How much will it cost to paint a room?

If you are here, you want to know how much it will cost to paint a room in your home or office.

This question (how much it will cost to paint a room) is one we receive regularly. There are some variations to geving a cost to paint a room, but we wanted to at leaset give you an idea of how much we charge for painting. 

Thanks for reading as well as checking out our website, I am David Cook, the owner of D’franco Painting & Wallpaper in Huntley, IL . So let’s dig in to this question!

cost to paint a room - interior painters huntley

The basic information needed for a paint estimate

First, we will want to know is how did you find us. Odd? Not really…we want to know what works: Facebook, YouTube, blogs like these, referrals, or paint stores. We love to give gifts to our raving fan customers!

Now that is out of the way, here is what you can expect us to ask you:

  • When are you available for us to come out and look?
  • Can we do it virtually? usually with the help of realtor listings
  • Do you have any other work being done (floors, electrical etc.)?
  • Do you have a color selected already?
  • What is your time frame to have this done?
  • Do you have any allergies or reactions to paint?
  • What are you looking to have painted in “x” room? (walls, ceilings, base trim, windows, doors?)

We have our scope of work. Let’s break down the work needed to paint a room…

For the sake of this blog post, we will assume you are looking to have walls, ceilings, and also base trim painted. When we come and look we will have more questions. For example:

  • Are you planning on new outlet covers?
  • Do you need help moving furniture?
  • Will you be changing light fixtures?
  • Are all of the pictures going back in the same place?
  • Do you want to keep the cable/phone outlets?

With this information, we can now get to the work. We will perform and that is needed to paint your room so we can determine the cost.

  • We need to move and cover the floors and furniture.
  • Outlet covers, light switch plates as well as vent covers will need to be removed.
  • The floors will need to get taped off so we can paint the trim.
  • The base boards, the window trim and door trim will where needed be re-caulked to get rid of any gaps.
  • Any holes, nicks, dings, or scrapes on the wall get filled and also repaired.
  • The walls will get a quick pole sand -provides a smooth finish coat, better paint adhesion.
  • Ceilings will be painted with one (1) coat of paint.
  • Walls are painted with two (2) coats of paint.
  • A 12 month warranty. We come back in one year if you need a touch up.

So, how much is my room going to cost to get painted?

With the above information, we measure the room, and then enter it into our estimate software. The room we are using as a guide above was 12×12. With the 2 gallons of paint for the walls, one gallon for the ceilings, and either quart/gallon for trim, all caulk, plastic, tape, rollers, as well as repair materials, you can expect to pay about $705.00.

What is not included?

  • Painting outlet covers
  • Closets
  • Moving heavy furniture such as pianos (anything that may need two people)

We use Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore products unless otherwise requested. As listed above we offer a 12-month warranty period. This means that in one year we will call to see how things are looking and come back and touch up for up to one hour for free, if needed.

Can I get a virtual estimate to paint my house or room?

yes you can! We are still learnign some of the nuances of on line listings, images or imformation, but in General the real estate web sites like Redfin, do a pretty good job of having images of the homes and well as room sizes.

Some of the issues we do get into, is wall damage, height of ceilings, issues with previous paint (runs/drips). These are not major obstacles, just things that will affect the final price.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Call, text or click the get estimate now! Let us get you to love the space your in today!

virtual estimates
Should I Paint My Cherry Cabinets?

Should I Paint My Cherry Cabinets?

Maybe you should ask are you ready to paint your Cherry Cabinets?

If you are like many of our customers in the Chicagoland area, such as Elgin, Algonquin, or Crystal Lake, you have a home that has wood cabinets. Do you have solid wood cabinets such as cherry and you are not happy with the look and feel of your kitchen? Have you been looking at Pinterest, Google images, watching HGTV or YouTube videos about painting kitchen cabinets? Are you afraid of making the right decision? Then you are not alone. I too have felt this fear and faced these same questions so you are in the right place. Now we’ll answer the question- Should I paint my cherry cabinets?

before cabinet painting - should i paint my cherry cabinets
Do you have this?
painting cherry cabinets white
But are you ready for something like this?

How much will it cost and will it last?

These are the two questions most people are asking when facing the question or problem of kitchen remodeling, but for most people, it is the same answer.

  • The cost is based on how many cabinets you have
  • The process is proven to last- so we give you a lifetime warranty on our work
  • We even come back in 1 year to do a check up if you need it

A common question- how much does it cost to paint cabinets compared to replacing the cabinets. Right now, you can expect about $135.00 per cabinet to have it painted. That is an average so you can do some rough math by counting your cabinets. When you look at the cost to replace your cabinets, it will be 70% more expensive than painting them and with the money you save by painting, you can now upgrade your door hardware, your countertops, your sink, and most likely your appliances to have a new kitchen you want and enjoy.

