When it comes to cabinet painting, most homeowners think the magic happens when the new color goes on. But at Tupelo Lane Designs, we know the real transformation starts long before a spray gun ever touches a cabinet door. In fact, prep work is the secret ingredient behind every flawless, factory-smooth finish we deliver.
If you’ve ever wondered why we put so much effort into our prep process — or why it matters for your kitchen or bathroom remodel — here’s everything you need to know.
🔧 Prep Work Is the Foundation of a Professional Finish
Just like building a house, painting cabinets without proper preparation leads to problems down the road. We invest extra time in surface prep because it’s the only way to guarantee:
Long-lasting durability
A smooth, streak-free finish
Proper paint adhesion
Zero peeling, chipping, or bubbling
Skipping prep is the fastest way to end up repainting your cabinets — and nobody wants that.
🧽 Degreasing: Removing What You Can’t See
Kitchens and bathrooms are full of invisible enemies: oils, steam residue, waxes, cleaners, and fingerprints. Even a small amount of grease can prevent paint from bonding properly.
At Tupelo Lane Designs, we use professional-grade degreasers to break down these contaminants so the new finish sticks cleanly and evenly.
🪵 Sanding: The Step Most DIYers Underestimate
“Sanding is optional.” Not at Tupelo Lane Designs.
We sand every door, drawer, and frame to create the perfect surface for paint to grip. This is what ensures a factory-smooth, professional look — not a DIY brush-stroke finish.
Our team uses a mix of hand sanding and mechanical sanding to:
Smooth imperfections
Remove glossy layers
Level previous finishes
🎨 Priming: The Protective Layer That Changes Everything
Primer isn’t just a basecoat — it’s a shield.
We use high-bond, industrial-grade primers designed specifically for cabinetry. This crucial step prevents stains from bleeding through and locks in the finish so your cabinets stay beautiful for years.
🧼 Dust Control: Clean Space, Clean Finish
Prep isn’t just about the cabinets — it’s also about the environment.
We use controlled spray booths and dust-containment systems to ensure your doors are finished in a pristine, professional setting. Less dust means a smoother, more durable coating.
🏆 Why Tupelo Lane Designs Invests So Much in Prep
Because your cabinets deserve more than a quick coat of paint.
Our process is built around quality, longevity, and craftsmanship. When homeowners choose Tupelo Lane Designs, they’re choosing:
Professional finishes that look factory-produced
Paint that holds up to daily use
Surfaces that resist chips and scratches
A kitchen or bath that feels brand-new
Prep work is where we set your project up for success — and it shows in every before-and-after we deliver.
✨ The Bottom Line: Prep Work Isn’t Extra — It’s Essential
We believe the difference between “painted cabinets” and stunning, showroom-worthy cabinetry lies in the details. And that starts with preparation.
Because when the prep is done right, the results speak for themselves.