Paint cabinets to renew your kitchen quickly and inexpensively. Cabinets receive heavy use and are frequently scrubbed, so paint them with a heavy-duty gloss enamel. Enamel paint is more durable than flat wall paint. Sand surfaces lightly between coats.

Use natural bristle paint brushes with alkyd paints, synthetic bristle brushes with latex.

Varnished cabinets can be painted if the surface is properly prepared. Use liquid deglosser to dull the shine, then prime all surfaces. Alkyd paints work best for painting varnished cabinets.

1. Wash cabinets with mild detergent. Scrape loose paint. Sand all surfaces. Wipe away sanding dust and prime all bare wood with sealer.

2. Paint interiors first, in this order: 1) back walls, 2) tops, 3) sides, 4) bottoms. Paint bottoms, tops, and edges of shelves last.

3. Paint both sides of doors beginning with inner surfaces. With panel doors, paint in this order: 1) recessed panels, 2) horizontal rails, 3) vertical stiles.

Hinges on framed cabinets are screwed directly to the face frames. Better cabinets have adjustable hinges that allow door realignment.

Hinges on framelless cabinets are screwed directly to the inside of the cabinet, eliminating the need for face frames. Hinges are hidden, providing a cleaner look.