Is Painting Kitchen Cabinets Worth it?
Yes, it is definitely worth it to paint your kitchen cabinets. Consider the authority that cabinets have over the look and feel of a kitchen. A simple color change can make the space feel twice as big, or half as small. With that being said, here are the benefits and pitfalls of painting kitchen cabinets:
Benefits
Protect Your Cabinets
The kitchen is a home’s headquarters, which means there’s LOTS of foot traffic on a daily basis. In a room used as frequently as the kitchen, it makes sense that the cabinets take on some wear and tear over time. With scratches, dings, dents and everything in between, our cabinets need protecting! This is the most important benefit to painting your kitchen cabinets. Not only are you covering the old imperfections, but you are also saving your cabinets from any further damage. Paint acts as a protective layer on whatever surface it’s applied to. This is true for interior and exterior painting as well. Once your cabinets are sanded, primed and painted, they are able to withstand more use. To insure genuine adhesion and protection, be sure to use a proper cabinet paint. The best kind of paint to use for cabinets is Kem-Aqua by Sherwin-Williams. This is an industrial paint that is specifically designed for painting furniture. We recommend going with a semi-gloss or satin finish as this type of paint is easier to clean.
Enhance the Style of Your Kitchen
Style is the second and more obvious benefit to painting kitchen cabinets. As mentioned before, the color of your cabinets can dictate the look and feel of the entire room. Color is important! If you’ve been rocking the same old wood grain or dingy cabinet color for the past 10 years, it’s probably time for an update. There are lots of resources out there for discovering the right color for your cabinets. With trends changing everyday, the internet is your friend. There are hundreds of opinions and comparisons online if you are struggling to make a decision. If you still can’t decide after this, remember that it’s hard to go wrong with a simple white or grey. Ultimately though, this decision comes down to what you are most comfortable living with. It is your kitchen after all!
You Don’t Have to Buy New Cabinets
Replacing cabinets can be very expensive, so it’s understandable why most people would want to avoid doing that at all costs. Naturally, the next best option would be to paint your kitchen cabinets. Painting is a much cheaper alternative, and a good cabinet paint job can last up to 10 years. This means you can apply the money you saved toward other home renovations and get more bang for your buck.
Pitfalls
Inconvenience
The process of cabinet painting can be fairly inconvenient. It takes about 3 days from start to finish as there is a lot of prep that goes into painting kitchen cabinets. Of course the floors and appliances are covered, as well as the ceiling. Then, all the drawers and cabinet doors must be removed to be sprayed. Next, in order to properly and safely spray the cabinets, the room itself has to be tented off from the rest of the house. Basically for a few days, you’re without a kitchen. This can seem extreme for some people, but the truth is, this is the way to do it for the BEST result.
It Can be Expensive
As mentioned earlier, painting your kitchen cabinets is much cheaper than replacing them, however “cheaper” does not always mean cheap. A professional cabinet paint job costs on average about $4000-$5000, though this can vary greatly depending on how many cabinets you have. Many contractors charge per door and drawer. The price tag becomes a little less daunting though when considering how long a paint job like this should last.
Painting Kitchen Cabinets is Worth it
When it comes to our homes, we want to feel safe and comfortable in every room. The kitchen is no exception, so if you’re considering painting your cabinets, weigh the pros and cons presented above. Elite Pro Painting has been transforming cabinets for 20+ years, so understand how big of a decision it can be. For any questions or estimates about cabinet painting, contact us and we will be happy to help.
