There are many reasons to consider changing your cabinet colors, such as refreshing your space without remodeling, preparing for a property appraisal, or repairing damage. You already know why, so let’s cover how.
There are multiple methods you can use to change kitchen cabinet colors, including with and without painting. We promise to cover the best way to change cabinet color in different circumstances.
Remember, situations differ, so the best approach varies. Also, you’ll need a weekend or dedicated time and patience to do the job right.
Assessing Your Kitchen Cabinets Before Changing Colors
Cabinets vary in style, size, and material. You need to start by assessing your cabinets and their current condition before deciding on the best way to change their color. Consider the following:
Cabinet Material (Wood, Laminate, Painted, Stained)
The best way to change cabinet color varies depending on the material. For example, you can easily sand and refinish wood cabinets, but this process may not work as well for laminate or painted cabinets.
Wood cabinets require a protective finish coating to safeguard them against moisture and harmful substances that could compromise the wood’s quality.
You can use a special primer and paint over laminate cabinets for a sleek and modern look. Similarly, you can sand and repaint painted cabinets for a fresh look.
Condition (Structural Soundness vs. Worn-Out)
Assess the feasibility of changing cabinet colors by evaluating their structural soundness. Look out for structural issues, such as:
- Warped or cracked doors.
- Loose hinges.
- Broken shelves.
- Water damage.
If your cabinets are still in good structural condition, you can simply change the color to give them a new look. If simple repairs can fix the issues, do it before changing your cabinet colors.
However, if you notice extensive damage, it may be more cost-effective to replace them altogether rather than trying to repair or repaint them.
Why Your Current Finish Matters When Changing Cabinet Colors
The third consideration when changing cabinet colors is your current finish. If you have a glossy or lacquered finish, it may be more difficult to paint over than a matte or flat finish.
Glossy finishes tend to repel paint and require more prep work, especially sanding and priming, for the new color can adhere properly.
In contrast, matte or flat finishes adhere more easily to paint, so you don’t need as much prepping.
Stains and glazes will also dictate the approach you take when changing cabinet colors. If your cabinets have a dark stain, covering them with a lighter color may be challenging without multiple coats of paint.
If you want to add depth and dimension to your cabinets by applying a glaze over the new color, choose complementary colors that will enhance the overall look of your kitchen.
Painting: The Most Popular Way to Change Cabinet Color
Most people assume that painting is the best way to change the cabinet color. It may be for some cases, but it’s not always the case.
Why Painting Is the Best Way to Change Cabinet Color for Many Homeowners
Painting is an inexpensive and easy way to change the look of your cabinets. It also allows you to completely cover up any previous color or wood grain, giving you a fresh canvas to work with.
Remember, wood is the most common material used for cabinets. We previously discussed how to repaint kitchen cabinets, but here’s a quick recap.
1. Cleaning
Before you start painting, it’s essential to prepare your cabinets properly. Take off all the cabinet hardware, such as handles, knobs, and hinges before thoroughly cleaning the surfaces with a degreaser or soap and water.
2. Sanding
As we discussed earlier, you need paint to adhere, and you also want to ensure that previous colors don’t affect the appearance of the next paint color. You can easily meet these two objectives by sanding.
Sanding helps to get rid of any previous layers, peels off old paint, and scratches the surface. Additionally, it creates a rougher surface for new paint to adhere firmly.
3. Priming
If you’ve painted before, you know priming is a step you shouldn’t skip because it ensures consistent color coverage and acts as a base for your final color. It also helps with adhesion as long as you use a primer that works well with wood surfaces.
4. Painting
Finally, the fun part! After completing your prep work (including taping off areas you don’t want painted), you can start painting. Consider using timeless kitchen cabinet colors if you’re not planning on refreshing the look soon.
Use even strokes with a brush or roller to ensure even coverage. Consider using multiple coats as well if necessary.
Before you use strokes, you need to review this debate: ‘Should You Spray Paint or Hand Paint Kitchen Cabinets?‘
Types of Paint Finishes (Matte, Semi-Gloss, Gloss)
1. Matte
Matte finishes have a flat, non-reflective surface and are great for covering imperfections on walls. However, they can be challenging to clean and show dirt and marks more easily.
2. Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss finishes only shine a little and are more durable than matte finishes. They’re easier to clean, making them popular for high-traffic areas, i.e., kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Gloss
Gloss finishes shine the most. They are durable. They’re also the easiest to clean but can highlight imperfections on walls.
