Brush and Roll VS Spraying Cabinet- How Does it Look?
You are ready to get those cabinets painted. YOur debating dit it myself oh have someone do it for us? Does it really matter if I brush and roll with a kit form home depot or have them sprayed? You could drive a gremlin but should you? Today we talk about a top asked question- Brush and roll vs Spraying cabinets.
🧭 Table of Contents on brush and roll cabinets
- Can you brush and roll cabinets and still get a professional finish?
- What’s the difference in appearance between brushed vs sprayed cabinets?
- Is brushing and rolling cabinets cheaper than spraying?
- What type of paint works best for brushing cabinets?
- How do I know if I should brush/roll or spray my kitchen cabinets?
Can You Brush and Roll Cabinets and Still Get a Professional Finish?
Yes — if it’s done right.
We just finished a cabinet job in Lake in the Hills where we brushed and rolled oak cabinet doors with Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane, and the finish was buttery smooth. You could still see a bit of the wood grain (because they’re oak), but the surface felt great to the touch. That little roller stipple? Barely noticeable. With proper prep, sanding between coats, and the right tools — you’d never guess it wasn’t sprayed.
➡️ Pro Tip: Touch-ups on brushed cabinets are easier than sprayed because the texture is more forgiving.
What’s the Difference in Appearance Between Brushed vs Sprayed Cabinets?
Here’s where the real debate begins.
- Brushed & Rolled: Slight texture, especially on oak. The grain may show through depending on how it was filled or sealed. You’ll see a soft stipple pattern — but it still looks clean, updated, and professional when done well.
- Sprayed: Smooth as glass. It’s the showroom finish — uniform, sleek, and flawless. But touch-ups can be tricky, especially if the surface is large and flat.
🎯 Want perfection? Go spray.
💪 Want a great DIY or budget option? Brush & roll gets the job done.
Is Brushing and Rolling Cabinets Cheaper Than Spraying?
Here’s the twist: not always.
If you’re doing it yourself, brushing and rolling is hands-down cheaper. But if you’re hiring a pro, brush and roll might cost more. Why? Because we can only do one side at a time. That slows down production and increases labor.
Spraying allows us to hang doors, spray both sides without touching them, and crank up production speed — saving time = saving labor = saving you money.
What Type of Paint Works Best for Brushing Cabinets?
Stick with what we trust:
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
- Benjamin Moore Advance
Both are designed to level beautifully, dry hard, and provide great durability for kitchen use.
🎨 Want help picking the right color or sheen? We offer free color consultations with every cabinet project.
How Do I Know If I Should Brush & Roll or Spray My Cabinets?
Ask yourself a few key questions:
- Are you doing it yourself with limited space? → Brush & Roll
- Want a flawless finish and don’t mind spending more? → Spray
- Need easy touch-ups in the future? → Brush & Roll wins
- Want that HGTV magazine-ready look? → Spray every time
Still not sure? Give us a call — we’ll walk through your goals, budget, timeline, and kitchen layout.
(you can read a story we shared about a diy cabinet job and his remarks)
Brush and Roll VS Spraying Cabinets- comparision chart
| Feature | Brush & Roll 🖌 | Spray Finish 💨 |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Friendly | ✅ | ❌ |
| Visual Finish | Good | Flawless |
| Material Cost | 💲 | 💲 |
| Professional Cost | 💲💲 | 💲💲💲 |
| Labor Time | ⏱️⏱️⏱️⏱️ | ⏱️⏱️ |
| Touch-Up Ease | ✅ Easy | ⚠️ Tricky |
| Space Needed | A Lot! | Minimal (Doors Hang) |
| Production Speed | Slow | Fast |
🎖 Winner (for perfection): Spray
🛠 Best Budget Option (DIY): Brush & Roll
Want Help with Your Cabinets?
We’re local to Lake in the Hills, Huntley, Pingree Grove, Algonquin, Elgin, and St. Charles, and we’d love to help you love the space you’re in.
✅ All workers are background-checked
✅ Free touch-ups within the first year
✅ Free color consultations
✅ Ask about our “Give $200, Get $200” referral program
📞 Contact us today for a free cabinet painting estimate
🎬 Watch more on our channel:
D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper YouTube
