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You can paint over wood, wood-laminate, and metal cabinets, but you need to prepare the surface first. Plastic laminate cabinets and thin veneers may accept a layer of paint depending on their condition, but they require special techniques and paints. If your cabinets sag or have significant damage, it may be a better investment to replace your cabinets than paint over them.

It’s best to prime composite decking before painting. This promotes better paint adhesion, helps create a smooth finish, and can mean the paint job will last longer. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, allow ample primer drying time before painting (typically 24 to 48 hours), and thoroughly clean the deck boards to promote the best adhesion.

In most cases, you have to sand crown molding before painting. This is due to the nature and design of molding. It’s not a flat wall, so uneven surfaces will be immediately noticeable once that paint dries. Sanding down the surface smooths everything out, leading to a satisfactory result. If the trim is already smooth, such as with new crown molding, you can give it a light sand with 120-grit sandpaper.

You can remove your gutters before painting, but it's rarely required. It can be easier to paint gutters on the ground once you or a pro have removed them, but replacing them afterward can be challenging. In these cases, removing gutters may be impractical. Make your decision based on your comfort level and abilities.