Cabinets made of stainless steel, vinyl, and laminate aren't easy to paint over. Paints are known not to bond with these particular surfaces, which may result in the paint chipping or peeling easily.
The decision to paint or replace your cabinets depends on the current shape that they are in, so painting isn't a wise choice for all cabinets. If your cabinets are warped, chipped, or have other damages then painting them won't solve your problem.
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.
Cabinets are subjected to daily use, which means they're exposed to wear and tear, moisture, and cleaning products. If the painting process isn't done correctly, the paint may chip, peel, or wear off over time, leading to a less durable finish.
By avoiding these three biggest mistakes – insufficient surface preparation, poor paint selection and application, and neglecting proper curing time – you can achieve a professional-looking finish that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen while ensuring the longevity of your painted cabinets.
Poor paint adhesion is one of the most common consequences of skipping the sanding step. Without sanding, the cabinet surface remains smooth and may have a glossy finish or residual substances that hinder the paint from properly adhering.
What significant impact does painting kitchen cabinets have on home value? Painting kitchen cabinets refreshes the look of your kitchen, ultimately increasing the appeal and potentially the value of your home.
Using a brush for cabinet painting ensures that you will get a smooth, even finish on your cabinets. A brush can also help get into all the nooks and crannies of your cabinets, which a roller might miss.
There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean. No matter the types of paint you choose, prepping is an important step in the process.
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.
4 Colors to Avoid When Painting Your Kitchen
Allen agrees, noting that very bright and bold colors, such as red or orange, should be avoided, as they can be overwhelming for the space. Allen also notes that homeowners are better off skipping the darker hues.
In addition to classic neutral kitchen cabinets, other popular timeless hues include light grays, soft greens and wood tones. For darker timeless paint colors, navy blue gives rich, nautical vibes while a dark black paint color brings a dose of drama to any kitchen.
The quick answer is that, no, they are not going out of style. In fact, cabinets painted white is still considered one of the timeless styles inside the kitchen. The problem with other colors is that you run the risk that the color your cabinets are painted in usually becomes less popular over time.
We usually use professional-grade lacquer because it has a lovely, silky-smooth feel to it, and is what cabinet manufacturers use. We think it's the best paint for cabinets, hands-down (although there are some great pro-level water-based options as well).
Avoiding roller marks is easier than preventing brush marks–just add enough paint to the roller and overlap each stroke of the roller whenever possible. Once you've applied the first coat, check your work thoroughly for any paint drips and brush marks and rectify them before the paint dries.
A satin cabinet finish is more long lasting and provides slightly less reflectiveness. Such features gives the material a brighter finish compared to matte. When applied to kitchen custom cabinets, it will result in a soft, silky, and a little glowy appearance.
Most real estate agents will tell sellers that neutral colors will appeal to the widest audience. While white is a very popular color for kitchen cabinets, other neutrals like gray, black, and beige are also good. Stained wood cabinets have an appeal, especially if they are of high quality.
Although painted kitchen cabinets can offer a fresh new look, they may not stand the test of time as well as other finishes. The surfaces of painted cabinets in high-traffic areas, like the kitchen island or near the sink, can be prone to chips, scratches, and general wear over time.
How Long Will 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.
Best Option for Greasy Surfaces: Krud Kutter excels at eliminating layers of grease on wood surfaces, providing a versatile solution for various cabinet materials. Gentle Cleaners: Despite its heavy-duty cleaning capabilities, Krud Kutter is formulated to be gentle on surfaces, ensuring no damage to your cabinets.
While it's possible to paint over old paint on cabinets, there are better options than this one. When painting wood cabinets that are already painted, the best action is to strip the finish down to the bare wood before painting to eliminate potential adhesion problems between the old finish and the new paint.
Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel in Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinets because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, resulting in a smooth and durable finish.