Cherry cabinets before being painted white
Cherry cabinets after being painted and glazed

The other cost is the loss of your kitchen. If you replace your cabinets, think about the fact that you will have no kitchen to use for several weeks. You will not have appliances. You will have to remove everything from your cabinets and store all that stuff for 2-4 weeks! There are always surprises as you take things out and replace that end up costing more money and time away from the most popular part of your home. If you don’t have a 2nd place in your home to cook, that is a lot of money to buy food ready to eat vs. cooking in your home.

The best part is YOU decide what color you want! You can go to any JC Licht Store, or Sherwin Williams store in the Chicagoland area, pick any color you want- you can even pick two colors if you wish!!  (If you select the whites from BEHR- we may not be able to match it 100%)

So, can I paint MY cherry cabinets

YES!!  You have just read the inconvenience of replacing your cabinets with new ones. When we paint them, you get to use your kitchen! There may be a few hours in the course of the day we have plastic around your appliances to protect them, but every night you use your kitchen! And since you don’t have doors you can access everything in your kitchen quicker! (That one was meant to bring a smile). Before the details of how, there are several questions you have to be able to honestly answer to know if painting your cherry cabinets is a good solution for you.

  • Is there anything wrong with the cabinets you have? Is there any damage? Are there any broken doors? Do they have water damage? If you are saying no to any of these then so far you are on your way to painting your cherry cabinets!
  • Do you like the look of a painted cabinet? Some people, my father being one of them, cringes at the sound of painting wood. If you are not sure then take a few hours and go to a home improvement store like Home Depot or Menards to look and touch. Ask yourself if you can see yourself with painted kitchen cabinets.
  • If you are still feeling good about the idea then it is time for the next step!
before cherry cabinets painting
Original cherry cabinets
Painted cherry cabinets

Things to Consider Before Painting Your Cherry Cabinets

But! There is always a but. There are a few things you need to be aware of if you have never had a kitchen or any cabinets that are painted. Painted cabinets are not like stained wood cabinets. I know you are here because you want to know about cherry cabinets, however, if your cabinets are pine-stained cherry color, this is not for you. Pine cabinets are not good candidates for paint. But you have solid Cherry! Stained cherry cabinets have a finish that has penetrated the wood fibers themselves to bond into the wood. Paint on a cabinet is given a bonding primer to stick to the surface of the cabinet. Then the paint is put on top of the primer. This is the same in a new factory cabinet or a refinished one like you are thinking about now.

Keep in mind, at the end of the day this is paint. It is a hard shell, it will resist stains, it will be washable, it will look impressive. Paint on wood can chip upon impact and wood doors will not allow you to place wet towels or rags on them and not become damaged.  I have to give you those buts up front so you know.

I have painted my cabinets in my home, people are doing it every day, and I believe it a great way to not just improve the look of your kitchen but change how you feel about the most important room in your home.

It Worked For These People, And It Will Work For You

Here’s what it did for me… Before I met Daphne and we were married, she had her cabinets painted but didn’t like the color. There was still nothing wrong with the cabinets-just a color -the wrong color. We picked a new color, had some new hardware installed, where there were none before and now we have a kitchen that my wife loves to look at and loves the feeling she has when we are in it. So I have used the materials, process, and system in my home as well.

Here is one testimonial from a great customer in Elgin, IL about painting cherry cabinets:

What are you getting when you paint cherry cabinets?

When you hire D’franco Painting & Wallpaper, you’ll have the peace of mind of …

  • Having employees of D’franco Painting & Wallpaper in your home, not subcontractors.
  • All of our employees get background checked by a 3rd party vendor.
  • We carry workman’s comp and liability insurance.
  • We have a system and process that has is used, always evaluated to improve and refine. And for over 15 years we still attend training annually to make sure we provide the best products for your home.
  • Lifetime Warranty on our work. We will come back on your anniversary every year and give you one hour to do the minor touch-ups that you may need
  • We use cabinet-grade cabinet paints from ML Campbell, Chem Aqua, Shurwood, or ILVA. These are time-tested and award-winning finishes that will last and meet the demands of the most used room in your house. (the paint we use is varies on cost, color and availability)

It’s Decision Time

You have a choice to make: Keep looking at your cabinets and wonder what if…or worse, do nothing at all. You know where that will lead (to another web search on cherry cabinets, frustrated about the look and feel of your kitchen). Is that really where you want to go? Take a new action, and get a new result. Finally, get that estimate and transform your kitchen – Love the home you live in! Which do you really want for yourself? So here are your next steps: Call or text us

  • We will ask you for pictures of your kitchen
  • We will give you a cost to paint your cherry cabinets within $100-$200. It includes removing hardware, cleaning, painting the outside of the boxes and both sides of the doors. If the numbers look like you want more information we will make an appointment with you. We will come to your house with a door sample that you can touch and see. We will inspect everything and then give you an accurate quote of the exact cost
  • Receive a detailed description of how our process works and give you videos to show you of us in action.
  • You receive a list of products we use
  • You may qualify for a free color consult!
  • You’ll have a lifetime warranty.

