Repainting your kitchen cabinets is a major undertaking. Yet, it can yield big results in the form of a beautiful and budget-friendly transformation. Cabinet painting lets you take old, dated, dinged-up cabinets and give them a fresh, new look.
Whether you want a subtle change or a substantial one, it’s easy to get the results you want when you repaint your kitchen cabinets. If you really want your space to feel like new, take a few additional steps by updating decor, adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls, and investing in new appliances.
If you’ve never repainted kitchen cabinets on your own, you’re probably wondering about the best approach to take and what challenges lie ahead. Here are four questions to ask yourself BEFORE you pick up your paintbrush.
Question #1: How much time will it take to repaint my kitchen cabinets?
While repainting your kitchen cabinets is faster than a full cabinet replacement, it still requires a significant investment of time and effort. Ask yourself if you have the time and patience to perform quality work.
If you have a demanding job or a family with small children, time could be an issue. While repainting your kitchen cabinets is certainly a popular DIY project, it takes many days or even weeks to complete.
Additionally, your kitchen – and perhaps your whole main living area – will be messy during this time. This means your whole family should be prepared to live in a disrupted space. After all, your kitchen is the heart of your home, so any kitchen update or remodeling project will impact your daily life and family in a significant way.
On top of that, cabinet repainting requires quite a bit of work. Consider this. You have to remove everything inside your cabinets and on your countertops, drape and prep the site, remove the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and clean your cabinets from top to bottom. This is all before you can even start repairing, sanding, priming, and painting.
If you don’t realistically have the time to paint your cabinets on your own, the good news is that professional cabinet painters are an affordable plan B that will deliver top-quality results. They can also work much faster, so there’s less downtime for you and your family.
Question #2: What materials are my cabinets made of?
Cabinets can be made from solid wood, stainless steel, or engineered wood, such as MDF, particleboard, or plywood that is covered by a wood veneer. It’s important to know ahead of time what your kitchen cabinets are made of so that you can choose the proper products for repainting them.
The best-case scenario is that the cabinets are solid wood, which is the easiest material to paint and will deliver superior results. If they’re not, it’s important to know ahead of time that paint does not adhere to other surfaces as easily. As a result, it’s more likely to peel and chip if you don’t properly prep your cabinets with a light sanding before priming. Then, the proper paint products must be used.
In these situations, the best approach is to test out a small area that’s out of sight, like inside a cabinet door, with sanding, priming, and painting. Evaluate the results and whether the surface seems resistant to wear and tear.
To test the sample area, touch it frequently, and wipe it down repeatedly with a damp cloth. You want to try to mimic the wear and usage your cabinets will see on a daily basis. If the paint starts to peel or chip, talk to a professional cabinet painter who can handle the job.
Question #3: If wood grain is visible, how do I cover it up?
Many people turn to cabinet painting as a way to cover up visible wood grain for a more contemporary look. If your cabinets are stained or made from hardwood, ask yourself if you want to continue to see the wood grain. If you don’t, you’ll need to follow certain steps to eliminate the visibility of the grain. Alternatively, you can opt to reface your kitchen cabinets instead of repainting them.
If you don’t mind seeing a little bit of wood grain, certain paint products can minimize the grain’s appearance. Talk to a professional painter who understands these products and will know the approach to take and the products to use to deliver the look you want.
Question #4: Am I particular about details and small imperfections?
If you are repainting kitchen cabinets for the first time, you’ll likely make some mistakes along the way. Can you live with them? If you’re particular about details and want near-perfect results, then you’re better off hiring a professional painter.
For instance, if you simply cannot live with a drip mark, weigh the costs and benefits of hiring a professional painter. Likewise, if you’re a perfectionist and know you’re going to spend hours fussing over one small detail, taking a DIY approach might not be for you.
Other Considerations When Repainting Kitchen Cabinets
The layout of your kitchen. If it doesn’t work for your needs and life, repainting your kitchen cabinets won’t do much to improve the space. You’re better off with a complete cabinet renovation so you can achieve a configuration that makes more sense for your kitchen.
Also, keep your budget in mind. If you are considering a full kitchen remodel but dreading the costs, remember that repainting kitchen cabinets is more cost-effective than replacing them. Cabinet repainting is a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
However, if you handle the project on your own and make mistakes, you’ll either have to live with them or hire a cabinet painter to fix them. This will wind up costing you more in the long run. That’s why it’s best to start with an experienced professional who has access to premium products and cutting-edge equipment. You’ll have less stress, a faster turnaround, and cabinets with a beautiful, flawless finish.
Do you want to find out more about repainting your kitchen cabinets with a professional? N-Hance® is the trusted specialist in cabinet makeovers! Call (855) 642-6230 today for a FREE consultation and price quote.