Category: Kitchen 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?

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.

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 2^nd 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!

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:

• How Your Cabinets Will Look Painted
• Painting Cherry Cabinets?
• Painting Your Cabinets White and Grey
• Should I Refinish My Cabinet Doors or Replace Them?

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!

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)

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

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

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!

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 last week as we are working on this exact project in BArrington, IL-“Should I paint the inside of my cabinets?

Hello!!! My name is David, owner of Dfranco Painting and wallpaper, in Huntley, IL lets dive into this question, and see if we can help you with your decision on cabient painting.

Painting Cabinets

As we are doing estimates for cabinet painting, there are several common questions that almost every single home owner is asked.

• What colors can I paint my cabinets? (video)
• Popular cabinet colors blog post
• Can I add new handles? (video)
• Can the drawer hardware be changed to soft close slides?
• Is it possible to change my hinges? (video)
• Do you paint all sides of the doors?
• Should I paint the insides of my cabinets? (video)

Today we focus on last one. 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 cabients that we see are about 10-20 years old, are oak and are pretty basic in their contruction 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 really is a prefference or budget item. (blog article-cost ot paint cabinets).

The inside of the cabinets are usually sheltered, not a lot of wear and tear. Most of the time the shelves have some type of shelf liner that protects the shelf from wear and tear. We are from the if its not broken- dont try and fix it!

Top reasons to paint the insides of cabinets

OK- lets do the down and dirty- show the list of 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 pratice.
• 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 that never have used or even heard of shelf liner. When the interior of the cabinets are stained or have a veneer application- those surfaces wear off, are are easilty damaged by water or wear and tear.

• If your cabients are already painted (youtube short)- and your changing colors- it is not a great look to have old yellowed dark cabients on the iside where your glasses or dishes sit, yet have bright and clean paint/color on the out side doors/drawers etc.

So.. are you ready?

This is a quick, some highlights or why you can, should or should not paint the insides of cabinets. Someimmmes the answer is very clear- very easy. Sometimes it really come down to preference. Either way- we hope we helped. If you have a questio- please let us know, we are here to help with argueably the most popular room of your house!

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 it’s color to a new stain. That is where we come in- Ever think of painting your cabients white?

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 number next and then blue or black. So, how do we do it, will painted cabinets last, wil, it the painted maple cabinets chip?

• Just like with painting cherry or painting 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 pprimer is sticking to gllass- it will stick to wood!
• Once the primer dries overnight, then we will apply the final paint choice of color.

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

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 actully 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 to chip

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- is rock on the road it is not covered. Eating Utensils, cleaning tools, toys, finernails are the most common causes of paint chips. We can fix them, but we cat 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.

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

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:

• 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.

If you are thinking of painting your cabiets- then one of the buzz words is Advance Urathane paint. Advance is a Urethane based product that is a great product. The other cabient paint- not often seen or heard but used for cabients is called waterborne lacquer. These two paints are two different types of paint with distinct characteristics and applications.

Hi, I’m David Cook, owner of Dfranco Painitng and Wallpaper in Huntley, IL. We are asked about trim paint, So lets dive into Advance urethane VS Waterborne Laquer.

A quick difference Advance Urethane VS Waterborne Laquer

Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Advance Urethane Trim Paint:
   • Urethane trim paint is a type of paint that is known for its durability, chemical resistance, and overall toughness. It is commonly used for painting surfaces that require a high level of protection, such as automotive parts, industrial equipment, and outdoor furniture.
   • This type of paint provides a glossy finish and is often used for surfaces that need to withstand harsh weather conditions and frequent use. It typically provides excellent adhesion and is resistant to chipping, fading, and abrasions.
   • Urethane trim paint usually requires a longer drying time compared to other types of paint, and it often requires the use of a primer to ensure proper adhesion to the surface.
   • in the case of Advance products- 16 hours in order to recoat- Emerald is about 3-4. That in iteslf makes huge differene in how you price, and stage a project using these materials.

1. Waterborne Lacquer Paint:
   • Waterborne lacquer paint is a type of paint that uses water as a carrier instead of traditional solvents. It is known for its quick drying time and low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional lacquer paints.
   • Waterborne lacquer paint provides a smooth, clear finish and is often used for interior surfaces such as furniture, cabinets, and trim. It is popular among those who want a clear and crisp finish that enhances the natural appearance of wood and other materials.
   • This type of paint requires careful application to ensure an even and smooth finish. It also typically requires several coats for adequate coverage and durability.

Choosing between the two paints

When choosing between urethane trim paint and waterborne lacquer paint, consider the specific requirements of your project.

