Can you paint your kitchen cabinets?

Author: Dr. Rodrick Windler PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Wood cabinets are ideal for painting, but any surface that can be scuffed with sandpaper can be painted. Laminate cabinets require a special bonding primer. The laminate must be in good condition for best results. Choose a high-quality paint.

Is painting kitchen cabinets worth it?

If you need to make an economical choice, painting is the way to go. Even if you are not forced into making the most economical decision, painting is still an attractive option because it gives you more money to spend elsewhere. New cabinets plus installation can cost almost half of your kitchen renovation budget.

Why you shouldn't paint your cabinets?

Detailed Patterns, Warped or Damaged Cabinets

If your cabinets have detailed patterns or they are warped, chipped, cracked or have other damage to them, then painting your kitchen cabinets is not the way to go – it most definitely won't solve your cabinet problem.

What kind of paint do you use on kitchen cabinets?

While there are many types of paint to choose from, the best paint for kitchen cabinets is typically semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.

Does painting your kitchen cabinets last?

With proper care of professionally painted kitchen cabinets, you can expect your newly painted cabinets to last 8-10 years. However, there are a few things that can drastically shorten this timeframe, leaving you needing them repainted 3-4 years later.

Just Like Magic Your Golden Oak Color Will Disappear

What is average cost to paint kitchen cabinets?

Average cost of painting kitchen cabinets professionally. The average cost of painting kitchen cabinets is $100 per drawer face and $175 per cabinet door. This usually averages out to a cost of $5,000 for a medium-sized kitchen. However, the cost commonly ranges from $3000 to $10,000.

How do professionals paint kitchen cabinets?

How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets Like A Pro In 9 Steps
  1. Assess the condition of your kitchen cabinets. ...
  2. Remove and label the doors and drawer faces. ...
  3. Put down drop cloths. ...
  4. Clean the cabinets. ...
  5. Lightly sand your cabinets. ...
  6. Prime your kitchen cabinets. ...
  7. Inspect the primer. ...
  8. Paint your kitchen cabinets like a pro.

Can you just paint over cabinets?

Wood cabinets are ideal for painting, but any surface that can be scuffed with sandpaper can be painted. Laminate cabinets require a special bonding primer. The laminate must be in good condition for best results. Choose a high-quality paint.

Is it better to spray or roll kitchen cabinets?

The paint is applied unevenly. So, if you want a factory-grade finish, choose to spray your kitchen cabinets instead of rolling them. In addition to providing a higher-quality final finish, spray painting is faster than using a roller.

What happens if you don't sand cabinets before painting?

If you don't clean before sanding, contaminates (like cooking grease) will be pressed down into the wood. Contaminates will keep the soon be applied paint for sticking. You can remove the doors here in the process or wait until after you wash them down. It is totally up to you and situational dependent.

Can you paint kitchen cabinets without removing them?

You don't have to remove the cabinet doors to repaint them, so leave them on their hinges if you're not going to replace them. However, it is easier to paint the cabinet's façade with the doors off. You can paint the hinges to match the cabinets or mask them with painter's tape to keep them as they are.

Can I paint my kitchen cabinets without sanding?

Yes, it is possible to paint cabinets without sanding.

Can you paint cabinets that are not wood?

Yes You Can Paint Laminate! What is laminate, you ask? It can basically be any type of furniture, cabinets, or wood-like product that is made by attaching a thin layer of printed plastic (sometimes called Melamine or Thermofoil) to a substrate of plywood or particle board.

Do you paint both sides of kitchen cabinet doors?

Doors typically require a good amount of time, because you need to paint both sides and let them fully dry in between coats. You can begin with the back side of your cabinet doors. Apply one coat, wait 24 hours and then move on to your second coat of paint.

Are white kitchen cabinets going out of style?

Even though there are some drawbacks to white kitchen cabinets, they will never “go out of style.” The shapes of the doors or the layout of the kitchen may go out of style, but white in a kitchen will always look good.

Is it cheaper to replace kitchen cabinet doors or paint them?

Price out replacing your kitchen cabinets and painting will look better and better. The cost to paint a kitchen is typically 1/3 to ½ the cost of replacing. The paints applied to cabinets are also very durable and will last just as long as new cabinets in most cases.

Is painting kitchen cabinets hard?

Size Up the Job. Wood, wood-laminate and metal cabinets usually can be repainted without difficulty. Plastic laminate cabinets might not accept a topcoat of paint — those that can be refinished often require special paints and techniques, and results can vary.

How much does it cost to get your cabinets painted white?

Surface Area and Cabinet Design and Layout

It costs $3 to $10 per square foot to paint kitchen cabinets, or an average of $30 to $60 per linear foot, including labor, materials, and supplies. This does depend on the condition of the cabinets and how much work is needed to remove doors and hardware.

Can I spray paint my own cabinets?

Spray painting kitchen cabinets is also a good way to go if your cabinets have raised panels and lots of areas that might be hard to paint with a paintbrush or roller. If you've decided to spray paint your kitchen cabinets, you'll want to buy a special sprayer to make it easier.

Do you have to strip cabinets before painting?

When the existing finish is a clear coat, the best course of action is to strip the finish down to the bare wood before painting. This eliminates a potential adhesion problem between the old finish and the new paint. But while stripping may be the ideal for purists, it's not always practical or absolutely necessary.

How can I update my kitchen cabinets without paint?

How to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets WITHOUT a Drop of Paint
  1. 5 Ideas: Update Kitchen Cabinets with Hardware, Backsplash, Glass Doors & More!
  2. UPDATE HARDWARE & LIGHT FIXTURES.
  3. ADD GLASS TO FEATURE CABINETS DOORS.
  4. ADD A NEW BACKSPLASH.
  5. USE THE RIGHT HOME DECOR.
  6. PAINT… JUST A LITTLE.

How can I paint my kitchen cabinets without brush marks?

If your cabinets are stained, apply at least two coats of quality primer. For me, there's nothing better than BIN, Zinsser's shellac-based pigmented primer. It dries fast and flat, without brush marks (unlike most oil-based primers). You can buy it at home and hardware stores, as well as online (view on Amazon).

How many coats of paint do I need for kitchen cabinets?

Two coats of paint are essential for cabinets—you're building a surface. By the way, to get the nicest finish, use a brush, a 2- to 2 1/2-inch fine bristle brush. Whatever paint you use, ventilate the room—direct a fan out the window—and wear the masks they sell in paint stores.

What is cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refacing is the process of replacing cabinet skin panels to give your kitchen a dramatic new look. Your cabinets may be scratched or cracked, or you may simply desire a change — much like replacing a perfectly good smartphone with the latest model.

How long does it take to repaint kitchen cabinets?

For a professional company whose job it is to paint kitchen cabinets, the average time it will take them to paint an average-sized kitchen will range between 4-5 days.

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