Should I Paint or Refinish My Kitchen Cabinets?
- Refinish. Refinishing your cabinets can save you money and time. But in some cases, it’s better to go a different route.
- Paint. Painting cabinets offers you some additional options for updating your cabinets without complete replacement.
- Reface. One great way to give the kitchen cabinets a refresh but still save some money...
Full Answer
Should you paint your kitchen cabinets?
If you’re planning to re-sell your home, painting your kitchen cabinets is an easy solution for updating a tired kitchen. It’s also perfect if you’re staying in your home, provided you do the work yourself or find a painter who does a good job.
What is the difference between painting and refacing kitchen cabinets?
Painting The real difference between painting (or refinishing) and refacing your cabinets is relatively straight forward. Painting your cabinets gives your existing cabinetry a fresh look, whereas refacing them gives your cabinets almost an entirely new look. Cabinets refacing should not be confused with resurfacing or refinishing.
Should I replace or refinish my Kitchen cabinets?
Replacing cabinets requires you to buy completely new cabinetry from top to bottom, while cabinet refinishing requires some maintenance so it's usually cheaper.
Does paint wear off in spots where you use your cabinets?
But if you paid someone several thousand dollars to have it done for you, you may not be thrilled to see the paint wearing off in spots where you use your cabinets the most. This problem stares at me in the face every day in my own kitchen. We redid our kitchen three years ago using cast-off cabinets found at our local Habitat ReStore.
Is it better to paint or refinish kitchen cabinets?
Cabinet painting is hands-down the cheaper way of giving new life to your old and stained cabinets. However, this method is only applicable if the hardware of the cabinets is in good shape. Here, a fresh coat of paint is added to the doors, drawers, and cabinet walls.
Is it worth it to have kitchen cabinets professionally painted?
If you have an average-size kitchen, the cost to paint kitchen cabinets is much lower than any kitchen renovation project. Spending the money on professionals who can ensure the cabinets last a long time can be a wise investment that saves you time and money in the long run. It's harder than it looks.
Is it cheaper to paint or reface kitchen cabinets?
Is it cheaper to paint or replace kitchen cabinets? It is much cheaper to paint than replace kitchen cabinets. The cost to replace kitchen cabinets with new cabinets is usually around $525 per cabinet door, which is 3 times the cost of repainting them. A third option is refacing the cabinets.
Is refinishing kitchen cabinets worth it?
Refinishing these hardy cabinets, instead of replacing them, can both conserve wood and money. Opting to refinish, rather than replace, kitchen cabinets is more cost-effective, too; Ballard says it can save you up to $5,000. Of course, if your cabinets aren't wood, refinishing may not be an option.
How long will painted cabinets last?
8-10 yearsAlthough professionally painted cabinets should last 8-10 years there are a few factors that can drastically impact your cabinet's lifetime, requiring repainting only 3-4 years later. How long your kitchen cabinets will last depends largely on the way the paint was applied, and with what tools.
Is it cheaper to paint cabinets or replace them?
Price out replacing your kitchen cabinets and painting will look better and better. The cost to paint a kitchen is typically 1/3 to ½ the cost of replacing. The paints applied to cabinets are also very durable and will last just as long as new cabinets in most cases.
Can you paint kitchen cabinets without taking doors off?
You don't have to remove the cabinet doors to repaint them, so leave them on their hinges if you're not going to replace them. However, it is easier to paint the cabinet's façade with the doors off. You can paint the hinges to match the cabinets or mask them with painter's tape to keep them as they are.
What paint is best for kitchen cabinets?
There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.
What is the difference between resurfacing and refinishing kitchen cabinets?
Refacing a cabinet involves removing the cabinet doors entirely, purchasing new cabinet doors, and attaching them. Cabinet refinishing is a process where you sand down the existing cabinet doors and refresh them with new stain or paint and lacquer to get them looking like new again.
What is average cost to refinish cabinets?
You'll pay between $4 to $25 per square foot, which includes labor and materials for staining, lacquering, varnishing, painting, shellacking, or glazing. The overall price depends on a number of factors, including the type of refinishing you choose and the cabinet's location within your home.
Is it cheaper to refinish cabinets or buy new ones?
REFINISHING IS MUCH CHEAPER THAN REPLACING OR RESURFACING But, you'd be surprised how little you'll save when you choose to reface your cabinets instead. You might only save around 30%-50% of the cost of complete replacement by choosing to reface them.
How can I update my cabinets without replacing them?
0:331:394 Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them (Part 1YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother great way to accent your kitchen cabinets is by adding crown molding crown molding can fillMoreAnother great way to accent your kitchen cabinets is by adding crown molding crown molding can fill space between your cabinets.
Do painted kitchen cabinets chip?
