How to give timber kitchen cupboard doors a makeover in a weekend

Kya deLongchamps shares a quick and easy way to give old cabinets a snazzy revamp

Ronseal Cupboard Paint (self-priming); 750ml, €37.

Fri, 14 Aug, 2026 - 12:15

Kya deLongchamps

You will need

A small roller and set of good-quality 1”-2” paintbrushes

A screwdriver to remove hardware. Resist using a powered one

Clingfilm

Wood primer if paint does not contain one

Eggshell type paint suited to interior wood in your chosen colour

Medium (220) and fine-grade sandpaper (400)

Sugar soap

Tack rags (lint-free) to clean down after sanding

What to do

Take the doors down, removing the hinges, handles and hardware. Label each one to return to its exact location. If you can’t get them off, wrap the handles in cling film.

Clean the doors and drawer fronts with sugar soap diluted in water and a damp rag. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Using your medium-grade sandpaper (220), rub over the doors and drawers, roughening up any existing paint on the fronts, edges and along the profile of any raised panels. Use a heavier grade paper for thick varnishes. Dust down.

Apply a wood primer (if your paint is not self-priming) using a small roller or brush.

Once dry, use the finer sandpaper to again rub over all surfaces to reduce grain and imperfections. Dust off.

Apply a coat of eggshell paint.

Use a brush to cut in detailed areas and finish flat areas with a roller. Allow to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, sand with 400 grit, wipe down and apply a second coat.

Replace hardware (use new pieces if you like). Take some time to perfect the balance of hinges for a nice, straight, tight fit to the cabinet.

Top-tip: You don’t have to have all your cabinets in a single colour. Consider a bold flight of cupboards on one side or contrasting wall and floor doors. It’s just paint, so if it all goes wrong, you can alter the scheme relatively inexp