling down the road.

Day 2 – Sanding and Surface Prep

We sand everything to ensure proper adhesion. After sanding, surfaces are wiped down with a damp cloth and left to dry again. Skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes made in rushed cabinet painting jobs.

Day 3 – Caulking Panel Seams

This is what separates amateurs from pros. We caulk the center panels on your cabinet doors to avoid those unsightly shadow lines that show up on white or light-coloured finishes. It also keeps dirt, moisture, and bacteria out of the seams—especially important in kitchens and bathrooms.

Days 4–5 – Priming with Shellac-Based Primer

We apply a premium shellac-based primer (BIN) that offers top-tier adhesion. This is done in a professional spray booth, not in your garage or basement. Depending on the cabinets’ material, this step may take more than one day.

Day 6 – Sanding and Minor Repairs

After priming, we sand again to achieve that buttery-smooth finish. This is also when we repair any dents, scratches, or imperfections. If we need to patch or fill anything, that also needs proper dry time.

Day 7 – Updating Cabinet Hardware

Why repaint your cabinets and then put 20-year-old handles back on? We help clients choose modern cabinet hardware that complements their new look. This might involve filling old holes and drilling new ones.

Day 8 – Finish Coat One

Now we’re ready for the first finish coat. This is applied using a spray system for a flawless, brush-free finish. It dries overnight and well into the next day. Rushed drying shortcuts? Not in our playbook.

Days 9–10 – Finish Coat Two

The final coat is applied after carefully judging humidity and temperature. In most cases, this step overlaps into a third day to allow full curing.

Day 11 – Full Dry Time

Nothing happens—intentionally. We let the paint cure fully so it won’t be damaged in transport or install.

Day 12 – Final Inspection and Wrapping

Every door is inspected, wrapped in protective butcher paper, cushioned between moving blankets, and stacked on a pallet for safe return to your home.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Rush It

Can someone paint kitchen cabinets in a day? Sure. But should they? Absolutely not.

If you want your cabinet paint job to last more than a year, every one of these steps matters. Skipping even one can result in peeling, chipping, or a finish that looks amateur. That 10% you might save by rushing? It’s nothing compared to the cost of redoing it all later.

Looking for Professional Cabinet Painters in Ottawa?

We specialize in refinishing kitchen cabinets the right way—with flawless results that last for years. If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen or bathroom, reach out today for a free quote. Your cabinets deserve more than a quick fix.

👉 Contact us now to get started.