If you need a highly durable and protective finish for surfaces exposed to harsh conditions, urethane trim paint might be the better choice. To my knowledge Urathanes do not have the approvals from the Kitchen and design standards to resist stains, or kitchen food borne virus that come from raw food.

On the other hand, if you’re working on interior surfaces and are looking for a more environmentally friendly option with a smooth and clear finish, waterborne lacquer paint could be the way to go.

Somplace you can look for kitchen paint standards is here…KCMA . great location of materials that have been tested for kitchen use,

if you are just painting doors, trim etc, then Advance urethane or Emerald Urethane products will be great option!

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results with either type of paint.

So which paint is better?

there really isnt a better, it is they are different.What are you using the paint for and where yo are located really matters when deciding what to use.

For example, Nick May, walls by design in Denver, CO, uses Advance Urethane paints for cabinets- why? Location. Due to the climate there he needs something that will be able to be sprayed and lay flat, where a laquer there dries too fast.
For us, we want to be efficient with our time. So i can paint sand and repaint 2 coats in a day! That gets us more productive and your kitchen back to normal much faster.

Wooden cabinets are not only functional storage solutions but also important design elements in your living spaces. To ensure their longevity and maintain their appeal, applying a protective top coat is a step you shouldn’t overlook in cabinet painting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of applying top coat to cabinets, preserving their beauty while safeguarding them against daily wear and tear.

Why a Top Coat is Important

A top coat acts as a shield, safeguarding your cabinets against moisture, scratches, and fading due to sunlight. It enhances the wood’s natural beauty, providing a durable layer that keeps your cabinets looking fresh and new for years to come.

Assembling Your Supplies

Before you begin applying top coat to cabinets, gather the necessary supplies:

• Protective eyewear and gloves
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Clean, lint-free cloths
• High-quality top coat (polyurethane, lacquer, or varnish)
• Paintbrush or sprayer
• Stir stick

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying a Top Coat to Cabinets

1. Preparation: Start by ensuring your cabinets are clean and free of dust. If necessary, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth foundation for the top coat.

2. Stirring the Top Coat: Open the top coat can and use a stir stick to gently mix the contents. Avoid vigorous stirring, as it can introduce air bubbles.

3. Application Method: Choose between a paintbrush and a sprayer for application. A paintbrush offers more control and is suitable for small areas, while a sprayer can provide a more even finish on larger surfaces. Ensure your chosen method suits your cabinets’ design and your comfort level.

4. First Coat Application: Dip the paintbrush into the top coat, allowing excess to drip off. Apply the top coat in smooth, even strokes, following the wood’s grain. For a sprayer, maintain a consistent distance from the cabinet’s surface to achieve an even layer.

5. Drying Time: Allow the first coat to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes a few hours. Avoid touching the surface during this time to prevent smudges.

6. Light Sanding: After the first coat dries, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. This smooths out any imperfections and provides a better bond for the subsequent coats.

7. Second and Subsequent Coats: Apply additional coats of the top coat, following the same process as the first coat. Most projects require at least two or three coats for optimal protection and finish. Ensure each coat dries thoroughly before applying the next.

8. Final Sanding: Once you’ve applied all desired coats and they’ve dried completely, perform a final sanding with fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth and even finish.

9. Buffing and Polishing: After the final coat has cured, you can buff and polish the surface to enhance its sheen. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to gently buff the cabinets, revealing their true beauty.

Maintenance Tips for Top-Coated Cabinets

• Wipe spills promptly to prevent moisture damage.
• Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners to clean the surface.
• Avoid placing hot objects directly on the cabinet’s surface.
• Regularly dust the cabinets to prevent dirt buildup.

Conclusion

Applying a protective top coat to your cabinets is a straightforward process that yields long-lasting benefits. By preserving the wood’s natural beauty and shielding it from daily wear, you ensure that your cabinets remain an exquisite and functional element of your home.

Enhancing Cabinets with Professional Finishes

Unlock the full potential of your cabinets with D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper’s expert touch. Our commitment to impeccable finishes and transformative craftsmanship ensures that your cabinets are not only protected but also elevated to new heights of beauty.

With years of experience in enhancing wood surfaces, we understand the delicate art of applying protective top coats. Our skilled team combines precision and finesse to create a seamless finish that stands the test of time. Whether it’s modern elegance, timeless charm, or a unique statement you’re seeking, we tailor our expertise to your vision.

Preserve the natural charm of your cabinets while safeguarding them from life’s demands. Our dedication to excellence guarantees that your cabinets remain an attractive focal point in your home for years to come.

Contact us at (847) 349-4112 and we’ll help you transform your cabinets into timeless pieces of artistry and protection.