So, you have asked the question “should I paint my cherry cabinets?”, and you have read the answers, now you are ready to take action and get a GET AN ESTIMATE today!

We look forward to helping you love the home you live in!

Here are some other blog articles on painting cabinets we have for you:

beautiful room and kitchen
5 ways to remodel your kitchen vs replacing your cabinets

Yes!  You can remodel your kitchen and get the same affect as replacing your kitchen!

Hello everyone – David Cook with D’franco Painting and Wallpaper in Huntley, IL. Today, we are talking about ways you can remodel or update your kitchen vs having to replace your kitchen cabinets. We have 5 ways you can make significant improvements to your kitchen and not break the bank in doing so.

Tip 1: Install kitchen cabinet hardware to give your cabinets a facelift!

This tip is by far the easiest thing to do in your kitchen. If you do not have hardware- knobs or handles on your kitchen cabinet doors or drawers- then it is time to do so.  By adding hardware:

  • You improve how the kitchen looks
  • In using knobs or handles you will reduce the wear and tear to your wood cabinets
  • The cabinets will be cleaner, as the dirt goes on the handle not your cabinet
  • But where should I go to buy hardware?…. lol watch below

Tip 2: Replace your counter tops with something new

If you are ready for something to give boost in your kitchen, then it is time for new counter tops.  In our last kitchen, we were able to help our customers in getting new counter tops from a company in Huntley, Old World Stone. I have not heard a negative complaint about them yet.  With the size of your counters you may be able to mix and match and really have some fun, get creative, and take advantage of small slabs of rock to save you money and create a unique look for your kitchen

For those of you in some of the subdivisions in Pingree Grove, Huntley or Gilberts, Old world stone is a great place local that you can have get you information on new counters.

Tip 3: Install new sink and faucet

Many times the sinks and faucets are the original pieces from when the Kitchen was built. That doesn’t mean it is a bad thing- it just means that the sinks and fixtures are usually dated.  Combine the sink with the counter and you can really have some fun! The new faucets come is so many styles colors there is not more settling for what you see on the self!

I say to add new sink or faucet- but I will also say “I HATE” plumbing! So this may be a thing to hire out- as we found that some newer faucets require newer goofy fittings

Tip 4: Install sliding shelves in your cabinets and update how your kitchen works!

Last week we installed some sliding shelves inside cabinets that we were painting. It took some weeks to get them, but we were able to take a cabinet with a flat bottom and turn it into a sliding shelf!  (these were from slide a shelf) We actually got them though costco!

kitchen cabinets with no sliding shelves
cabinets with no sliding shelves
installing sliding shelf in kitchen cabinets
A new sliding shelf in existing cabinets

Here is a video on installing sliding shelves in your existing cabinets


Tip #5: Paint your oak, cherry or maple cabinets!

We have done many blog posts and Youtube videos on this one, but here is a pic of the last job where we did all of the above! (had other contractors help)

5 ways to remodel your kitchen vs replacing your cabinets - kitchen cabinet refinishing

here is the kitchen just finished with Counter tops, new sink, new faucet, and 2 tone painted oak cabinets

before kitchen cabinet refinishing

Here is a before image of the kitchen before the new sink, faucet, counters, and painted cabinets.

after kitchen cabinet refinishing - dfranco painting
Oak cabinets painted white and grey

You would never know there was Formica, solid color sink and faucet, and honey oak cabinets in this house!

Now it is your turn! How can we help you with your kitchen and make it into a room you will love!

Best paint for bathrooms

Are you getting ready to paint bathrooms for the 1st time or repainting your bathroom a new color or remodeling. Knowing the right paint for a bathroom will save you a lot of headaches down the road. There are several brands of paint for bathrooms. For today, we are only looking at two, Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore. So – what is the Best Paint for bathrooms?

Hey Everyone, David with Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper, here in Huntley, IL. This week, we had 2 people ask the same question, the subject of today’s blog post, what is the best paint for bathrooms. Then we had similar questions as to what to difference is between bathroom paints. So I gigured we better answer the question!

Does it matter what paint you use in a bathroom?

Absolutely! Bathrooms are a unique area of the home. Every home is unique. Painting homes is Elgin, IL can be fun for sure as they have a huge variation in age. With age comes a wide array of builders, materials used, and substrates we have to paint over. But as the bathroom is the room most often visited outside of the kitchen, it needs to be painted right! With that, a bathroom has special needs to keep it looking great for years to come.

Bathrooms- those with bathtubs or showers especially, need the right paint. The paint needs to be able to withstand moisture that comes from steam or water that comes from the sink areas from hand washing.

