Repainting your kitchen cabinets is a huge project. However, it can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your kitchen, in a budget friendly way. Cabinet painting allows you to take your dated cabinets and give them a fresh look, upgrading the whole kitchen with just a few coats.
If this is something you’re never done on your own, you may not know where to start. Here are four questions to ask before you decide to DIY your kitchen cabinet painting, and if it’s something you’d better leave to the professionals.
Question #1: How long will it take to repaint my kitchen cabinets?
Repainting kitchen cabinets is a quicker and easier alternative to replacing them, but it still requires a time commitment. The more time you invest, the better the outcome. Consider your schedule and whether you have the patience for quality work. If you have a busy job or young children, time might be an issue. Depending on the number of cabinets, your skill level, and daily availability, this project could span several days or even weeks.
Your kitchen – and possibly your entire main living area – will be messy or unusable during this process. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, any renovation will impact your daily routine and family life in a substantial way. Are you ready to cope with that while refinishing your cabinets?
If painting on your own isn’t feasible realistically, professional cabinet painters offer an affordable solution for high-quality results in less time. These experts can complete the job faster, minimizing disruption for you and your family.
Question #2: What materials are my cabinets made of?
Knowing the materials of your cabinets is critical for a successful painting project. Cabinets can be made from solid wood 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.
Solid wood cabinets are the easiest to paint and offer the best results. For non-solid wood cabinets, proper preparation, including sanding and priming, is essential to prevent peeling and chipping. Test a small hidden area before painting the entire cabinet to ensure durability. If you run into issues, seek professional help for expert advice and products.
Question #3: Do I want the wood grain visible?
This is truly a personal preference question. What aesthetic are you wanting for your home?
Cabinet painting is often used as a way to cover up the wood grain that may be visible on your cabinets, creating a more modern look. If you’re sick of seeing the wood grain, you should opt for an opaque paint, and will most likely need several layers to eliminate the look of the wood grain.
A more natural look is achieved when there is wood grain showing. You can still change the look of your kitchen through staining your cabinets rather than painting them. The type of stain used depends on what color your cabinets already are, and what you’d like them to be. Light cabinets are easily stained darker, but it’s harder to go from darker to lighter cabinets.
If there is a particular look you are wanting, the best way to achieve it without a headache, and with professional quality, it would be best to contact a local professional cabinet painter.
Question #4: Are small imperfections going to bother me?
If you’re new to painting kitchen cabinets, mistakes are bound to happen. Can you overlook them? If you strive for perfection and want flawless results, hire a professional painter.
For example, if a drip mark drives you crazy, think about the value of hiring an expert. Similarly, if you’re a perfectionist who gets caught up in one small detail for hours, DIY may not be the best choice for you.
Other Things to Consider When Repainting Kitchen Cabinets
Budget is key – while a full kitchen remodel might seem daunting in terms of costs, repainting cabinets is a budget-friendly alternative to replacement. It’s significantly cheaper and can give your kitchen a new look without breaking the bank. Tackling this project yourself will most likely lead to mistakes that will cost you more in the long run. Hiring an experienced professional with quality materials and equipment will ensure a stress-free experience and flawless finish on your cabinets.
Revamping your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint on cabinets can work wonders, but it may not address all your concerns. If you’re unhappy with the layout or door style of your cabinets, simply painting them won’t solve these issues. For a solution that actually addresses what you dislike about your kitchen, consider a complete cabinet renovation to tailor the space to your liking.
Do you want to find out more about repainting your kitchen cabinets with a professional? N-Hance of NW San Antonio is the trusted specialist in cabinet makeovers in Helotes! Call (830) 299-4144 today for a FREE consultation and price quote.