Want to make a big change in your kitchen on a small budget? It’s easy with cabinet painting. This process is a fraction of the cost and time it takes for a complete kitchen renovation and cabinet replacement project.
But if cabinet painting is one home remodeling job you’ve never tried, then you likely have some questions. Below are a few common ones and the answers to each.
How much does cabinet painting cost?
The short answer is: It depends. Cabinet painting costs can change based on many factors, such as the number of cabinets you have, their existing condition, where you are located geographically, and what decisions you make along the way.
For instance, if you opt for cabinet painting with a custom color plus antiquing, designer hardware, and crown molding, then the project will cost more than simply painting your cabinets white. Whatever you do choose, chances are it’s the most cost-friendly way to make a major change in your kitchen.
What is the typical turnaround time for painting kitchen cabinets?
Again, this depends on a few factors including the number of cabinets and the design decisions you make along the way. When you hire a professional cabinet painter, they will give you a price quote and an estimated start and finish date. Most cabinet painting projects take anywhere from a week to a month.
At N-Hance®, our turnaround time averages three to five days. Part of this is thanks to our Lightspeed® Nano technology. It uses UV light to instantly cure cabinets, so you don’t have to wait days to use them while the paint fully dries.
Once we’re done painting your cabinets, you can get back into your kitchen immediately. This offers a more efficient way to get your cabinets painted, while also delivering a visually stunning final result.
How long will the new finish last? Will it chip or fade?
If you hire a reputable painter and maintain your cabinets properly, you can expect the finish to last for years. However, if you take a DIY approach, use the wrong products, or hire a painter who uses poor-performing products, your cabinets are more likely to chip or peel.
The best way to ensure longevity is to do your homework. Ask the cabinet painters you are considering about their products and what to expect in terms of durability. Also, make sure they explain how to properly maintain your newly painted cabinets so you can maximize their lifespan.
At N-Hance, we use products that are designed for cabinets, from our cleaning solution to our priming and painting products. This means they are engineered to protect cabinets from the everyday wear and tear that occurs in kitchens.
In addition, we will apply a clear coating and use our Lightspeed Nano technology to ensure a smooth, factory-like, rock-hard finish. As long as you properly maintain your cabinets, you can expect long-lasting results.
Should I paint or stain my cabinets?
If you have hardwood cabinets, you might be trying to decide whether to stain or paint them. Both can lead to attractive results, so it’s really a question of personal taste.
In terms of trends and style, certain types of wood cabinets are classic and a fresh stain can give your kitchen a timeless appearance. If you are drawn to painted cabinets, colors like white, espresso brown, cream, and blue offer a timeless look. Other colors are hot right now, but might not be in a few years. It’s really up to you and what you want to achieve in terms of a design aesthetic in your kitchen.
What colors are popular for kitchen cabinets?
Nowadays, there are endless possibilities when it comes to painting your cabinets. What should you choose? It depends on your space, your preferences, and the existing style of your kitchen. For a smaller kitchen, opt for a lighter, brighter color. If you have an expansive space, you can paint your cabinets a darker, richer hue.
Another consideration? If your flooring and countertops are already dark, choose a lighter color for your cabinets so there’s some visual contrast. If your counters and flooring are white or light, a darker cabinet color will create contrast that is appealing to the eye. Whether you opt for a bold or subtle contrast, it defines the space and is more interesting and welcoming.
What if I have oak cabinets? Can cabinet painting eliminate the grain?
Golden oak cabinets are not likely to come back in style, so getting rid of the look is a must. Can you do it with painting? The answer is somewhere between yes and no.
While painting the cabinet can substantially minimize the grain’s appearance, it’s not likely to remove it completely and provide the uniform, flat look you want. If you want cabinets that don’t have any visible grain, cabinet refacing is the better option.
With cabinet refacing, the cabinet boxes remain in place, while the doors and drawer fronts are replaced with custom-made new ones. While this costs more than cabinet painting, it’s more budget-friendly than a full replacement. Our professional cabinet painters can help you decide the best course of action. We offer both cabinet painting and cabinet refacing services to ensure we meet your needs.
Can I handle cabinet painting on my own or should I hire a painter?
With YouTube, HGTV, and many DIY resources, cabinet painting might seem like an easy project to tackle. However, that’s not necessarily true, especially when you’re not a professional.
The job of cabinet painting requires expertise and the right products and tools. It also takes a lot of work, from prepping the site and cleaning surfaces to repairing, sanding, priming, and painting. If not handled correctly, the final finish will be impacted substantially. While slightly more expensive than the DIY route, professional cabinet painting will deliver the best results.
Will I be able to use my kitchen during the cabinet painting process?
It depends on who you hire. With some painters, you can use the kitchen when their crew is not working in it. With others, though, they tent off the whole area and you can’t access your kitchen at all.
At N-Hance, we take your doors and drawer fronts back to our workshop, so there’s less disruption to your home and life. When we’re not working on your cabinet boxes and installing your newly painted doors and drawer fronts, you can access the space. We try our best to minimize disruption to your life and deliver beautifully painted cabinets for you to fall in love with! The timeline for a typical kitchen is three to five days from start to finish.
Ready to put cabinet painting into the hands of a professional? Turn to the cabinet makeover experts at N-Hance for a FREE consultation and price quote. Call (855) 642-6230 today to get started.