The top question we are asked every week is How much does it cost to paint cabinets?

Painting cabinets are the most cost effective ways to improve the look and feel of your kitchen. However, making sure that it is done the right way with the right products is the key to enjoying the look of amazing looking painted cabinets.

How do you determine the cost of painting kitchen cabinets?

There are several questions we ask when we price out cabinet painting. Here is the list of questions I ask:

• What type of cabinets do you have? (are the cabients solid wood as such as oak and maple, or do you have veneer plywood or MDF?)
• Have the cabinets been previously re-painted already?
• If your cabinets are stained?
• Are you removing or changing hardware?
• Is there any water damage to your cabinets?
• Do you want a solid color, two different colors or maybe you are looking to have them glazed?

Each of these questions affects the materials, time to complete the job and the price of the cabinet painting.

So, how much does it cost to paint cabinets? We start out at about $125.00 per door/box set. (this equates to about 1 hour and 40 minutes per box and door set of work needed to prep, sand, clean, prime and paint) A door/box set consists of both sides of the door and the frame on the cabinet. The cost of a drawer is about $55.00.  The cost can increase to about $150.00 per door/box set depending on the questions above, such as filling in oak grain.

What is the process you use to paint cabinets?

We recently posted a few small videos on YouTube about the painting process of cabinets. It is a good introduction to the process we use for cabinet painting.

• We start with cleaning. Cabinets gets cleaned with a de-greasing agent.
• Each cabinet is sanded to scuff the surface in preparation for the primer.
• Rubber gloves are used at all times when cleaning and painting- we don’t want finger prints back on what was already cleaned.
• The cabinets are wiped clean and allowed to dry before the primer is applied.
• Primer is sprayed on, allowed to dry, then we sand it to remove any uneven areas
• Finally, we paint!

What products do you use to paint cabinets?

One of our products of choice for priming is Stix bonding primer. It is a heavy bodied product and has some of the best adhesion properties available. When we are painting Oak doors, two coats of this primer will fill in quite a bit of the oak grain.  

Once we finish priming we will use Chem Aqua, or Sherwood paint, the color will determine which product due to the tinting Process.

This paint is a true cabinet grade paint hybrid lacquer. It dries ultra smooth and hard. It resists stains, it touches up well, and it is water clean up. There is some smell but what paint doesn’t?

What if I have Damaged Cabinet doors?

If any of your doors or drawers have water damage we have some extra work to do.

• MDF cabinets with water damage are difficult to repair. MDF swells once water is introduced. It swells like a sponge but does not go down again. The area must be sanded smooth to the existing door surface. We then use a shellac-based primer or problem surface sealer which will seal the damaged area from further damage.  If a filler is needed we use glazing putty to make it smooth. Then we are ready to prime and paint.
• Doors that are cracked, broken, or other wood damage are repaired using wood glues, putty or other fillers or repair materials.

Other ways to improve the look of your kitchen

Hardware!! Aside from new paint, new hardware is the last factor you need to consider. If there was no hardware previously, we need to drill holes to mount them. That adds about $7.00 per door.

A few other things you can do:

• Changing out your hinges to a soft close style…pretty cool!
• Change out your counter tops
• Add or update your backsplash
• New appliances
• New sink/plumbing fixtures

That, in a nutshell, is a basic course on how much it will cost to paint cabinets. It is a lot to take in and digest, so if you want a quick ballpark figure, text us some pics of your cabinets to 847-553-1726 and we can give you an idea of what to expect. If you have any other questions, give us a call!

If you are among the millions of people considering remodeling your kitchen, then I’m sure that you have seen a few you tube videos or remodeling shows about kitchen remodeling. Choosing what is best for you either replacing cabinets or painting them may not have crossed your mind as an option. So let s see if we can help with what we have seen in homes we have worked at.

How do you decide? Replacing cabinets vs Painting cabinets- lets dig in to this one! I am just using the kitchen we just finished as an example.

How much will it Cost to replace cabinets

What is will cost to replace your cabinets is a question that is a bit more complicated than just money, what does that mean?

• what is the cost for demolition
• will there be will wall damage
• are you going to have to have electrical work done
• does the flooring have to be redone
• do new cabinets fit in the same space? ie soffits
• will your counter top have to be replaced
• can you use your existing sink
• new lighting?
• time without a sink, kitchen appliances etc

That is a long list, so what does that mean? Well the cabinets coming out, floors being worked in, repairs, items ordered, installed – all means that you could be 2 weeks to 4 months with a construction zone in your home. We have seen it!

