Paint your kitchen cabinets if the boxes and doors are solid and you are happy with the layout. Replace them if they are water damaged, falling apart, or you want a different layout. Painting costs a fraction of new cabinets and keeps your kitchen in use most of the time, but it only lasts when the cabinets are cleaned, sanded and primed properly first.
When Painting Your Cabinets Makes Sense
- The cabinet boxes and doors are solid wood, plywood or sturdy MDF
- You like the layout and the cabinets work for how you cook
- The doors are in good shape, even if the color or stain looks dated
- You want a big change without the cost and disruption of a remodel
When Replacement Is the Better Call
- Boxes or doors are swollen, warped or water damaged, often under the sink
- Particleboard is crumbling or hinges will not stay tight
- Doors have peeling thermofoil or a laminate surface that will not hold paint well
- You are changing the kitchen layout or adding cabinets anyway
| Factor | Painting | Replacing |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | A fraction of new cabinets | The most expensive option |
| Time | Usually days to about a week | Often several weeks, including ordering |
| Disruption | Kitchen stays mostly usable | Kitchen is out of use during install |
| Best for | Solid cabinets with a dated look | Damaged cabinets or a new layout |
How a Lasting Cabinet Paint Job Is Done
- Remove doors, drawers and hardware and label everything
- Clean off kitchen grease with a degreaser
- Sand or scuff all surfaces so the primer can grip
- Prime with a bonding primer suited to the surface
- Apply thin, even coats of a hard-wearing cabinet enamel
- Let the finish dry properly, then rehang doors and hardware
Skipping the degreasing or priming is the main reason DIY cabinet paint chips and peels. A semi-gloss or satin enamel is the usual choice because it stands up to cleaning. See our paint finish guide for more on sheen.
They were clean neat and professional.
Jay WolfGoogle review, 5 stars
Planning a Painting Project?
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See our 5.0★ Google reviewsFrequently Asked Questions
With proper cleaning, sanding, priming and a cabinet-grade enamel, painted cabinets can look good for many years. Touch-ups on high-use doors are easy to do.
Laminate can sometimes be painted with the right bonding primer, but peeling thermofoil usually cannot be painted successfully and is better replaced.
Usually yes. The doors are often finished separately, so the kitchen stays mostly usable, with some limits while the boxes are painted and drying.
Thinking about refreshing your kitchen? Our cabinet painting service covers kitchen and bathroom cabinets in Wakefield, Reading, Stoneham, Melrose and nearby towns.
Our Painting Services
Why Homeowners Choose GF Painting Services
GF Painting Services Inc. is a licensed and insured painting contractor based in Wakefield, MA, serving Reading, North Reading, Stoneham, Melrose, Woburn, Winchester, Saugus and Lynnfield.
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- Licensed & insured
- Careful prep, clean job sites
- Free, detailed estimates