Should I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets?

Whether to paint your kitchen cabinets depends on several factors, including their condition, your budget, and your personal style. While kitchens can seem basically similar, even in the same apartment or condo building, cabinets can dramatically change a kitchen’s overall atmosphere with subtle changes because of their prominent position. So, let’s talk through this. Should you paint your kitchen cabinets?

Painting your kitchen cabinets can bring a fresh and updated kitchen look, but only when the cabinets are in decent condition. If the cabinets are damaged, it might be better to replace them, though you can also reface them if the damage isn’t too bad. Painting kitchen cabinets can significantly boost your property’s value.

We’re here to have a detailed discussion of the factors to consider before painting kitchen cabinets. From the benefits to the steps and alternatives, we’ll cover everything so you can make an informed decision.

Is Painting Kitchen Cabinets a Good Idea?

Painting kitchen cabinets is great for catching up with trends or revamping an old kitchen with solid and durable cabinetry. When painting, you update your cabinet colors and also protect the cabinets from moisture damage that causes:

• Warping.
• Cracking.
• Sagging.
• Mildew build-up.

Painting is an affordable way to improve your kitchen, especially if you’re working with a limited budget. It’s also a perfect DIY project you can complete over the weekend.

Another reason to paint kitchen cabinets is the customizability aspect. There’s a generous selection of colors, grains, and finishes to achieve any look you’re going for. Plus, if you get tired of the color or style after some time, you can easily paint over it again.

Can You Really Paint Over Painted Cabinets?

Of course! You can paint over painted cabinets without any issues as long as the existing paint is in good condition. If the existing paint is peeling, flaking, or chipping, it’s best to remove it and sand it smooth before applying a fresh coat of paint.

If you’re unsure whether your cabinets are suitable for painting over, here are some factors to consider:

• The age and quality of the existing paint.
• The type of material used for the cabinet doors (wood, laminate, metal.)
• Any previous damage or repairs done on the cabinets.

Is It Worth It to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

It is worth it to paint kitchen cabinets when your main motivations are to update your kitchen’s vibe and protect them from damage. A freshly painted kitchen can increase the overall value of your home if you plan to sell.

Painting and repainting are the most cost-effective options for updating kitchen cabinets. Compared to other methods, such as replacing or refacing, painting can cost significantly less and still achieve a dramatic transformation.

Here’s more context on that: Cabinet Refacing vs. Painting.

Considerations Before Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Before diving into the world of paint colors and brushes, it’s essential to carefully consider a few factors. Painting kitchen cabinets can be a transformative project, but it also requires careful planning and preparation.

When making this decision, it’s important to consider the following factors:

1. The Condition of Existing Cabinets

The main consideration when painting or replacing kitchen cabinets is their condition. It may be better to repaint the cabinets when the cabinet boxes are intact and without major dents or scratches.

Repainting a warped kitchen cabinet would be like slapping a band-aid on a serious wound. Replacing your cabinets that have extensive damage, such as severe warping, rotting wood, or other types of damage, is the better option.

2. The Type of Material Used

Another critical factor to consider before repainting kitchen cabinets is the type of material used for the cabinet doors.

Wooden cabinets are most suitable for painting over as they offer a smooth and durable surface. Laminate or metal cabinets may not hold the paint as well and may require additional preparation steps to ensure proper adhesion.

If you’re unsure about your cabinets’ material, consult with a professional painter or do some research to determine the best approach for your specific cabinets.

3. The Time and Effort Required

Repainting your kitchen cabinets is not a quick and easy task. Preparing the cabinets, painting them, and letting them dry properly before installing them back takes considerable time and effort.

On average, a full kitchen cabinet repainting project takes one or two weeks to complete, depending on the size of your kitchen and the amount of prep work needed. Therefore, it’s essential to consider whether you have the time and patience to complete this project successfully.

4. The Desired Look

You most probably want to paint over your wood cabinets to give them a fresh and updated look. It is crucial, however, to have a clear idea of the desired look before starting the project.

What color should you paint your kitchen cabinets? To figure it out, you’ll need to weigh factors like:

• Your home’s design and style.
• Your kitchen’s color scheme.
• Any future design plans.
• Timeless kitchen cabinet colors.

That’s the best way to settle for the right color and finish for your cabinets; you want the choice to complement the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.

