Cabinet Painting Tools and Supplies:
Essential Equipment Checklist

Get professional results with the right tools. Our comprehensive checklist covers every brush, roller, sprayer, and safety item you need for flawless cabinet painting.

15-min read
Expert Verified
Updated 2024

Tools Budget Estimator

Budget Option

$150-200

Essential brushes, rollers, basic sanders

Professional

$300-400

High-quality tools, multiple brushes, orbital sander

Premium Setup

$500-700

Paint sprayer, premium brushes, complete kit

Essential Tool Categories

Paint Application Tools

Brushes (Essential)

2.5" Angled Sash Brush

Perfect for cabinet doors and frames. Choose synthetic bristles for latex paints.

Recommended: Purdy XL Dale or Wooster Shortcut

1.5" Detail Brush

For corners, grooves, and detailed work on cabinet doors.

Budget option: FolkArt Home Decor brushes

4" Foam Roller with Frame

Smooth finish on large flat surfaces. Get 6-8 extra sleeves.

Spray Equipment (Advanced)

HVLP Paint Sprayer

Professional results with less overspray. Best for large projects.

Wagner Control Pro 130 or Graco Magnum X5

Airless Sprayer

For entire kitchen projects. Consider rental for single use.

Surface Preparation Tools

Sanders & Abrasives

Orbital Sander (5" pad)

Essential for smoothing old paint and preparing surfaces evenly.

DeWalt DWE6423K or Makita BO5041K

Detail Sander

For corners, curves, and intricate details.

Black & Decker BDEMS600

Sandpaper Variety Pack

120, 150, 220 grit - get 12-15 discs of each for average kitchen

Cleaning & Prep Supplies

TSP Cleaner or Degreaser

Essential for removing grease and cooking residue before painting.

Tack Cloths & Microfiber

Remove dust between sanding and before each coat. Need 6-8 total.

Wood Filler & Caulk

Fill holes and gaps. Bondo Wood Filler + DAP Paintable Caulk.

Safety Equipment (Non-Negotiable)

⚠️ Essential Safety Items

These protect your health during sanding, priming, and painting. Never skip safety to save money.

Respiratory Protection

  • • N95 Dust Masks (minimum for sanding)
  • • P100 Respirator (for spray applications)
  • • Good ventilation always required

Eye & Hand Protection

  • • Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1 rated)
  • • Full face shield for spraying
  • • Nitrile gloves (chemical resistant)

Workspace Protection

  • • Canvas drop cloths (not plastic)
  • • Painter's tape (14-day or delicate)
  • • Plastic sheeting for appliances

Brand Recommendations & Budget Tips

Budget-Friendly ($150-200)

  • Brushes: Wooster Shortcut, FolkArt
  • Rollers: Wagner foam rollers
  • Sanders: Black & Decker, Ryobi ONE+

Professional ($300-450)

  • Brushes: Purdy XL Dale, Benjamin Moore
  • Sanders: DeWalt, Makita, Bosch
  • Sprayers: Wagner Control Pro, Graco

Premium ($500-700+)

  • Brushes: Purdy Premium, Corona Chinex
  • Sprayers: Graco Magnum, Titan Impact
  • Sanders: Festool, high-end DeWalt

💡 Money-Saving Tips

  • • Rent expensive tools for single-use projects
  • • Buy brush sets instead of individual brushes
  • • Look for combo deals with extra discs/sleeves
  • • Invest in quality brushes - they last years
  • • Buy safety equipment first - protect your health
  • • Consider borrowing basic tools from friends

Continue Your Cabinet Painting Journey

Complete Painting Guide

Step-by-step instructions for painting Shaker cabinets with professional results.

Primer Selection Guide

Choose the right primer for your cabinet material and ensure perfect paint adhesion.

Best Paint Types

Compare paint types and find the perfect match for durability and finish quality.