Washability is also another concern for bath paint. MOst batrhooms are used to get redy for the day. In getting ready there are certain products that are problematic for paint. The biggest problem product is hairspray! Hairspray has silicates in it. These silicates make it absolutely a nightmare for painting. Silicates, in general, are waterproof or water-resistant. So they may be great for makeup, hair care etc, but when it comes to painting a bathroom, hairspray on the surface of walls and cabinets is a huge- as Donald trump would say HUGE, Big, im talking out of this world big..lol.

hair spray in bathrom paint
hairspray residue on bathroom wall paint

We won’t get into how we get over silicate issues to paint. We are talking about the right paint for bathrooms, so you can have the right paint so you avoid problems.

Does sheen matter when painting a bathroom?

Yeah buddy! Every home is different in some ways For example older plaster homes have different issues than new construction. However- one things is constant, water penetrates. If you add soap the equation then water penetrates even more.

When we are painting a bathroom, we recommend eggshell or satin as the minimum sheen to use for the walls and ceilings. These sheens have a built-in water moisture repellance due to the sheen. The higher the sheen the more water will bead or repel from the surface.

Think like a car- those shiney cars have water beads whenever they come in contact with water. I would not want that for the walls of my house, but you get the idea.

Can you use flat paint in a bathroom- yes, but flat paint is very absorbent. Extra moisture from shower or water will be absorbed into the paint which then is absorbed into the walls. For some homes it may not matter. But it is something to be aware of.

wtaer on flat paint
water absorbing into flat paint

Sherwin Williams Duration Paint

For us, we have turned to Sherwin Williams for most of our paint use. Customer service, warranty claims, on-site visits, and price have been the reasons we made that choice. As it relates to bathrooms- Duration is their product of choice and recommendation.

Now I am not gonna get into the tech that can lead you down a rabbit hole, I am just discussing what i think the best paint for bathrooms – based on our experiences in your homes.

Duration, is fast drying, 1 hour to the touch, 4 hours to recoat, and about 8 hours you COULD take a shower. The label shows Moisture vapor tech- no clue what that means lol. What I do know is that those claims have been tested and found pretty true. And to date, we have had no issues.

No matter what paint you choose- I would still suggest waiting 24 hours for it to dry before using the bathroom after painting.

Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa Paint

Until 2 years ago, we used this product on every bathroom we painted. Overall- we have no problem with it, if you select certain colors – you have no choice but to use it, as the colors cannot be matched in other brands.

Bath and spa paint goes on nice, has a great sheen look appearance and feel. Their product also is dry to the touch in 1 hour, but claims it can be recoated in 1 hour. They also recommend 24 before using the area.

We have not found that to be true, we had two failures in a row, both were recoated in under 4 hours. We do not know how soon the owner waited to shower, but we left at 1pm. So, we assumed it was later in the day that the shower was used. But- but both jobs had us called back within 3 days.

running lines on bath paint
running complaints in a bathroom

Both rooms had severe “running” the moisture rand down the wall and left stains. We do not know why. After having to repaint two baths for the same issue, we just made the choice to stop using this product. I know there are people that use it ever day with no issues, and I am happy for them. We have just had a different experience.

Duration Vs Aura BAth and Spa paint

I am not a huge fan of the VS conversations or comparisons. Most of the time, there is an agenda to sell a specific product. We are here to give you our field use what we use. Giving the facts of our situations. We cannot control what happens when we leave a house. So when there is a product failure like we had, we have to find out how to avoid it again.

It is very possible that the Spa paint was exposed to shower moisture sooner than the suggested 24 hours. These homes were also built in the same 90’s time frame. So there could have been an issue with the vent fan. The house could have been too “tight” not allowing fresh air to circulate in the home. We just dont know.

So- again these are our results, based on the homes we paint everyday, and the product we use everyday. Im sure you will find other people who will say something different. However we warranty what we do. Which means we solve problems- not make them. If a product we use fails, we fix it. It would be great if the manufacturer would stand behind what they sell, but we know that doesn’t always work. So we at D’franco Painting, have to be ready to stand by our work.

If you have questions- let us know- we would love to help!

What towns do Dfranco Painting work in

One of the top questions we are asked outside of how much something will cost is Where we work. So here is a short list that we will update with the towns as well as some of the things we like most about each town and where we go when we are there!

Hello Everyone- yesterdays call- “What towns do Dfranco Painting work in” is todays blog post. As our office is in Huntley, IL, we would love to have all of our workers in the Huntley area. That being said, we will just go through a short list of places we go, keep checking back as this list will grow!

Dfranco Painting in Elgin, IL

belive it or not there are quite a few Elgin’s! Our shop was located here for 3 years and Daphne and Iived there for almost 10 years, (she lived there a bit longer than I)

Elgin

The cool thing about Elgin is the Diversity! from large homes to historic older homes- it is such a fun city to be able to work in. Not a fan of the trains dividing the town in half, but it is what it is. We look forward to helping all of you as we expand in to exterior painting in 2024!

