How long do factory painted cabinets last?

Author: Natalia Johnson  |  Last update: Friday, August 1, 2025

Although professionally painted cabinets should last 8-10 years there are a few factors that can drastically impact your cabinet's lifetime, requiring repainting only 3-4 years later. How long your kitchen cabinets will last depends largely on the way the paint was applied, and with what tools.

Do factory painted cabinets hold up?

A chemical baking process makes factory-finished cabinets highly durable and resistant to staining.

What is the life expectancy of painted cabinets?

If you take good care of your newly painted kitchen cabinets and have them professionally painted, you can expect them to last between 8 and 10 years. Although new cabinets will last much longer, they will also cost you several thousand dollars more, which may not be necessary for certain circumstances.

Do factory painted cabinets chip?

The end result is a finish similar to the painted trim on your home. It looks pretty good for awhile, but if people are touching it and opening and closing doors every day, year after year, it will wear and chip. So if you like the look of painted cabinets, go for it.

How long do stock kitchen cabinets last?

Most cabinets should last around 20 years. But, cabinets from big box stores can be a different story. You may need to replace them every 5 years or so.

Get A Factory Finish On Your Painted Cabinets |Step By Step | THE HANDYMAN |

What are the longest lasting kitchen cabinets?

Solid wood cabinets, particularly oak, are the most durable kitchen cabinet material due to their strength, resistance to wear and tear, and ability to withstand moisture without warping. Plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are also durable, economical options.

How long do Home Depot cabinets last?

Painted cabinets, even outside of kitchens, last about a year before the paint starts peeling. But big box store stock cabinets are a whole other story. Buy some stock ones from Home Depot or Lowes and you'll need new ones in about 5 years. They're much lower quality which is why they're cheaper.

Can you paint over factory painted cabinets?

The answer is yes, you can paint over cabinet that are already painted. As always, in order for any paint to adhere properly, you must prepare the surface the right way.

What can I put over painted cabinets to prevent chipping?

What can I put over painted cabinets to prevent chipping? A professional interior painter will use a topcoat sealer to protect painted cabinets from chipping. A resilient, top-notch poly or acrylic coating is recommended for enduring protection against wear and tear.

What is the most durable painted kitchen cabinets?

Satin Finish

This type of finish is ideal for a busy kitchen. Unfortunately, this finish will reveal application flaws such as roller or brush strokes if not applied carefully. Satin finishes are not only highly durable but also long-lasting, especially in busy kitchens.

What color wood cabinets are timeless?

White is the most timeless cabinet color of all, with popularity dating back over half a century. It's hard to beat the crisp, clean beauty of bright white cabinets.

What are the cons of painting kitchen cabinets?

The Cons Of Painting Kitchen Cabinets
  • Potential for Obscuring Wood Details.
  • Maintenance and Durability Issues.
  • Complex Touch-Up Process.
  • Labor-Intensive Preparation.
  • Inconsistency in DIY Results.
  • Limited Effect on Resale Value.

Does painting cabinets devalue home?

It's a cost-effective alternative to replacement, has the potential to increase home value significantly, and provides an impressive return on investment. For homeowners looking to update their kitchen and boost their property's value without a major renovation, painting cabinets is an excellent choice.

Do professionally painted cabinets last?

With proper care of professionally painted kitchen cabinets, you can expect your newly painted cabinets to last 8-10 years! While new cabinets will last you much longer, they will also cost thousands more, which can be an unnecessary expense in some cases.

What is the labor price to paint cabinets?

Labor. Most professional painters will charge somewhere between $20 and $50 per hour.

Should you put a sealer on painted cabinets?

Adding a clear coat to your kitchen cabinets can help make your space brighter and more friendly. In addition to the stunning appearance, a clear coat also works to protect your cabinets from dirt, scratching, and chipping. If you have a kitchen with lots of natural light, a clear coat finish would be a great choice.

How can I make my painted cabinets last longer?

Prime the Surfaces Well

Priming is a very important aspect in painting that guarantees the durability of painted surfaces. Avoid buying all in one primer and paint as this will produce unsatisfactory work. Use oil primer and paint as they give the most excellent and long-lasting impact on the kitchen cabinets.

Why is paint peeling off cabinets?

One of the most common causes of peeling, bubbling, or cracking paint is that the surface was not properly prepared by cleaning, sanding and removing grease and dust before painting.

What kind of kitchen cabinets cannot be painted?

Cabinets that aren't solid wood—those made of stainless steel, vinyl, laminate, engineered wood, or any other non-solid wood material—are a much bigger task to undertake as they aren't as easy to paint. Paint will not adhere to the finished cabinet surface easily and will often peel off or chip.

Do deglossers really work?

Liquid sandpaper, a.k.a. deglosser, is a chemical that can be used to rough up existing paint on walls and other surfaces by removing the gloss, making it possible to paint over what's left on the wall after use. This is good for hard to reach places or an object that you may feel would be awkward to sand.

What's the best degreaser for kitchen cabinets?

Dish Soap. Grease-cutting dish soaps, like Dawn, are the gentlest choice for degreasing kitchen cabinets. If extra cleaning power is needed, use a non-scratch abrasive sponge to help safely scour away sticky grease film.

Is Home Depot a good place to buy cabinets?

Home Depot Kitchen Cabinet Reviews

Overall, customers generally have positive experiences ordering cabinets from The Home Depot, though there is the occasional case of damage or poor customer service.

What type of cabinets last the longest?

Solid Wood Cabinets

Solid natural wood cabinets are the gold standard when it comes to strength and longevity. Woods like maple, oak, birch, walnut, and cherry will last you decades.

Why are RTA cabinets so cheap?

the cabinet boxes are constructed of lower-cost, lower-quality plywood. the doors and drawer fronts are made of lower-cost, lower-quality softwoods. the hardware for drawer glides and hinges is also lower-cost and lower quality. RTA cabinets offer limited door styles, colors, and sizes, which reduces inventory costs.

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