When it’s time to repaint your cabinets, skipping the step of hardware removal can make the job look rushed. Leaving knobs, handles, or hinges in place doesn’t just get in the way during painting, it can also result in messier lines, uneven finishes around the hardware, and even paint buildup in spots you didn’t expect. Over time, that can lead to chipping or flaking in those areas, which means you might need to repair things sooner than you’d like.
Removing hardware helps your cabinets get that clean, professional look. You won’t find streaks around knobs or brush drag caught near a hinge. It also makes it easier to clean and prep the surface properly. For homeowners in Ottawa looking to get crisp results with their next project, it all starts before the first brushstroke. Taking this one step seriously saves time and headache later on.
Gathering Tools And Materials
Trying to dig through a kitchen drawer mid-job looking for the right bit or plastic bag can slow things down fast. Before starting, it’s smart to gather everything you’re going to need in one spot. That way, you’re not scrambling once the doors are off or the screws are rolling across the floor.
Here’s a helpful list of what you’ll want to have nearby:
- Screwdrivers (both flathead and Phillips)
- Drill with compatible bits (if some screws are stubborn or fitted tight)
- Zip-top bags or plastic containers for holding screws and hardware
- Masking tape or painter’s tape
- Permanent marker or pen for labelling
- Clean sheets or a blanket to protect floors or countertops while working
- A small bowl or tray to hold loose screws while you move between cabinets
If your kitchen has a mix of drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, or different hinges, label each piece as you go. Use tape and a marker to mark which part comes from where. Stick the tape right on the bag or the inside of the cabinet so you know what goes back where. Some people even take photos of the layout beforehand just to make reassembly easier, and that can help avoid guesswork once the painting is done. One missed label can turn into a puzzle later, especially when the handles for drawers and doors are the same size but have slightly different positions.
Taking a little time now to organize hardware and tools can make a huge difference in keeping the project smooth and frustration-free. Once you’ve got everything ready and labelled, you’re all set to move into actually taking the hardware off. That’s where the pace starts to pick up.
Step-By-Step Hardware Removal
Now that everything is prepped and labelled, it’s time to start removing the cabinet hardware. Start with the doors and drawers that are easiest to access. Use a screwdriver or drill to loosen the screws holding each handle, knob, or hinge in place. Keep one hand on the hardware so it doesn’t drop and dent a surface or bounce into a corner and disappear.
Work one section at a time. This keeps things from becoming overwhelming and reduces the chance of parts getting mixed up. Here’s a good rhythm to follow:
1. Unscrew each handle or knob while holding the piece steady
2. Place hardware into a labelled bag or container
3. Tape the label to the area where it came from or make a quick note so you can match it later
4. Remove hinges carefully and keep both the screws and hinge piece together
5. Line up bags or containers by cabinet section to keep everything in order
6. Take a photo of any hinge placements if you’re unsure whether they’ll need fine-tuning when reinstalling
Be patient with hinges. These sometimes include small plates or brackets that can shift when unscrewed. Stack these parts in their own container and label them clearly. If anything appears rusty or stuck, tap it gently with the handle of your screwdriver rather than forcing it. Yanking hardware can splinter wood or leave holes behind that need patching before painting.
Once everything is removed, take a moment to double-check that you haven’t missed a piece. Hinges on inner corners or hardware hidden inside drawers sometimes get overlooked.
Prepping Cabinets For Painting
With the hardware out of the way, it’s time to switch gears and start prepping the cabinets for paint. This is a step where neatness pays off. Any leftover grease, dust, or food grime can cause paint to stick unevenly. Start by giving each door and drawer a good wipe-down. Use a degreaser or warm water mixed with dish soap. Let everything dry before moving to the next stage.
Next comes sanding. You don’t need to take everything back to bare wood, but a light sanding helps give the new paint something to grip. Use medium to fine-grit sandpaper and go along the grain. Focus on smoothing out any rough spots, chips, or old paint bubbles. If a spot feels too slick, it probably needs a bit more sanding.
Wipe the dust away with a microfibre cloth or tack cloth. Even a little dust can cause imperfections in your finish. At this point, it’s smart to check for holes or damage left behind from the old hardware. Fill anything uneven with wood filler. Let it dry completely and sand it down so it blends into the rest of the surface.
Mask off any areas you don’t want painted like the inside of cabinets or adjacent walls. Keeping things neat here saves you touch-ups later. And don’t forget to protect the floors and counters with clean drop cloths or old sheets.
Reattaching Hardware After Painting
When the paint’s dry and you’re satisfied with the finish, it’s time to reconnect all the hardware. This part might seem straightforward, but rushing it can result in crooked handles or chipped paint. Make sure to use the labels and any photos you took earlier to match each piece exactly where it belongs.
If you used different styles of knobs or hinges in various areas, take things slowly and double-check the markings before you drill or screw anything back in. Using a hand screwdriver rather than a drill gives you more control. It also reduces the chances of overtightening, which can crack fresh paint.
Line up the screw holes carefully with the existing marks. If the holes got filled or painted over, you may need to gently poke through the paint to find the original placement. For handles that need precise spacing, use a measuring tape or template to keep things straight. Even a slight misalignment stands out when drawers are side-by-side.
For hinges, make sure the doors sit flush and open smoothly. Adjust the angle gradually if they seem off. Don’t force them into place or you might strip the screws or damage the wood.
After everything’s back on, give your cabinets a slow open-and-close test and look closely at the worn areas. If anything feels tight or paint has chipped during reinstallation, touch it up now to keep the finish looking fresh.
Perfecting Your Cabinet’s New Look
Taking the time to remove and then reinstall your cabinet hardware isn’t just about appearance. It’s about setting up a job that lasts. Skipping these steps often shows weeks or months later when knobs start loosening or edges begin to flake. By handling your cabinets properly from the start, you save yourself the added stress of having to repaint or redo anything down the line.
When everything’s back in place, your cabinets should look and feel brand new. Clean lines, smooth openings, and no signs of paint build-up around hinges or handles. For a space like a kitchen or bathroom that’s used daily, this kind of attention to detail makes a noticeable difference.
Even with great planning, some cabinet jobs in older homes around Ottawa can run into tricky hardware fits or unexpected damage. If reinstalling hardware feels like a puzzle, there’s no shame in asking for help. Precision matters more than rushing to get the job finished. Taking your time means enjoying the results longer.
Ready to transform your kitchen or bathroom with a clean, updated look? Let’s take care of your cabinet painting needs with care and skill. PrimeTime Painters is here to deliver a smooth, lasting finish that brings your vision to life. Learn more about our cabinet painting services and let’s give your space the refresh it deserves. To get started or book a consultation, reach out to us today.