Cabinet Painting Facts & Questions

People have a lot of questions and want to know the answers and facts about painting their cabinets. There are a lot of details with this process and it’s not as simple as slapping a couple coats of paint on the surface. From start to finish, we want you to know what to expect in the planning stages, the execution of the actual painting, and the upkeep afterward. Read on for more information about our process. Please reach out if you have further questions or wonderings. Be sure to check out a more detailed explanation of our process and what to expect when painting your cabinets. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Painting

What is your cabinet painting process?

Over the course of several days, we begin by removing cabinet doors and bring them to our shop to complete. The next day is devoted to properly preparing the area to be painted. Once prep is completed, we create a bubble around the area to be painted and spray the coatings (2 coats primer, 2 coats finish color). After drying is complete we remove masking and replace cabinet doors. For a more in-depth description, see our cabinet painting process page. 

How do I choose my paint color?

We have several suggestions for choosing your paint color. We start by advising you to find pictures of kitchens that you like. If you have a basic color choice (for example, white) then we point you toward the choices in the Benjamin Moore collection. We support you all the way, and can help you narrow down your choices. Check out these tips for how to choose your paint color. 

Is the paint you use safe?

It’s important for us to be working with materials that are safe not only for you but for us as well.  Paint is now less toxic than ever. Most paints are either low VOC, or zero VOC, meaning they have little volatile organic compounds that are toxic.  We use products that have low to zero VOCs.

How do I care for my newly painted cabinets?

Though our paints will dry to a furniture grade finish, it’s important to care for your newly painted cabinets properly. For starters, we always recommend you use your handles and knobs, for starters. Always wipe with mild soap and water and dry after. Painted cabinets do not like water, so do your best to keep them clean and dry. 

What kind of paint do you use?

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What is the difference between painting and refacing?

Painting your cabinets involves changing the color or finish of the existing cabinetry, doors, boxes, drawers. Refacing your cabinets involves putting new material on top of the existing cabinet frames and replacing doors and drawer fronts.

Do I need to empty my cabinets before painting?

We recommend that you empty your kitchen of all items in the interest of protecting them from any overspray, or breakage. It’s important that the painter’s working area be free of items that could impede the preparation process that involves masking the entire area. 

Cost of Cabinet Painting

Depending on the size of your project, our fees can range anywhere from $500 to a simple bathroom vanity to $6,000 for a large kitchen. Each area to be painted will vary depending on the following: size of area to be painted, color, hardware (if newly installed), and special finishes (glazing, striping, antiquing). Please visit cost of cabinet painting for more info.  

How long will the project take?

Each project is unique and has its own time requirements depending on size and complexity of the project. However, in general you can expect a bathroom vanity to require 1 full day. A large kitchen can require up to 4 days. For an in-depth explanation, check out this article about Time Required to paint cabinets.

What is Lo-VOC?

Low VOC  paints have reduced levels of volatile organic compounds. This means they do not off-gas as much as higher VOC paints. The term, “low” is used in comparison to traditional paints. Paint brands that have low VOC options include Behr, Farrow & Ball, and Para. However, this is not an extensive list as other paint companies offer low VOC options as well.

Can you paint cabinets that have already been painted?

Yes! We can paint any surface that has already been painted. We use the same process that we use for cabinets that have not been painted. 

Will I have access to my kitchen?

You will not have access to your kitchen (or any cabinet in the laundry or bath) while it is being painted. That being said, we often have customers move their refrigerator out into an accessible location outside of the painting area. No need to worry, because the painting process is typically over a period of only 3 1/2 days.

Do you replace hardware?

Yes, we can. We can change knobs to handles, or handles to knobs. We can also install new hardware on doors and drawers that did not previously have knobs or handles.  

Is painting my cabinets really a good idea?

We think so! Statistics show that a home’s value increases by about $5,000 after cabinets have been painted. The speed at which a home sells is highly influenced by the upgrade of painting cabinets in your home. Not only that, but the finish on your cabinets is just as sturdy as their stained predecessors. 

masking process cabinet painting
Door Preparation before painting
After Painting Kitchen