Top rated Painter and Wallpaper in Huntley, IL

It has been so great to grow in our own town! We love being able to drive less than 10 min to stores and job sites. Aside from working in Dell Webb, the other Huntley communities have been so awesome to work with. Make sure you keep watch out for the Dell webb showcase home shows!! And the Lifestyle magazine if you are a Dell webb resident for ads, specials or events.

Huntley

Interior painting in Pingree Grove, IL

As we have some of our friends and family living in Pingree Grove we want to make sure this is a another town where we plant our flag! So we cant forget to add Pingree Grove to what towns do Dfranco painting work in

Pingree Grove

We look forward to being in the Pingree grove community flyers and the home show in 2024!

Wallpaper installation as well as painting in South Elgin, IL

As we have family, church members and friends in several areas of South Elgin, we dont wat to miss the opportunity to help with commmercial and residential opportunities in this town

South Elgin

It has been great being able to work in some of the commercial properties in town, installing commerical wallpaper and murals in stores such as Walmart and Mcalisters.

Helping other in St.charles with Cabinet Painting

St. charles has been one of the top cities where we are doing cabient re painting!

St. Charles

St. charles is another one of those cities we look forward to doing some exterior painting in 2024. I have yet to see the Walhbergs- but they make pretty decent burger!

Stained oak door
Stripping Paint from Oak Doors

Restoring older furniture can be tricky and very messy! But is worth every minute.

Hey!! I am David Cook, from Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper, in Huntley, IL. Today we are presenting a blog article on a project in Elgin, IL . Stripping paint from oak doors and restoring them. I hope you are a fan of these vintage wooden doors. The older the wood, the more character there is.

oak door before stripping
some doors just look better painted- but when you are dealing with older wood- 50 years plus- the older wood has so much more character to them they are begging to be looked at

The wood grain in these older doors have more patterns, variation, coloration, and are actually harder than the woods grown today.  There are alot of reason for that such as age, fertilizers, hybrid wood being used, locations, and climate to name a few.

Where to begin stripping paint from oak doors?

Stripping Paint from Oak Doors
here is a oak door, with paint stripper

Here is a door that has a few layers of paint on it, that we will remove. Few things to think about:

  • have proper ventilation!  Have a mask and air that can circulate where you are working
  • make sure there is enough room and nothing is in your way
  • cover the floors, you cannot allow the chemicals to get on the floor
  • make sure you have the time to do this- it is not a quick job
  • if the door has a lot of damage to it- you will have to do some repair work
  • do you want to keep existing hardware, restore it??

Let’s begin!

  • cover the area you are working in with heavy duty plastic. Protect the floor from drips, runs, spills etc.
  • have a work station ready. This means saw horses to place the door on, tools ready, not tripping over them at your feet
  • once you are ready, then you can start to remove the door hardware, handles etc.
  • place the door on the sawhorses
  • get your rubber gloves on- and then we can start to strip
  • spread the stripper on the painted surface
chemical paint stripper
here is a chemical paint stripper
paint stripper working the paint from the oak door surface
paint stripper working the paint from the oak door surface
  • as it is applied you will start to see the stripper in action
  • as the material starts to bubble you can start to scrape the paint from the door with a scraper and wire brush
removing paint stripper and paint from oak doors
removing paint stripper and paint from oak doors
stripping paint from oak doors
stripping paint from oak doors

The paint is off the doors!

After the paint is stripped from the doors, there are some small areas that have residue from the layers of paint in the small areas as well as wood grain of the door.

This is part of the course, usually adding some lacquer thinner and wire brush will pull it out, as well as steel wool.  It may take longer to get the paint from the nooks and crannies than to take the heavy layers from the doors had on them!

We could not quite get all of the paint off or all of the varnish. So after all was off that we could get, then the sanders came out.

As you begin sanding, start with 180 at the heaviest. Using a bigger grit such as 50 will tear the wood apart and leave gouges in the wood.

Work your way to smooth, getting up to 400 grit sandpaper.

As all of the paint is off the door, you can wipe any sawdust, use a vacuum to remove dust, then a tack cloth to remove any further evidence of dust.

In this picture we re-hung the door as it was needed for services being held at the church.

paint off the door
Paint sanded off the door

Stain and seal your door!

In these pics the doors are now stained, it will be tricky to match the color of stain from ? years ago along with some type of oil varnish that also adds a color to the surface.

Since the door is so large and stupid heavy (170 lbs.) we left it on site and have a few solid stain colors and just played chemist to get a color we wanted. Use a scrap piece of oak to get the color to what you want – don’t sample stain colors on the door you just stripped! The use of the inside of the doors works well also.  Our Color ended up with two types of stain- American Walnut and Mahogany.