We recommend gloss finishes for areas that you must keep cleaning, such as commercial spaces and children’s rooms.
How to Change the Color of Kitchen Cabinets Without Painting
1. Staining Cabinets (Enhancing Natural Wood Tones)
If you already have wooden cabinets and want to change their color without painting, staining them is a great option. Staining involves applying a tinted wood finish to compliment the natural grain and color of the wood.
This method allows you to achieve a new look for your kitchen cabinets while still preserving the unique characteristics of the wood.
Prepare Your Cabinets
Before starting the staining process, you should properly prepare your cabinets by removing any hardware, such as handles and hinges. Use a screwdriver to remove them and keep them in a safe place for later.
Next, clean the cabinets thoroughly using a mild cleaner or degreaser to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. Also, remove any old wax or polish that may be on the surface of the wood.
Once your cabinets are clean, lightly sand them with fine-grit sandpaper so that the stain can adhere properly. After sanding, use a clean, dump cloth to clear the dust.
Choosing the Right Stain
Be thoughtful and intention when selecting from the many wood stain types and shades. Consider factors such as the type of wood used for your cabinets, the color you want to achieve, and whether you prefer an oil-based or water-based stain.
The great thing about oil-based stains is their ability to penetrate deeper into the wood. The downside; their odor is pretty strong, and they take longer to dry.
Water-based stains dry faster and don’t smell as much as the oil-based alternatives.
2. Gel Stain or Tinted Varnish for Subtle Color Change
If you’re looking for a more subtle color change, consider using gel stain or tinted varnish. You can apply the product over your existing finish to achieve a slightly different color or tone.
This option is ideal for those looking to update their kitchen cabinets without a complete overhaul.
Gel stain is thick and can be applied with a brush, rag, or foam applicator. It’s easy to control the amount of color you want to add, and it can be layered for a more intense hue.
Tinted varnish works similarly but is thinner in consistency and easier to apply with a brush.
These options are also great for adding dimension and depth to your kitchen cabinets. By layering different shades or using techniques like distressing, you can create a unique and custom look for your cabinets.
3. Refacing or Veneering (New Cabinet Doors/Skins in Different Colors)
Refacing changes your cabinets’ look without painting. It involves replacing old doors and drawer fronts with new ones in your preferred style and color, and applying veneer or laminate to the cabinet boxes so everything matches. For all the benefits of refacing, go over ‘Cabinet Refacing vs. Painting‘.
Veneering Only
Veneering alone means applying a thin wood veneer or laminate over your existing doors and frames without replacing them. This can be more budget-friendly than full refacing, though less common, and still provides a refreshed look.
4. Cabinet Wraps or Peel-and-Stick Films
If you want a quick, affordable transformation, cabinet wraps or peel-and-stick films are a great option. These products vary in colors and patterns, and you can easily apply them to your cabinets without any special tools or skills.
They’re also easy to remove, meaning you can keep up with trends or change your mind without any major commitment. However, they may not have the same durability and longevity as other methods, so consider this when making your decision.
Tips for Choosing the Right Color Change
1. Match Cabinet Colors to Countertops, Flooring, and Appliances
Matching the cabinet colors to existing elements in your kitchen can also give it a more cohesive and put-together look.
Consider getting an interior designer to help you choose the right colors. You’ll need to coordinate colors to enhance your kitchen’s general functionality and mood.
If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, go with a neutral color that will appeal to potential buyers. Here are some other popular kitchen cabinet paint colors.
2. Consider Lighting and Kitchen Size
Lighting often makes and breaks the functionality and mood of kitchens, so you need to make an informed decision. For example, smaller kitchens need bright light to create illusions of more space.
Adding mirrors or reflective surfaces can also help bounce light around the room. In larger kitchens, you can use varying lighting fixtures, such as:
- Ambient lighting for a cozy feel.
- Task lighting for work areas.
- Overhead lighting for general illumination.
- Accent lighting to highlight design elements or artwork.
You also need to consider your kitchen layout and functional flow when setting up the lighting provisions. You need enough light in key areas like the stove and sink, and dimmer switches offer extra flexibility.
Get Custom Cabinets That You Can Periodically Repaint
There’s no point in using resources to change the color of your kitchen cabinets if they’re not high-quality. That’s why we offer the best designer cabinets you can get online.
We source custom cabinets built with high-quality materials so they can serve you for decades. We also make it easy for homeowners to switch our cabinet colors every now and then to get the most out of their kitchen design.