Primer is the undercoat applied before painting cabinets. It prepares the surface so paint can grip better and blocks stains and seals wood so nothing bleeds through. Think of it like a solid handshake between your cabinets and the top coat. Without it, the paint job can look uneven, wear out fast, or peel over time.

For kitchen cabinets that deal with cooking oils, greasy fingers, steam/humidity, and daily use, primer is not optional. It makes paint stronger, locks everything in, and gives your cabinets a clean slate.

Kitchen cabinets are not like bedroom walls or a living room shelf; they are touched every day. They get splashed, scrubbed, slammed, and live in a place with heat and moisture. Using primer for kitchen cabinets gives them armor.

Without primer, paint can bubble, slide, or absorb unevenly. Wood grain might show through, or stains could resurface. Applying the right primer saves you from all of that. It also makes the paint color look better, richer, and smoother. The difference is obvious once the job is done.

Types of Primer and What They’re Good For

Not all primers are created equal. The best one for your kitchen depends on the cabinet material and the paint you plan to use.

Oil-Based Primer
This is tough stuff. It sticks to almost anything and blocks stains better than most. It is a solid choice for oak, mahogany, or cabinets with heavy use. But it has a strong smell and longer drying time.

Shellac Primer
Shellac handles knots, odors, and stains like a pro. It dries fast and gives a solid foundation. It is great for wood with high tannins. But cleanup requires alcohol and it can be harder to work with.

Water-Based Primer
Easy to use, low odor, and fast drying. Ideal for newer cabinets or light-duty kitchens. Works well with water-based paints. It may need more coats to fully block stains.

Bonding Primer
Perfect for slick surfaces like laminate or glass-front cabinets. It grips like glue. If your cabinets have a glossy factory finish, this is your go-to.

For the best results, talk to a professional at Bruno Painting about which primer for kitchen cabinets makes the most sense for your specific materials.

1. It helps paint stick
   Without primer, paint can peel right off. Primer acts like a magnet for the paint and keeps everything locked in tight.
2. It hides imperfections
   Small scratches, dents, and old colors disappear faster when you use primer. It smooths the surface and gives you a uniform base.
3. It blocks stains
   Grease, water marks, and tannins from wood can leak through paint. Primer seals them in so they do not resurface.
4. It saves you money on paint
   Primed cabinets need fewer coats of paint. That means less paint used overall and a better finish with less effort.

5. It makes the final color pop Paint looks brighter and more even when it is not fighting with the wood underneath. Primer sets the stage for a clean and rich top coat.
6. It boosts durability Primer helps paint resist chipping, scuffing, and moisture damage. Your cabinets will look better, longer.
7. It makes cleaning easier Paint over primer is smoother and harder. It wipes clean with less scrubbing and less risk of rubbing off the paint.
8. It shows you care This one is more personal. Using primer for kitchen cabinets shows you value your space. It shows you are not taking shortcuts. That matters.

Who We Are

Bruno Painting was founded in 2004 by Rick Bruno, a third-generation craftsman raised in the trade. From early days on Cape Cod to today’s homes across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Rick built a business focused on skill, care, and relationships.

He leads a team that respects the craft and the people they work with. Bruno Painting does more than paint. We restore, repair, and improve homes with carpentry services and high-end finishes using the best materials available. From kitchen cabinets to full exteriors, we are hands-on and detail-oriented.

We do not believe in cutting corners or rushing through work. Our mission is rooted in trust, pride, and the kind of customer service that stays with you long after the brushes are cleaned up.

How We Work

When you reach out, our home improvement process begins. We first get to know you and your project. After an estimate request, our office staff asks about your goals, your timeline, and the age of your home to understand any special concerns.

Once we have your information, we schedule a visit with our estimator, Marcio Silveira. He has been with us since 2013 and knows the ins and outs of both carpentry and painting. He will walk through your space, take notes, ask questions, and help shape your project into a detailed quote.

After approval, you get a welcome email and meet your crew leader. They prep everything before work begins. On day one, you will walk the space together. Throughout the project, you can check updates anytime using our customer communication platform. You get photos, status reports, and regular check-ins.

Your crew leader and office support are always available. We keep you in the loop. When the work wraps up, we do a final walkthrough and review quality together. Only when you are fully satisfied will the final invoice be sent.

That is how we paint. That is how we build trust.

Say Hello to Smoother Cabinets

If your kitchen cabinets need a refresh, do it right from the start. Using the right primer for kitchen cabinets will make all the difference. And Bruno Painting is ready to help. Reach out now and tell us about your project. We will help you pick the right primer and do the job right. You bring the vision, Bruno Painting brings the skill and the care.