Why not to paint kitchen cabinets?

Author: Eldora Lubowitz  |  Last update: Sunday, April 27, 2025

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.

What is the downside to painting kitchen cabinets?

Won't Work on All Cabinets

If your cabinets are warped, chipped, or have other damages then painting them won't solve your problem. Many people fail to recognize this then go forward and paint the cabinets anyway. They are almost always disappointed with the results.

What type of cabinet shouldn't you paint?

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.

Does painting cabinets devalue a 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.

What I wish I knew before painting cabinets?

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Painting Our Kitchen Cabinets
  • Plan for a practice round, and watch the paint as it dries.
  • Practice with each paint/primer so you know how it feels.
  • Sand, sand sand!
  • Paint both coats on the backs of your doors/drawers first.
  • Keep your spray thin, and build up your paint slowly.

Don't Paint Your Cabinets!

What are the mistakes for painting kitchen cabinets?

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.

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

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 color cabinets sell a house?

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.

Are painted cabinets going out of style?

Answer: No. Kitchen cabinets have been painted for over 100 years.

What is the life expectancy of painted cabinets?

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.

What color cabinets never go out of style?

Kitchen Cabinet Colors That Never Go Out of Style
  • The Eternal Whites. White. Off-White. Creamy White.
  • Graceful Grays. Light Gray. Dark Gray.
  • Wood Tones.
  • Two-Tone Designs.
  • Timeless Elegance for Your Kitchen.

Can I just paint over my kitchen cabinets?

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.

Which color is not good for the kitchen?

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.

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.

Why is it so expensive to paint kitchen cabinets?

Why is it so expensive to repaint kitchen cabinets? Homeowners want a high-quality finish on their cabinets. Achieving a cabinet-level finish requires high-end materials and a lot of time consuming work. ‍As a rough rule of thumb, cabinet painters usually charge about $90 per hour of work for labor.

Should you paint cabinets flat or gloss?

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.

What is the 2024 color for kitchen cabinets?

Description: Blue Nova is a bold, vibrant blend of blue and violet, chosen as Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year 2024.

Do painted cabinets decrease home value?

Painting kitchen cabinets refreshes the look of your kitchen, ultimately increasing the appeal and potentially the value of your home.

What color of cabinets is most timeless?

Below, we discuss the best cabinet color options for a kitchen remodeling project for a beautiful aesthetic that's always on point. Arguably, the most timeless kitchen cabinet color is white. Bright white cabinets suit a variety of beautiful kitchens, including modern, contemporary, and farmhouse styles.

What color does Joanna Gaines paint cabinets?

With floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinets painted in Cottage Grove, from her Castle Collection from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines®. 'Cottage Grove is a rich blend of navy and green,' says Joanna Gaines. 'This color can take on either tone in a different light, which makes it both dramatic and cozy all at once.

Do factory painted cabinets hold up?

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

Should all cabinets in a house be the same color?

The same design guidelines that are true for wall colors, furnishings, accessories and flooring are true for cabinets. You don't need to match every piece of wood furniture in your home or make every wall the same color and you don't need to do so for cabinets.

Why don't you paint the inside of cabinets?

Painting the insides of cabinets is not a common practice, and here's why. Most kitchen cabinets are already stained or sealed on the inside to protect against wear and tear.

What is the best degreaser for kitchen cabinets before painting?

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.

What paint to use on cabinets Sherwin Williams?

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.

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