Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets: All Things Considered

Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets: All Things Considered

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Spending more time at home these days? Looking for ways to update your spaces? Think about giving your kitchen a face lift! If you want to make a dramatic change in your kitchen without breaking the bank, consider painting your cabinets. It is a fast, easy, and cost-effective way to makeover your kitchen and when done correctly, painted cabinets look just like new!

DYI or Professional? Which Option is Best for Painting Your Cabinets?

If you are feeling adventurous and have the time, you can grab a paintbrush, or better yet a paint sprayer, and do the renovation yourself. Not only will this engage your creative side, but it can save you a great deal of money. When taking this route, there are many detailed blogs and “how to” videos available on the internet to help you along.

If DYI is not in your DNA, hiring a professional painter will get you a quality finish without the time and hassle. Although a professional comes with a price tag, it’s significantly less than the price of new cabinets and will give you the same refreshed look.

WHAT CABINETS ARE GOOD CANDIDATES FOR PAINTING?

We advise our clients that painting is a good option if you like your current layout and the cabinets are in good shape. The type of cabinets that work best for painting are wood: unfinished, painted, stained or MDF, compressed/faux wood. Laminate can be painted, but it is tricky and not recommended.  Warped, cracked, or damaged cabinets are not good candidates for a paint makeover. The flaws will show through and results could be disappointing.

 

Oil vs. Latex: Which Paint is Best for Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Choosing the right paint for your cabinets is important. Oil vs latex, there are pro’s and con’s to both. 

Choosing the right paint is essential. Here are the pros and cons of oil vs latex paint:

  • Oil-Based Paint:

    • Pros: Durable, holds up to scrubbing, and covers wood grain well.
    • Cons: High levels of VOCs, yellows over time, and requires long drying times between coats.
  • Latex Paint:

    • Pros: Quick drying, low or no VOC formulas available.
    • Cons: Some formulas aren’t as durable for scrubbing and require more prep for an even finish.

For a durable, wipeable surface, use semigloss or gloss. These finishes reflect light, resist water spots, and are more washable—an important factor for kitchen cabinets.

 

What Cabinet Colors Are Trending?

White and gray are still popular colors for 2020, but two-toned and blue cabinets are on the rise. Cool-toned cabinets are dominating the trends and people are becoming bolder when adding pops of color to their kitchens.

source: homebnc.com

source: homebnc.com

source: homebnc.com

 

What Will It Cost to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets?

A professional paint job can save you the headache of replacing the cabinets and is a fraction of the cost – typically 30% of purchasing new cabinets, not including the cost of demo etc. According to Homeguide (2020), the average cost to paint cabinets is $3 – $10 per square foot or $30 – $60 per linear foot for all materials and professional labor.  To see the detailed breakdown of costs visit https://homeguide.com/costs/cost-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets.

We would love to see what you are doing in your home!  If you decide to take on these ideas, send us before and after photos and remember, we are always available if you need help beautifying your spaces.

–Lori