Types of Kitchen Cabinets You Should NOT Paint Over (2024)

Today, almost all houses possess kitchen cabinets that serve their owners well. And since the kitchen has the most foot traffic at home, kitchen cabinets tend to get dirty and age faster than the rest of the house. Thankfully, you can easily find DIY projects that can help you renew the look of your cabinets. One of the trending ways to do so is to repaint. There are some genius tips online regarding what color schemes you can use depending on your lifestyle and personality. These can be truly helpful if your cabinets are solid wood. However, since paint does not adhere to non-solid wood surfaces, we do not recommend repainting them. For surfaces like these, Las Vegas cabinet refacing is the better choice. Let’s go over the types of cabinets you should not repaint.

Open-Grained Wood Cabinets

Open-grain wood cabinets have surfaces that look rustic and textured. Sometimes, it can have holes and grooves, which should be filled out. For such cabinets, you might want to hire a professional service instead.

Oak and Hard Maple Cabinets

These are also open-grain, and if painted over, they can end up looking like orange peels with tiny holes and pores. Additionally, cooking and humidity can ruin oak cabinets, and you don’t want to simply just paint over it at this point. You ought to fix the problem to avoid further damage.

Non-Wood Cabinets

Stainless steel, laminate, vinyl, or engineering wood cabinets do not have the capacity to maintain the structure of paintwork. The same goes for any type of surface that is not solid wood. It can be painted over, but the paint is bound to crack, slide off, chip, and peel off over a short time.

If your cabinets are not in the best condition and cannot function properly anymore, you might want to get one instead. New cabinets in Las Vegas are fairly affordable, and you can get one that suits your taste well without having to worry about your budget. This might be a better idea if your cabinets need more than repainting or refacing.

Types of Kitchen Cabinets You Should NOT Paint Over (2024)

FAQs

What type of cabinet shouldn't you paint? ›

Hard Maple & Oak Cabinets

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

What type of kitchen cabinets Cannot be painted? ›

Types of Kitchen Cabinets You Should NOT Paint Over
  • Open-Grained Wood Cabinets. Open-grain wood cabinets have surfaces that look rustic and textured. ...
  • Oak and Hard Maple Cabinets. These are also open-grain, and if painted over, they can end up looking like orange peels with tiny holes and pores. ...
  • Non-Wood Cabinets.
Sep 16, 2021

What is the downside to painting kitchen cabinets? ›

Maintenance And Durability Issues

Although painted kitchen cabinets can offer a fresh new look, they may not stand the test of time as well as other finishes. The surfaces of painted cabinets in high-traffic areas, like the kitchen island or near the sink, can be prone to chips, scratches, and general wear over time.

What color kitchen cabinets are low maintenance? ›

Steer clear of finishes that show fingerprints and water spots like stainless steel or chrome. They're also harder to clean. Oil-rubbed bronze, satin bronze, brushed or polished nickel and white hardware are all much easier to maintain. Choose the finish that matches your style and kitchen design.

When not to paint cabinets? ›

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.

Is it bad to paint over wood cabinets? ›

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 cabinets never go out of style? ›

"White, black, browns, and grays have been historically integrated into both traditional and contemporary designs, proving that these colors are universally ageless."

Does painting cabinets devalue a home? ›

Consider painting your cabinets as a cost-effective and impactful solution. Not only does this simple upgrade give your home a fresh, updated look, but it also significantly contributes to your property's overall appeal and market value.

Can you paint any kind of kitchen cabinets? ›

Wood, wood-laminate and metal cabinets usually can be repainted without difficulty. Plastic laminate cabinets might not accept a topcoat of paint — those that can be refinished often require special paints and techniques, and results can vary.

Is it better to paint cabinets with a roller or brush? ›

Using a brush for cabinet painting ensures that you will get a smooth, even finish on your cabinets. A brush can also help get into all the nooks and crannies of your cabinets, which a roller might miss.

Should you paint cabinets flat or gloss? ›

To sum up, a gloss finish will give your kitchen an expensive, sophisticated, and modern look. A matte finish is more subtle, soft, and cozy, and works well if your kitchen has a more traditional look. So, consider the style of your kitchen when deciding between gloss and matte cabinetry.

What kind of paint do pros use on kitchen cabinets? ›

Popular formulas on the market include Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams ProClassic, and Behr Alkyd Enamel. Oil-based paints: These also have a strong binder, which makes this category the hardest, most durable paint choice for cabinets, Mothershead says.

What cabinet color is timeless? ›

You don't need stark black cabinets to give your kitchen a dramatic look. Dark blue remains one of the most timeless design choices , particularly cobalt or navy cabinet colors. Navy blue remains a timelss kitchen cabinet color that brings a sense of sophistication and effortless luxury to the entire kitchen.

What color cabinets make a kitchen look bigger? ›

Go with Light Colors

Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy. Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.

What cabinet color hides imperfections best? ›

White is the color of choice for most homeowners because of its simplicity and elegance. It can pretty much go with any kitchen. Even if the cabinet gets scratches, the damage will not be evident in this color. It's the main reason why this is the color of choice for traditionally designed homes.

Can you paint any type of cabinet? ›

Wood, wood-laminate and metal cabinets usually can be repainted without difficulty. Plastic laminate cabinets might not accept a topcoat of paint — those that can be refinished often require special paints and techniques, and results can vary.

Can you paint not real wood cabinets? ›

Laminate isn't an ideal surface to paint, but it can be done. If you consider the paint job a temporary solution until you can invest in new cabinetry, you'll probably be more satisfied with the results. Follow these steps for how to paint laminate cabinets to get the best finish possible.

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