If you’re unsure, stick to neutral shades like white, gray, or beige for a timeless and versatile look. You can still add personality to your space without committing to a bold cabinet color by adding color with accent pieces.

Another consideration for embedding pops of color through accessories or accent options is to choose a two-tone cabinet style for upper and lower cabinets.

5. The Cost

The cost of repainting kitchen cabinets can vary significantly depending on factors like:

• Cabinet size.
• The materials used.
• Whether you hire professionals or do it yourself.
• The type and quality of paint used.
• Additional supplies are necessary, such as sandpaper, primer, brushes, or sprayers.

A full kitchen cabinet repainting project could cost from as little as $500 to over $8,000. Creating a budget beforehand is essential, as well as ensuring you have enough funds to cover all of the expenses involved.

Remember, using high-quality materials may cost more upfront, but it can also save you money in the long run by providing better durability and coverage.

6. The Potential Impact on Home Value

Repainting kitchen cabinets can significantly impact the overall value of your home. A fresh and updated look can make your kitchen more appealing to potential buyers, increasing its market value.

Choosing a neutral color and finish that appeals to the most folks instead of personal preferences is essential if selling is the ultimate goal. It will give your cabinets a timeless look that won’t go out of style quickly.

The Steps to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

1. Prep Work Is Key

Proper preparation of the cabinets before painting is crucial for a successful and long-lasting finish. It demands that you:

• Clean the cabinets thoroughly: Use a degreaser to eliminate all dirt and grime.
• Remove all hardware: Take out any handles, knobs, or hinges attached to the cabinet doors and drawers. This step will give you better access to paint all surfaces easily.
• Sand down the surfaces: Lightly sand all cabinet surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper to help create a rough texture for better paint adhesion.
• Fill in any holes or imperfections: Use wood filler to fix any dents, scratches, or holes in the wood surface, and allow it to dry.
• Prime the cabinets: Apply a coat of quality primer to all surfaces so the paint better adheres to the cabinet.

2. Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

Once you have completed the necessary prep work, it’s time to start painting! Here are some helpful tips:

• Use high quality paint: High-quality paint specifically designed for kitchen cabinets offers better durability and coverage, making your efforts last longer.
• Start with vertical surfaces first: Begin by painting the cabinet doors and drawers’ front side. Then, move on to the sides, top, and bottom. This method will help you avoid any drips or smudges on the finished surface.
• Use a brush for corners and fine details: A small angled brush is best for painting corners, edges, and intricate details on cabinet doors.
• Rollers are ideal for larger surfaces: A small foam roller works well for painting large flat surfaces such as cabinet sides or drawer fronts. Avoid using a paintbrush on these areas to prevent visible brush strokes.

3. Type of Paint

Choosing the right type of paint for your cabinets is crucial, as it will determine the durability and longevity of the finish. Some popular options include:

• Oil-based paint provides a smoother finish but has a longer drying time and higher volatile organic compounds (VOC) levels.
• Chalk paint is an increasingly popular choice for its matte finish and easy application, but it may require several coats for full coverage.
• Latex paint has a faster drying time and lower VOC levels, but it may not provide a smooth finish like oil-based paint.
• Hybrid enamel paint combines the durability of oil-based paint with the ease of application and lower VOC levels of latex paint.

No matter which type of paint you choose, ensure it’s specifically formulated for cabinets to get long-term durability.

So, should you spray paint or hand paint kitchen cabinets?

4. Final Touches

You can make your space unique by personalizing it with custom final touches. Wait for the last coat to dry, then you can run through these steps to finish up your new kitchen look:

• Embed new hardware, such as knobs and handles, for an updated appearance.
• Install new hinges if necessary for better functionality.
• Apply a clear coat or wax for added protection and shine.
• Polish or buff the cabinets for a smooth and glossy finish.
• Add accents, such as stenciled designs or hand-painted details, for a creative touch.

Do What’s Best for Your Kitchen

Ultimately, deciding to paint or not to paint your kitchen cabinets comes down to what suits your taste and budget. Consider consulting a professional for expert opinion and advice on the best option for your situation.

If you decide that repainting your existing kitchen cabinets might not be such a good idea after all and want to go for a full-scale renovation instead, find Designer Cabinets Online always by your side with a full range of Kraftmaid, Ultracraft, Norcraft, and JSI cabinets.