Is It a Good Idea to Paint Kitchen Cabinets? (Pros/Cons) (2024)

FAQs

Is It a Good Idea to Paint Kitchen Cabinets? (Pros/Cons)? ›

Painting kitchen cabinets can be a cost-effective and transformative approach to updating your kitchen's look without undertaking a full remodel. This method offers significant savings, a quick turnaround, and a range of aesthetic possibilities, making it an attractive option for many homeowners.

Time-consuming: Painting cabinets requires thorough preparation, including cleaning, sanding, priming, and multiple coats of paint. It can be a time-consuming process, especially for larger kitchens.

Hard Maple & Oak Cabinets

Cabinets made from oak—also an open-grain—should never be painted.

Painting your cabinets can make a substantial difference to the value and allure of your home. It's an affordable, yet transformative project that not only refreshes your space but can also considerably increase its market value.

Paints labeled for cabinets are the best choice. Formulated with higher levels of resins than traditional wall paint, cabinet paints are more suitable for high-touch areas that can easily get dirty or greasy; they're also more resistant to scratches, staining, and fading.

If your cabinets are warped, chipped, or have other damages then painting them won't solve your problem. Many people fail to recognize this then go forward and paint the cabinets anyway. They are almost always disappointed with the results.

Professionally painted cabinets can last anywhere from eight to 15 years. However, the finish will only last this long if the job was done properly. Using higher-quality paint will also ensure that the paint job lasts longer; cheaper paints may start to chip after a few years.

It has never gone away completely and, based on results from the 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, has actually returned in full force to become one of today's most sought-after designs. If you want a modern-looking kitchen that will remain relevant far into the future, white-painted cabinets are a safe choice.

Timeless cabinet colors include neutral shades like white, cream, beige, taupe, gray, or greige. Navy, black, and forest green cabinets can look timeless when paired with classic finishes and fixtures.

Wood cabinets are ideal for painting, but any surface that can be scuffed with sandpaper can be painted. Laminate cabinets require a special bonding primer. The laminate must be in good condition for best results.

What color kitchen decreases home value? ›

According to the study, yellow kitchens will lower price while light blue and soft gray blue kitchens will increase the price (by $1,809 on average). In fact, the study found that in general throughout the house distinct colors like yellow and red will decrease the price although not as much as a total lack of color.

What cabinet color has the best resale value? Most real estate agents will tell sellers that neutral colors will appeal to the widest audience. While white is a very popular color for kitchen cabinets, other neutrals like gray, black, and beige are also good.

Avoid bright or intense colors that buyers can't picture themselves living with. Whites and neutrals are the way to go when you're getting your house ready to sell.

Kitchen cabinets are painted in industrial settings with industrial-grade paints and equipment that sprays the paint onto the wood surface with high velocity. It is usually lacquer or enamel-type oil-based paint and it might have undergone an additional curing process.

Thermofoil cabinets should not be painted. This article does a good job of going in depth on what thermofoil cabinets are but a quick summary is that thermofoil cabinets are a mdf core with a thin layer of vinyl sealed tightly to the core. These are inexpensive cabinets and unfortunately cannot be refinished.

For wood, brushing is fine, but you may want to hire a professional for a good finish. Using a roller to paint cabinets is a lot faster than brush painting, however, the fabric on the roller will create a 'bobbly' texture on the surface. The texture a roller puts on cabinets makes it unsuitable for gloss paint.

Too much paint can easily lead to chipping and scratching, and a thicker coat is more likely to peel or flake off over time. Instead, we take the time to apply several thin layers of paint to create a strong finish that can handle regular wear and tear.

A chemical baking process makes factory-finished cabinets highly durable and resistant to staining.

In conclusion, poor preparation of the surface or inadequate application are a few reasons why do painted kitchen cabinets chip. To prevent chipping on your painted kitchen cabinets, make sure you prepare the surface properly and use high-quality paint products for a smooth finish.

If you're in search of a clean, modern look, paint your cabinets. Painted cabinets appear very smooth, hiding the grain of the wood. If you prefer a more natural, classic look, you should stain your cabinets. Staining your cabinets highlights the natural grain of the wood and offers a more traditional aesthetic.