Painting Kitchen Cabinets vs. Replacing Them: What to Know

Kitchen cabinets set the look of the whole room. If yours are dated but solid, painting them is one of the most cost-effective updates you can make. Here is how to decide, and what a quality job involves.

When painting makes sense

• The cabinet boxes and doors are solid and in good shape.

• You like the layout and do not need to move plumbing or appliances.

• The issue is the color or the finish, not the construction.

When replacing may be better

• Boxes are water-damaged, sagging or falling apart.

• You are changing the kitchen layout.

• Doors are warped or the surface material is peeling away.

How a proper cabinet paint job works

Cabinets get handled and cleaned more than any other painted surface, so the prep has to be thorough:

• Doors and drawer fronts are removed and labeled.

• Surfaces are degreased and cleaned.

• Everything is sanded to give the primer something to grip.

• A bonding primer goes on first.

• Finish coats of a durable cabinet-grade enamel are applied for a smooth, hard finish.

• Hardware is reinstalled, or replaced if you are updating it.

What to expect

Expect the kitchen to be partly out of service for several days while doors and boxes are finished and cured. The result should be a smooth, even finish. Cabinet painting is a careful process, and it is worth asking any contractor how they prep and what products they use.

Cabinet painting is part of our interior painting service. For finish choices on trim and doors, see our paint sheen guide.

Get a free estimate

Custom Painting Pro has painted homes and businesses across Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties since 2010. Call (727) 237-1455 or book a free estimate online. We look at the property in person and send a written proposal with the scope spelled out.