Painting Plywood Cabinets: What Homeowners in Charlotte Need to Know

Thinking about painting plywood cabinets to give your kitchen a cleaner, more modern look? Good news: plywood can absolutely be painted. But to get a smooth, factory-level finish that actually lasts, proper prep work is non-negotiable. Plywood behaves differently than hardwood or MDF, and without the right steps, you’ll quickly see peeling, rough textures, or visible seams.

Before you pick up a paintbrush, here’s what homeowners in Charlotte, Matthews, Weddington, and South Charlotte should know.

Why Plywood Needs Special Prep

Plywood is strong, stable, and a great material for cabinetry, but it comes with a few quirks.

1. Thin Veneers Show Flaws Easily

Most plywood cabinet faces are covered with an ultra-thin wood veneer. Without careful sanding and the right primer, those veneers can bubble, chip, or absorb paint unevenly. 2. Exposed Edges Are Porous

Raw plywood edges soak up moisture and paint like a sponge. Pros seal them with edge-filler or specialty primer so the final finish looks seamless and smooth.

3. Factory Coatings Prevent Adhesion

Many plywood cabinets come with a slick, factory-applied coating. If it is not properly deglossed and primed, the paint simply will not bond.

How Professionals Paint Plywood Cabinets

If you have ever wondered how pros achieve that smooth, no-texture finish, here is the secret: it is mostly in the prep.

Step 1: Deep Cleaning & Deglossing

All oils, residue, and factory sheens must be removed so the primer can actually bite into the surface.

Step 2: Sanding Veneers & Sealing Edges

Light, controlled sanding keeps veneers intact while creating a smooth bonding surface. Edges are sealed for a uniform finish across doors and drawer fronts.

Step 3: Using the Right Primer

Not all primers are equal. A bonding primer designed for slick surfaces makes an enormous difference in adhesion and durability.

Step 4: Applying a Sprayed Finish (Not Brushed or Rolled)

If you are aiming for a factory look, brushing or rolling will not get you there. Professional shops use sprayed cabinet finishes that level out beautifully and avoid the texture left behind by DIY tools.

This is why so many homeowners hire cabinet painters in Charlotte. The difference shows the moment the doors are reinstalled.

Why a Sprayed Finish Makes All the Difference

Plywood cabinets look best with a controlled, professional spray application. It creates:

• No brush strokes

• No roller stippling

• A durable, wipeable finish

• Smooth, furniture-grade results

If you are investing the time and money into updating plywood cabinetry, a sprayed finish is the only way to match high-end factory results.

Considering a Factory-Smooth Upgrade? We Can Help.

Whether your cabinets are plywood, MDF, or hardwood, our team delivers professional sprayed finishes that elevate your kitchen and stand up to daily use.

We proudly serve Charlotte, Matthews, Weddington, and South Charlotte.

👉 Learn how pros paint plywood cabinets the right way.