So all of the above is not a dollar cost but a cost for your time, stress, aggavation. The money part on a low end kitchen can start at $15,000- and we have witnessed up to $75,000! All depends on what you want. In our house a decent vanity allone was 1100! So if you have 16 cabinet boxes, that is over $16,000 in just the cabients.

So what is the Cost to Paint kitchen cabients

In the video above, we painted the oak cabinets. What we did; (the short list)

• cleaned the cabinets
• masked the floor
• covered the tile and counters
• removed and painted closet door
• filled in 1 layer of grain
• sanded primer smooth
• sprayed the 2nd coat primer
• sprayed the top coat

This kitchen was about $3700, and the customers lost access to their kitchen for 1 night. HUGE difference from the carnage of demotion. Here is another link to a blog we did on cost to paint cabinets

How to decide…

That is a rough decision to make, and I feel for you. We have had similar choices to make, so the choice of Replacing Cabinets vs Painting Cabinets can be tough, but it just depends on what options you have, if your cabients are in good shape- then just paint them!

Once you start getting estimates, you will get a better understanding on which way you will decide to go.

If and when you have questions, feel free to reach out, we are here to help.

I recently had the opportunity to provide an estimate to a customer for painting kitchen cabinets. The customer decided that the cost for professional cabinet painting was too expensive and they would do it themselves.

It happens – we do not sell every job we go on. One of the things we like to make sure of is that when you’re doing it yourself, that you can see our videos on our YouTube channel or read our kitchen cabinet painting blog posts to see how we do it, so the process is similar and the results are good!

Read on for a customer’s feedback on doing DIY cabinet painting and how long it took.

How much time it takes to professionally paint kitchen cabinets

When we are bidding, we start out with 90 minutes per door, on the low end, to clean, sand, prime and paint a cabinet door. We also have a spray booth, sprayers, power sanders with dustless attachments to help us be a bit faster.

For this particular kitchen, we estimated a time frame of 4 days to have the doors and drawers removed, cabinets cleaned, kitchen masked, sanded, all items sprayed and re-installed. There were about 33 pieces total of different sizes we had to paint.

How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?

We will keep on the theme of using this estimate so you can get a consistent understanding of our reference. This kitchen we estimated was $5,324 for all labor and materials. Again this kitchen was about 33 pieces we were working on.

How much are materials to paint cabinets?

The kitchen we are discussing, again had about 33 pieces. so our material list was:

• cleaner
• rags
• drop cloths
• sprayer with 5 and 3 needle set
• strainer
• masks
• masking tape
• maker to mark each piece
• fan for exhaust
• air cleaner/filter
• razor/scrapers to remove old bumpers
• wood filler for old handles and dowel rods
• sand paper, 320 and 220
• sanding blocks for hand sanded areas
• power sander and vac
• 12 ft. painters plastic
• 6 extension poles to make temp wall
• rosin paper to cover floors
• bonding paper
• cabinet paint- we use Chem-Aqua which is a cabinet grade paint (yes, there is difference)

Some of these items we buy in bulk and save money by doing so, some are just averaged in to the cost over the life of a given tool, and some are for each job such as primer/paint. For this kitchen we were at about $610.00.

So what is the cost difference to paint cabinets myself?

So here was the feedback from the customer that did it themselves. They are happy with the results.

For the island:

• sept 6th – 3.5 hours
• sept 7th – 3 hours
• sept 8th – 3 hours
• sept 9th – 6 hours
• sept 10th – 5 hours
• sept 12 – 6.5 hours

Total=27 hours

For the main cabinets:

• sept 13 – 3 hours
• sept 14 – 6 hours
• sept 15 – 4 hours
• sept 16 – 1 hours
• sept 17 – 3 hours
• sept 19 – 2 hours
• sept 20 – 2 hours
• sept 21 – 2 hours
• sept 22 – 2 hours
• sept 26 – 4 hours
• sept 27 – 4 hours
• sept 28 – 4 hours

Total=37 hours

Customer Feedback on DIY Cabinet Painting

“I stopped keeping track…Started Sept 6th, finished Oct 12th. Took a lot longer to get technique and flow going, issues with daycare and when I could or could not do it due to family issues. Messed up a few pieces to redo.”

So what do you think the cost is?? I don’t have hard numbers for you. I have the cost we provided and time it takes us to do the job, which was above.

For me, I’m not having a kitchen tore up for over 5 weeks while it’s being painted. (my wife would really not be a fan of that!) This is just feedback from one person- it does not mean that you will have the same issues or take as long with DIY kitchen cabinet painting. So the $5,000 and 4 days is kind of nice from where I sit.

If you have questions about cabinet painting, let us know. We are here to help! Even if you decide to paint your cabinets yourself, we just want to help you love the space you’re in!