Transforming your cabinets with a fresh coat of paint can rejuvenate your kitchen, whether you want a subtle refresh or a dramatic new look. You’ll eliminate all the old scuffs, scratches, and wear and tear while affordably upgrading your cabinets. However, a few questions remain, including: What color should you choose, should you take the DIY route or hire a professional cabinet painter, and what’s the cost?
At N-Hance®, we’re here to help, offering insights and answers to common questions to guide you toward the cabinets of your dreams.
How Do I Choose a Cabinet Paint Color?
Choosing a paint color for your cabinets is a difficult decision, one you want to get right. When you’re exploring your options, consider a color that complements your existing floors, counters, backsplash, and other areas in your space you’re not planning to change. You don’t have to match everything; in fact, contrast adds a lot of interest.
When brainstorming cabinet painting colors, you’ll also want a hue that makes your kitchen seem bigger. If the space is small already, avoid dark colors and opt for something lighter instead. If your space is larger, then you have more freedom. However, keep in mind that dark colors like black and navy will show more dirt, dust, and fingerprints.
What Cabinet Paint Colors Are Most Popular?
White and variations of it are always classic choices for cabinet painting that look great in modern or traditional homes. Up-and-coming popular colors include those inspired by nature, like blues and greens.
In addition, if you’d like to add some drama to your kitchen, consider a charcoal gray, olive green, espresso, or black. Another option? If you’re looking to make a statement, you can paint the center island a bold or brighter color and then use a more neutral shade for the balance of your cabinets.
Should I Paint My Wood Cabinets?
Whether to paint wood cabinets is a common dilemma for homeowners, especially considering the timeless appeal of hardwood. However, if your wood cabinets feel dated, like oak with yellow or orange tones, painting them a fresh color can transform your space and better complement your home’s style.
For overwhelming combinations, like wood cabinets and wood floors, a painted finish can create balance and make a striking statement. If your cabinet doors and drawer fronts have outdated designs, like arched or curved panels, cabinet refacing might be a better option. With refacing, you can achieve a modern upgrade with new, custom doors at a fraction of the cost of a full cabinet replacement.
Is Cabinet Painting Really a DIY Project?
While DIY cabinet painting can save money, common mistakes like improper cleaning, skipping prep work and sanding, using wall paint, or applying layers too thick can lead to subpar results. For a flawless finish, many homeowners turn to professionals like N-Hance, who handle every detail with care.
At N-Hance, we remove doors and drawer fronts, clean them thoroughly with a proprietary degreasing solution, and repair any damage for a smooth surface. We use premium cabinet-specific primers and paints that block stains, resist wear, and stand up to heavy kitchen use. To ensure a durable, factory-like finish, we also apply a clear coat and cure it instantly with our UV Lightspeed® Nano system.
In the process, we take care to avoid drips and brush marks by using advanced techniques and tools. In just a few days, N-Hance can transform your cabinets into a beautifully refreshed centerpiece for your kitchen—without the hassle or risk of DIY mistakes.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint Cabinets?
The cost of painting cabinets varies based on several factors, including:
- Where you live
- The condition of your cabinets
- The number and size of your cabinets
- Your style choices
- Whether or not you want to add finishing techniques, like antiquing or glazing
Overall, though, painting cabinets is a cost-effective option, coming in at about one-fifth of the price of replacing them entirely.
How Long Does Cabinet Painting Take?
How large is your kitchen? How many cabinets do you have? What is their condition? These are all factors that can impact the turnaround time of your project. If you decide to paint on your own, you’ll want to plan for several weeks, especially if you aren’t setting aside vacation time from work for this project. With extensive prep needed, along with patience during the painting and drying process, DIY cabinet painting is a time-consuming job.
However, most professionals can handle cabinet painting in just a few days, depending on the number of cabinets you have and their condition. At N-Hance, our cabinet painting service takes around 3-5 days with instant curing, thanks to our Lightspeed® Nano UV technology. We use it to cure your cabinets in seconds and deliver a rock-hard, factory-like finish without the downtime of traditional cabinet painting.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use When Painting Kitchen Cabinets?
There are many different types of paints to choose from and not all are well-suited for cabinets. That’s why, before buying supplies, you must do your homework and purchase the right paint for your kitchen cabinets.
At N-Hance, we use painting products designed especially for cabinets. As a result, they are made to stand up to heavy-duty wear and tear, as well as grease, grime, moisture, and dirt. Paint that’s made for walls or other applications, on the other hand, will chip and peel over time.
How Long Does New Paint on Cabinets Last?
The durability of painted kitchen cabinets depends on factors like your lifestyle, usage, and how well the job is done. With proper prep, quality products, and regular maintenance, a fresh coat of paint can last anywhere from 8–15 years.
Homes with heavy foot traffic or frequent cabinet use may see wear sooner, especially if the job was completed on your own without proper preparation. But, when done correctly and maintained well, painted cabinets can withstand years of daily use while maintaining their beauty and functionality.
How Do I Clean My Newly Painted Cabinets?
Maintaining your newly painted cabinets is relatively simple. Some steps include:
- Use a soft, moist fabric, like a microfiber, when you’re cleaning them. Then dry them with a soft towel.
- Avoid over-wetting the cloth, which can lead to water damage.
- Clean one area at a time, rubbing gently in a circular motion.
- If you have a stubborn spot or stain, use a mild cleaning solution, such as warm water mixed with a little bit of dish soap, rather than scrubbing at it.
Taking a proactive approach to cleaning your cabinets will prevent the buildup of heavy-duty grease and grime and maintain the look of your cabinets for longer.
Ready for a fast, affordable, and dramatic refresh in your kitchen? Contact your local N-Hance at (855) 642-6230 to request a FREE estimate and find out how our cabinet painting service can deliver gorgeous results.