It's actually a common problem to have painted cabinets chip and peel, and that means people have already developed solutions to give paint a long-lasting finish. If your kitchen cabinets are peeling or the paint scratches off with a fingernail, you just need to do some touch-ups with the right products and procedures.
How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets white?
The average cost to paint kitchen cabinets white is $3 to $10 per square foot or $30 to $60 per linear foot of cabinetry depending on the condition of the cabinets, the painting method, and labor costs.
Are stained cabinets out of style?
Stained cabinets are not outdated. They very much still have a place in modern kitchen designs. While not the most popular, the stained cabinets have taken on different tones and remained relevant in designs such as the transitional kitchen trend.
How hard is it to repaint kitchen cabinets?
First of all, it's going to take a serious time commitment. To paint your kitchen cabinets in a manner comparable to a professional paint job could require over two hours of time per cabinet door or drawer if you're going to do it right, and several more hours for your base cabinets.
What is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is when you give your kitchen cabinets a new look by replacing the front-facing hardware but leaving the cabinetry framework in pl...
What is the difference between cabinet refacing and refinishing?
Painting: The real difference between painting (or refinishing) and refacing your cabinets is relatively straight forward. Painting your cabinets g...
Can I paint my kitchen cabinets myself?
Obviously, cabinet painting is when you repaint your existing cabinet doors with new paint. You can always paint your unfinished cabinets yourself....
Can I paint my kitchen cabinets myself?
While it’s very possible to paint your unfinished kitchen cabinets yourself, especially if you’re good with DIY, I wouldn’t recommend that most peo...
Is it Cheaper To Reface Or Replace Cabinets?
Replacing cabinets requires you to buy completely new cabinetry from top to bottom, while cabinet refinishing requires some maintenance so it’s usu...
Does Cabinet Refacing Add Value To My Home?
Generally speaking, cabinet refacing does add significant value to your home when it comes time to sell. Although the ROI is hard to measure accura...
Do Painted Cabinets Last?
If you like your cabinets but you just want to freshen them up or update their color scheme, then painting could be a decent option for you. Howeve...
What is refinishing cabinets?
Refinishing cabinets involves sanding them down or chemically stripping their existing finish to re-do it (or leave it bare). With refinishing, you keep all of the components of your existing cabinetry and only change the finish.
How long does it take to paint cabinets?
Painting cabinets can take a few days, depending on whether you’re doing it yourself or if you hire a professional painter. It takes a similar amount of time to refinish cabinets as you’ll need to remove all cabinet doors and drawers before getting to work.
Can you refinish cabinets before staining?
By sanding down your cabinets, you can address any aesthetic issues before staining or adding a finish over top.
Do you have to reface cabinets?
If your cabinets have details that make them look dated, you may need to reface them completely rather than refinish or paint them.
Do painted cabinets need to be maintained?
Painted cabinets must also be maintained occasionally. Paint can attract dust, dirt, and grime. And depending on the color paint you choose, messes may show up clearly. Wipe them down regularly to maintain the color—the longer messes sit on the paint, the more likely they are to damage it.
Can you paint cabinets?
Painting your cabinets will allow you to cover up blemishes and add some stylish flair to your space. Refinishing cabinets (sanding and stripping them down to reach their more natural state) can have similar results, but there are a few key differences. Repainting can look bright and modern, but it doesn’t repair blemishes. Refinishing will get to the root of any issues, but the process can be meticulous.
What is the difference between refacing and painting cabinets?
The real difference between painting (or refinishing) and refacing your cabinets is relatively straight forward. Painting your cabinets gives your existing cabinetry a fresh look, whereas refacing them gives your cabinets almost an entirely new look.
How long do painted cabinets last?
On the other hand, if you get a professional team to paint your kitchen cabinets, they could easily last for 8-15 years on average, though they may require maintenance work from time to time. Painted wood cabinets will last for a while, but refaced cabinets will undoubtedly have a longer life expectancy in your kitchen.
Is it Cheaper To Reface Or Replace Cabinets?
Replacing cabinets requires you to buy completely new cabinetry from top to bottom, while cabinet refinishing requires some maintenance so it's usually cheaper. When you reface cabinets, you're only replacing hardware for the doors (and possibly a veneer for the framework) but when you replace the cabinets, you're buying EVERYTHING new again – the doors, the frames, the shelves, everything.
What is refacing kitchen cabinets?
Cabinet refacing is when you give your kitchen cabinets a new look by replacing the front-facing hardware but leaving the cabinetry framework in place. The cabinets frames and internal shelves remain the same, but you get brand new cabinet doors, hinges, handles, and fixtures.
Is it cheaper to reface cabinets than replace them?
So yes, refacing cabinets is almost always cheaper than replacing them entirely. The only exception would be if you wanted to replace your old kitchen cabinet with VERY basic and cheap cabinets rather than refacing them with a more luxurious front-facing design.
