Can You Paint Over Cherry Cabinets? The Complete Guide for Stunning Results
Cherry cabinets were once the pinnacle of kitchen luxury, dominating high-end home design throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Their rich, warm tones and solid craftsmanship made them a substantial investment for many homeowners.Now the Pinnacle, lol, no idea why i said pinnacle but if i got paind the maount of times i use pinnacle ina sentance- I may have just won!! Anyway- ditch the red- and YES! You can paint over cherry cabinets!
Today, however, many kitchens with cherry cabinets feel dated despite their excellent condition. The reddish-brown tones that once signaled sophistication now clash with contemporary design trends favoring lighter, more neutral palettes.
The good news? You don’t need to rip out those quality cabinets. With proper techniques, cherry cabinets can be transformed through paint, preserving their quality craftsmanship while updating their appearance to match current design preferences.
The Challenge with Cherry Cabinets
Cherry wood presents unique challenges when it comes to painting:
- Tannins and Oils: Cherry naturally contains high levels of tannins and oils that can bleed through paint, causing discoloration over time.
- Dense Grain Pattern: The tight grain structure of cherry can make it difficult for paint to properly adhere without careful preparation.
- Previous Finishes: Most cherry cabinets have been treated with multiple layers of varnish or lacquer that must be properly addressed before painting.
- Red Undertones: The distinctive reddish hue of cherry can influence your final color, requiring specific primers to neutralize these undertones.
Despite these challenges, cherry cabinets are excellent candidates for painting when the proper process is followed.
Step-by-Step Process for Painting Cherry Cabinets
1. Thorough Preparation
The most critical phase for successful cherry cabinet painting is preparation:
- Remove all hardware including hinges, knobs, and pulls
- Label doors and drawers to ensure proper reinstallation
- Clean thoroughly with a degreaser to remove cooking residue and oils
- Repair any damage including scratches, dents, or loose joints
- Sand surfaces with 120-grit sandpaper to create a profile for the primer to grip
- Clean again to remove all dust particles
Pro tip: Create a dedicated workspace for doors and drawers, preferably in a dust-free environment like a garage or basement.
2. Primer Selection and Application
Cherry cabinets require specialized primers to prevent bleed-through:
- Use a shellac-based or stain-blocking primer specifically formulated to seal tannins
- BIN Shellac-Based Primer or KILZ Original are excellent choices
- Apply 2 thin coats rather than one thick coat
- Allow proper drying time between coats (typically 2-4 hours)
Pro tip: Tinting your primer towards your final color can reduce the number of topcoats needed.
3. Choosing the Right Paint
Cabinet durability depends significantly on paint selection:
- Cabinet-grade enamel paints offer the best durability
- Oil-based paints provide exceptional hardness but have longer drying times and stronger odors
- Waterborne alkyd paints offer oil-paint durability with easier cleanup and lower VOCs
- Acrylic latex paints with built-in urethane are a good compromise of durability and ease of use
Popular cabinet paint lines include Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams ProClassic, and Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac.
4. Application Techniques
Achieving a factory-like finish requires proper application:
- Use high-quality synthetic brushes for cutting in edges
- Foam rollers create smooth surfaces on larger areas
- Spray application provides the most professional finish but requires specialized equipment
- Apply multiple thin coats (typically 2-3) for best durability
- Sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper between coats
- Allow proper curing time before reassembly (at least 48-72 hours)
Pro tip: Paint the cabinet frames first, then doors and drawers, to minimize dust contamination.
5. Finishing Touches
The final steps can dramatically improve results:
- Consider clear topcoat for high-use areas
- Update hardware to complete the transformation
- Reinstall doors and drawers carefully to avoid chipping fresh paint
- Apply silicone bumpers to doors to prevent paint-on-paint contact
Popular Color Choices for Painted Cherry Cabinets
When updating cherry cabinets, these color palettes work particularly well:
Whites and Off-Whites
- Benjamin Moore Simply White: A clean white that neutralizes cherry’s warmth
- Sherwin-Williams Alabaster: Soft off-white with warm undertones that complement cherry’s richness
Grays and Greiges
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter: A light greige that creates a modern neutral backdrop
- Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray: Versatile light gray that works with most countertop materials
Blues and Greens
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy: Deep navy that adds sophistication
- Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog: Muted sage green for a nature-inspired palette
Dramatic Darks
- Benjamin Moore Onyx: Rich black with subtle undertones
- Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore: Soft charcoal that’s less harsh than pure black
Case Study: The Johnson Kitchen Transformation
The Johnson family in Barrington loved their 20-year-old cherry cabinets’ quality but felt their kitchen looked outdated. Rather than spending $30,000+ on new cabinetry, they opted for professional painting.
Their process included:
- Full degreasing and preparation
- BIN shellac-based primer (two coats)
- Benjamin Moore Advance paint in “Hale Navy” for base cabinets
- Benjamin Moore Advance paint in “Simply White” for upper cabinets
- New brushed brass hardware
Total cost: $4,800 for professional painting versus $32,000 quoted for new cabinets of similar quality.
The result: A completely transformed kitchen that looks brand new, preserved the quality of their existing cabinetry, and saved over $27,000. AND a 5 star review!
DIY vs. Professional Cabinet Painting
While painting cherry cabinets is possible as a DIY project, consider these factors:
DIY Approach
- Cost: $200-500 in materials
- Time: Typically 5-7 days of work
- Challenges: Proper preparation, achieving smooth finish, managing dust
- Best for: Patient homeowners with moderate painting experience and adequate workspace
Professional Approach
- Cost: $2,000-5,000 depending on kitchen size and complexity
- Time: 3-5 days typically, with minimal disruption
- Benefits: Proper preparation, specialized equipment, guaranteed results
- Best for: Homeowners wanting premium results with less personal time investment
here is a DIY article we wrote
Maintaining Your Newly Painted Cherry Cabinets
To preserve your cabinet transformation:
- Wait 30 days before heavy cleaning to allow full curing
- Use mild cleaners without abrasives or harsh chemicals- 50/50 vinegar and water!
- Avoid excessive moisture which can affect adhesion over time
- Touch up chips promptly to prevent further damage
Ready to Transform Your Cherry Cabinets?
Quality cherry cabinets provide the perfect foundation for a stunning kitchen update through professional painting. With proper preparation and materials, you can preserve their craftsmanship while enjoying a completely refreshed space.
At D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper, we specialize in transforming cherry cabinets throughout Chicago’s northwest suburbs. Our process ensures durable, factory-like finishes that will last for years.
Call: (555) 123-4567
Email: info@dfrancopainting.com
Book a Free Consultation: https://dfrancowallpaper.com/contact-us/
Proudly serving homeowners in Barrington, South Barrington, Inverness, Deer Park, Lake Zurich, Kildeer, North Barrington, Tower Lakes, Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Crystal Lake, Algonquin, and surrounding communities throughout Chicago’s northwest suburbs.