We used a clear coat, Duraseal, manly used for floors. It gives great protection, sheen and durability to doors.


Here is a side-by-side of the oak doors of 100 years old, very painted and the the door we stripped of paint, sanded, stained and clear coated- can you tell which is which?

painted oak door
100 year old painted oak door
finished oak door after being stripped
finished oak door after being stripped, stained and sealed

What can kind of furniture can we restore for you?

As part of the cabinet painting and refinishing, the restoration is something that works well with the tools and process we already use in your home for painted oak, maple and cherry cabinets.

So, let us know how we can help with your painting, and furniture restoration so we can help you love the space you’re in!

beautiful room and kitchen
Should I paint the inside of my Cabinets?

If you are considering painting your cabinets, then you have questions. Painting your cabinets can be overwhelming and confusing. We are here to help you with your questions about cabinet painting. Today, it is a question from Darin from last week as we are working on this project in Barrington, IL: “Should I paint the inside of my cabinets?

Hello!!! My name is David, and I own Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper in Huntley, IL. Let’s dive into this question and see if we can help you with your decision on cabinet painting.

Painting Cabinets

As we are doing estimates for cabinet painting, there are several common questions that almost every homeowner asks.

Today, we focus on the last one. For the other questions, we posted links for either articles we have written or videos we have made.

Typically, we say no. But today, we are gonna show why we said yes

Not painting the inside of cabinets

95% of all kitchen cabinets we see are about 10-20 years old, are oak, and are pretty basic in construction and installation. The interiors of these cabinets are typically the same color or a lighter color than the stained wood of the cabinet doors or drawers. These same interior cabinets are typically in very good condition. This is a preference or budget item. (blog article – to paint cabinets).

The inside of the cabinets is usually sheltered, and there is not a lot of wear and tear. Most of the time, the shelves have some type of shelf liner that protects them from wear and tear. We are from the if it’s not broken- don’t try and fix it!

Top reasons to paint the insides of cabinets

OK- let’s do the down and dirty- show why you should paint them.

  • if you have glass doors- then YES, paint the inside of the doors or drawers. This would be a preference more than practice.
  • Older plywood cabinets- previously painted- Then do it! The cabinets in our house were all made with MDF plywood. Dark black stain- and NASTY!! PLUS, someone took a brush and roller to paint the cabinets.
  • The cabinets have damage. There are people who have never used or even heard of shelf liners. When the interior of the cabinets is stained or has a veneer application- those surfaces wear off and are easily damaged by water or wear and tear.
  • If your cabinets are already painted (YouTube short)- and you are changing colors- it is not a great look to have old yellowed dark cabinets on the inside where your glasses or dishes sit yet have bright and clean paint/color on the outside doors/drawers, etc.

So.. are you ready?

This is a quick highlight of why you can, should, or should not paint the insides of cabinets. Sometimes, the answer is very clear and straightforward. Sometimes, it comes down to preference. Either way- we hope we helped. If you have a question- please let us know; we are here to assist with arguably the most popular room in your house!

beautiful room and kitchen
Can maple cabinets be painted white?

If you have Maple Cabinets in your kitchen, you may be asking yourself… Can maple cabinets be painted white?

Maple cabinets look great. They are very sturdy, and their finishes can withstand the wear and tear in a high-traffic area. But once a maple cabinet has been stained and clearcoated, it can be very difficult to change its color to a new stain. That is where we come in. Have you ever considered painting your cabinets white?

natural maple cabinets

Here are natural maple cabinets.

Can Maple cabinets be painted white?

Not only can maple cabinets be painted white, but they can be painted any color you choose. Right now, the most popular color is white. Grey is next, followed by blue or black. So, how do we do it? Will painted cabinets last? Will the painted maple cabinets chip?

  • Just like painting cherry or oak cabinets, we have to clean them.
  • Once they are cleaned, we will have to sand these doors and get them ready for primer.
  • We will then apply a bonding primer to the maple cabinets. Our preference is Stix, which is actually made for glass and tile. If the primer is sticking to glass- it will stick to wood!
  • Once the primer dries overnight, then we will apply the final paint choice of color.

You can pick the color and finish you want. For the finish, there are a few choices: dull, matte, satin, or semi-gloss.

maple cabinets being painted white

Here are the maple cabinets being painted white.

Do painted maple cabinets Chip?

As you can read in other blogs posts about painting cabinets, painted cabinets can hold up very well. There are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Painted cabinets are just that…paint. Paint does wear. Paint also does not play well with water (more on that later).
  • If the cabinets are properly prepared, they will last for several years.
  • PLEASE do not wash with water. Use a 50/50 mix with water and vinegar.
  • DO NOT leave wet wash cloths, towels, or rags sitting on the top or edges of painted cabinet doors. You will not like the results.
  • Chipping actually happens when the wood has been impacted- blunt force, dented. When the wood bends, the  paint does not, which creates a chip

We have been painting cabinets for over 15 years now. In that time, we have had just 2 call backs. One was from a dog that started eating a door. The other was from a sink that broke…water damage everywhere.

