Kitchen cabinets are the hardest-working surface in a house. They get grabbed with greasy hands, wiped down every day and bumped with pots. A cabinet finish has to be harder and smoother than a wall finish, and the prep has to be thorough, because paint will not stick to years of kitchen grease.
How cabinet painting works
- Doors and drawer fronts are removed, labeled and hardware is bagged
- Every surface is degreased, then scuff sanded so the primer can grip
- A bonding primer goes on first, followed by sanding between coats
- Doors are spray finished for a smooth surface with no brush marks
- Cabinet boxes are masked off from counters, walls and appliances
- Doors go back up once the finish has cured enough to handle
Cabinet refinishing: paint or replace?
If your cabinet boxes are solid wood or good plywood and the layout works for you, painting usually makes more sense than replacing. Replacing pays off when the boxes are water damaged, falling apart, or the layout itself is the problem. Billy will tell you which camp your kitchen is in when he looks at it.
Cure time
Cabinet finishes feel dry within hours but take longer to fully harden. Plan on using the kitchen gently for the first couple of weeks: no harsh scrubbing and no slamming doors while the finish cures.
What it costs
The price depends on the number of doors and drawers, the condition of the existing finish, and whether you are going light over dark. Billy gives you an exact price at the free on-site estimate.
Cabinet Painting FAQ
How much does cabinet painting cost in Knoxville?
It is priced by the number of doors and drawer fronts plus the cabinet boxes. Billy gives you an exact price at the free on-site estimate.
How long until I can use my kitchen?
You can use the kitchen as soon as the doors are back on, but treat the finish gently for the first couple of weeks while it fully cures.
Is painting cheaper than replacing cabinets?
In most kitchens, yes, by a wide margin. Replacing is worth it only when the boxes are damaged or the layout does not work.
Do you spray or brush cabinets?
Doors and drawer fronts are sprayed for a smooth finish. Boxes are sprayed or brushed depending on how the kitchen can be masked.