Can I paint unfinished kitchen cabinets?
While it's very possible to paint your unfinished kitchen cabinets yourself, especially if you're good with DIY, I wouldn't recommend that most people do this. Although painting cabinet doors and drawer fronts looks easy, it's easy to have streaky, splotchy, and uneven finishes if you're not a professional painter.
Can you paint cabinets yourself?
Obviously, cabinet painting is when you repaint your existing cabinet doors with new paint. You can always paint your unfinished cabinets yourself. Although this sounds like the better option, it's not always the case. Painted cabinet boxes can easily flake, peel, or fade in a kitchen environment, especially if you're cleaning them frequently. The more you clean them, the easier it is for the paint to fade away over time.
Should I Paint Or Refinish My Kitchen Cabinets?
When homeowners want to update the look of their home interiors, most start with the kitchen. It’s easy to understand why. The kitchen is front and center in the modern home and plays perhaps the largest role in the overall design of the home. And no other feature is more prominent in the kitchen than the cabinetry.
The Difference Between Painting & Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets
Just painting kitchen cabinets is a relatively straightforward process. Typically, it involves simply rolling or spraying new paint directly onto cabinet doors and boxes. In many cases, this process doesn’t even require removing cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
Choosing the Right Option
As you’ve probably realized, painting your kitchen cabinets is a faster and more affordable solution than refinishing. But there are many downsides to simply slapping a new coat of paint on your cabinets.
Where to Turn for Cabinet Refinishing
If cabinet refinishing sounds like the right solution for you, trust the project to the experts at Home Solutions by Kurtis. We are refinishing specialists with extensive experience, and we have developed an intensive, signature 7-point refinishing process to ensure exceptional results for our customers.
How long does it take to paint cabinets?
Depending on the kitchen’s size and number of cabinets, it could take a DIYer weeks to complete a project of this scale. The kitchen’s layout may mean that you need to remove the cabinet doors. You’ll want to invest in special gear like a paint sprayer; small mistakes and brush strokes may not be evident on a large wall, but they can be glaringly apparent on cabinets. You’ll also need more patience: It’s essential to let the paint completely cure before putting drawers and cabinets back in place, or you risk ruining all your hard work.
Can you take on a kitchen project yourself?
If you try to take on this project yourself, you could end up investing money in a process that has to be salvaged by a professional, which will cost more in the long run. Professionals will ensure that the kitchen is appropriately prepped to keep all of your appliances and flooring safe.
Is wood more porous than paint?
Wood is more porous and will absorb some of the cabinet paint. On the other hand, the paint will have a harder time sticking to something nonporous like laminate. Plus, your specific cabinets may need certain cleaning materials or repairs to prep them for color. These materials will only add to the project’s bottom line.
Is it necessary to paint cabinets?
Painting cabinets is time-consuming and requires special gear. Painting a wall usually requires minimal materials and experience—just some prep work, patience, and arm strength. When it comes to painting kitchen cabinets, you may not think there’s anything you need to learn. While it may seem more manageable because individual cabinets are smaller ...
Can you paint cabinets?
Depending on the cabinets’ age, they could have been subjected to serious wear and tear over time from constant use and accumulated layers of grease and grime. Before making any aesthetic decisions, take a close look at your cabinets to see whether paint can improve their appearance or if they will need to be replaced altogether. Multiple areas of damage might indicate that you’re better off replacing the cabinets, but consult a professional to see if repair is possible before heading off to the kitchen showroom. While paint can freshen up a kitchen’s appearance, it won’t do anything to enhance the cabinets structurally—you may just be delaying the inevitable.
What to consider when painting cabinets?
Another thing to consider when deciding to paint your cabinets is what kind of shape they’re in. A lot of people paint their cabinets and then top them off with a shiny new countertop. This works if the cabinets you’re painting are of good quality and in good shape.
Can you paint old cabinets?
Painting outdated cabinets can disguise their style, so they aren’t the focal point of your kitchen. If you happen to have more time than money, DIY it so you get a new kitchen look for only the cost of a few gallons of paint (and some elbow grease). (For instructions on how to repaint your kitchen counters, go here .)
Can you paint cabinets yourself?
Keep in mind, though, that site-applied paint on cabinets does not last very long without needing touch-ups. If you’ve painted your kitchen cabinets yourself, you may not mind doing the touch-ups .
Do you need to touch up paint on kitchen cabinets?
Keep in mind, though, that site-applied paint on cabinets does not last very long without needing touch-ups. If you’ve painted your kitchen cabinets yourself, you may not mind doing the touch-ups. But if you paid someone several thousand dollars to have it done for you, you may not be thrilled to see the paint wearing off in spots where you use your cabinets the most.