What is the warranty for chips?

Our warranty for painted cabinets is just like the warranty you will get when you buy a car. If the paint peels, we will fix it. If something causes paint to chip- a rock on the road it is not covered. Eating Utensils, cleaning tools, toys, and fingernails are the most common causes of paint chips. We can fix them, but we can’t warranty wood to not dent.

What will my kitchen look like while being painted?

We do our best to make sure that the kitchen or cabinets that are being painted are “quarantined” off. We do the following:

  • Cover the floors.
  • Mask off the cabinets with plastic.
  • Use vacuums to eliminate the over-spray and dust.
  • Make sure that we work as fast as possible to not inconvenience our customers, so we are in and out as fast as possible.

This is cabinets masked prior to primer

Here are the maple cabinets with primer.

maple cabinets painted white

Here is a tent we use to section off – or quarantine – the kitchen.

How much will it cost?

You can figure about $130.00 per box as a base price. However, the best thing to do is call, text, or email us.

Schedule an estimate now! https://dfrancowallpaper.com/contact-us/

We will get a look at your kitchen and give you an accurate cost to paint your cabinets. You can also text us a picture and we will give you a rough estimate based off your photos! We are here to help you love the space you’re in. Let us show you how painting your maple, cherry, or oak cabinets will improve the look, value, and feel of your home.

Revitalize Your Kitchen With Cabinet Painting – D’franco Painting & Wallpaper

Painting Kitchen Cabinets Dark Colors

Do you have Cherry cabinets in your home? Are you ready for something different? Have you considered painting your cabinets instead of replacing them? Painting Kitchen cabinets in dark Colors can be a bold and dramatic choice. Lets take a peek at some of our latest projects, so you can see the results.

Why Dark colors for Kitchen cabinets?

The Appeal of Dark Colors: Dark colors bring a sense of sophistication and depth to any space. In kitchens, where cherry cabinets traditionally exude a classic, warm tone, painting them in darker shades can modernize your kitchen, bathroom, bar or other cabinets while keeping their elegant, timeless charm. Dark colors like deep blues, rich greens, or even a classic black can create a stunning contrast, especially in well-lit or larger kitchens.

How to select colors when painting cabinets

Selecting a color for your cabinets can be exhausting, and if you are like me, to some extent- you may not care! I want white- I cant say I care which white! Is there really a difference in blacks? It is for these reasons that I have said that “if you pick it we stick it”! But that really doesn’t play well with marketing LOL. So how can we help with colors?


We want you to be confident with the colors and the look and feel of your home. To help with that we offer design/color consulting though some interior designers that will help you in selecting colors.


Before you go off getting color chips keep this in mind:

luxurious kitchen black and white
  • if you are doing anything to the floors have that done 1st- it will affect color
  • couner tops are usually dpne when we paint cabinets, have that selcted as well so the color will be a good combination with yout counter tops
  • wall color is LAST!

What are the most popular dark colors for painting cabinets?

I wish I had a magic ball and could say that these dark colors are gonna be it for years to come. But I cannot do that. Colors come and go, in some cases like fads. When you are looking at colors, just aks yourself – or know thyself- and pick a color YOU like, who cares what other people think! It is your home, so find a color you want.


That being said, here are some of the more popular paint colors for cabinets we have used in 2023:

  • Tricorn Black
  • Pepercorn Black
  • Hale Navy
  • Blue Nova
  • and then custom matches to fabrics!

What to look for with a kitchen cabinet painter

How are they Preparing for the Paint Job:

  1. Surface Preparation:are they being cleaned before they are sanded?
  2. Sanding: are they using actual sandpaper or liquid sandpaper?
  3. Priming: are they using a bonding primer or all purpose primer?

What kind of Paint is being used: Selecting the right type of paint is as important as choosing the color. For kitchen cabinets, a semi-gloss or satin finish is often preferred as it offers durability and is easier to clean. Look for paints that are specifically formulated for cabinetry- not trim paint from a big box store? Does the paint meet the kitchen Standard for Durability, finish, stain and bacteria rsistance?

How is the Paint being Applied? Is it going to be brushed, rolled a combination of both?Apply thin, even coats of paint.

Do they have insurance? liabilty and workmans comp should be on your radar. Here In Illinois, painters do not need to be licensed, and if it is not a municipal type project, no bond is needed either.

Will dark painted cabinets last?

Dark painted surfaces may show smudges or fingerprints more readily. Regular cleaning with a soft, damp cloth can help maintain their pristine look- ONLY use 50/50 vinegar and water!

Painting cherry cabinets in dark colors can reinvent your kitchen space, adding a contemporary twist to traditional elegance. This project, while requiring some effort and patience, can result in a stunning and rewarding transformation. Embrace the boldness of dark colors and watch as your kitchen turns into a stylish and sophisticated hub of your home.

Remember, the key to a successful painting project lies in proper preparation, choosing the right materials, and a bit of creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color to create a space that reflects your personal style.

wallpaper and paint
Using Wallpaper and Paint together

Have you ever walked into a room and felt an instant sense of peace? We have been told that One of the secrets behind creating cozy space lies in using wallpaper and paint together . By pairing these two elements, you can transform any room into a space you will enjoy! . 

So lets see some ideas for effectively using wallpaper and paint together!

1st let’s talk about Color Relationships

Before we jump into pairing wallpaper and paint, let’s take a moment to understand the basics of color theory and its relevance to creating visually pleasing combinations. Color theory is the study of how colors interact with one another and the impact they have on our emotions and perceptions. By harnessing the power of color relationships, we can create a harmonious visual experience. (sounds good right- well that is because we have several great designners we work with)

Complementary colors are positioned opposite each other on the color wheel, such as blue and orange or green and red. They create a striking contrast that can infuse energy into a space. 

Analogous colors, on the other hand, are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, such as blue and green or yellow and orange. These combinations offer a more soothing and unified effect. Monochromatic color schemes involve using different shades and tints of a single color, creating a sense of depth and subtlety.

When pairing wallpaper and paint, it is crucial to consider the undertones of both colors. Undertones are subtle hints of color within a hue. For example, a beige wallpaper may have warm undertones of yellow or cool undertones of gray. Understanding undertones helps ensure that your wallpaper and paint colors are compatible and create a cohesive look.

Wallpaper as the Focal Point

Wallpaper can steal the show and set the tone and style for an entire room. When choosing a wallpaper pattern or design, it’s important to think about the overall look you want to achieve. Do you prefer a traditional, contemporary, or eclectic vibe? By aligning the wallpaper with your desired style, you can create a solid foundation for the room.

There are many different wallpaper styles and textures. From Floral or damask patterns to grasscloth textures each us unique and can be paired with complementary or monochromatic paint colors to really pop. If you’re into a modern and bold atmosphere, geometric or abstract designs can be combined with contrasting paint colors to make a batman BAM statement. The key is to find a balance between the wallpaper and paint, what you like and then allowing them to complement each other.

See a commercial wallpaper installed in akitchen here:https://youtu.be/KNveoAPHDNI?si=MPc6VykzdfQLSInt

When selecting wallpaper, we typically send people to JC licht stores or use one of the designer we have partnered with. They get you in the right direction!

Choosing Paint Colors

When selecting paint colors to accompany your chosen wallpaper, there are several factors to consider. Undertones play a vital role in achieving a cohesive and visually pleasing result. You want the undertones of the wallpaper and paint to harmonize rather than clash. To ensure compatibility, pay attention to the warm or cool undertones present in each color and seek a balance between them.

If your wallpaper has warm undertones, consider selecting a paint color with cool undertones from the opposite side of the color wheel. For example, a wallpaper with warm shades of red can be complemented by a paint color with cool blue undertones. This pairing creates a vibrant and balanced look.

By selecting paint colors within the same color family as the wallpaper, you create a seamless flow of hues. For instance, if your wallpaper features varying shades of blue, opt for a paint color that harmonizes with the blues, such as a soft gray or a gentle seafoam green.

If you are like me almost all of that is greek! Do they look good together- great! This is why I do not select colors. We have several designers we work with that can work with you to help select the right combinations to help you making your house a home.

Perfecting the Match: Combining Wallpaper and Paint for a Stunning Impact

Pairing wallpaper and paint is an art that can transform any room into a harmonious and visually stunning space. By understanding color relationships, considering undertones, and selecting complementary or analogous color combinations, you can create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look. Additionally, incorporating accent walls and achieving balance and proportion contribute to the overall success of the design. So, let your creativity flow, try different combinations, and embark on a journey to create your perfect match of wallpaper and paint for a truly enchanting space!

Experience the Difference: Trust D’Franco for Creative and Detailed Transformations

Transform your home into a harmonious and visually stunning space with our expert painting and wallpaper services. Our team understands the art of pairing wallpaper and paint, and we’re here to bring your vision to life.

With a deep understanding of color relationships and undertones, we’ll help you select the perfect combination that creates a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look. Whether you prefer complementary contrasts that infuse energy or analogous blends that evoke tranquility, we have the expertise to make it happen.

Trust us to bring our creativity and attention to detail to your project. Contact D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper today and let the transformation begin!

Call us at (847) 349-4112 for a free estimate.

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