Is It Worth it to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets?
“Given the significant investment, it’s worth asking if repainting is really the best long-term choice.”
When homeowners want to freshen up the look of their kitchen, it’s common to consider repainting the cabinets. This might seem like a cost-effective way to revitalize your kitchen without paying for a complete renovation.
However, repainting kitchen cabinets is a significant undertaking that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Many people don’t realize what they’re getting into until they’re halfway through the project and their kitchen is in pieces.
From the type of paint and hardware you choose to your city’s weather conditions, several factors need to come together to ensure your cabinets look good and stand up to the test of time.
This is especially true in Richmond, Virginia, where older kitchens are exposed to high levels of humidity, which can soften wood and rust hardware over time.
If the paint on your cabinets needs to be redone, there’s a good chance other aspects of your kitchen might also need attention. Before taking your kitchen apart, it’s wise to honestly assess the state of your cabinets to see if repainting is really the best option.
From the type of paint and hardware you choose to your city’s weather conditions, several factors need to come together to ensure your cabinets look good and stand up to the test of time.
This is especially true in Richmond, Virginia, where older kitchens are exposed to high levels of humidity, which can soften wood and rust hardware over time.
If the paint on your cabinets needs to be redone, there’s a good chance other aspects of your kitchen might also need attention. Before taking your kitchen apart, it’s wise to honestly assess the state of your cabinets to see if repainting is really the best option.
The Importance of Quality Paint
Before painting, you’ll need to thoroughly clean, degrease, and sand your cabinets to make sure your paint job lasts as long as possible. This task can be tedious, especially depending on the type of molding, cornices, and corbels your cabinets have. You might spend hours working to get into every corner and crevice during the cleaning and sanding process. Skipping this crucial step could result in your new paint easily chipping in the future.
Before painting, you’ll need to thoroughly clean, degrease, and sand your cabinets to make sure your paint job lasts as long as possible. This task can be tedious, especially depending on the type of molding, cornices, and corbels your cabinets have. You might spend hours working to get into every corner and crevice during the cleaning and sanding process. Skipping this crucial step could result in your new paint easily chipping in the future.
Then, the type of paint used by cabinet makers is typically a higher quality than what you can find at your local hardware store. Cabinet-grade paints are specifically formulated for durability and a superior finish. While paints from hardware stores can be more budget-friendly, they usually won't last as long.
Most factories and cabinet companies utilize a two-part hardener system for their finishes, especially with epoxy or polyurethane coatings. This system involves a resin and a hardener that, when mixed, initiate a chemical reaction to cure the finish, resulting in a durable surface that’s resistant to scratches and moisture.
For the typical DIYer, attempting to use a two-part hardener system can be daunting. The precise mixing required is critical; even a small miscalculation can lead to subpar results, such as improper curing or a finish that doesn’t adhere correctly.
Additionally, cabinets are flat surfaces. Once you spray the surface of the cabinet, you're altering the moisture content, which can lead to warping or cupping of the cabinet face, especially since many paints are water-based.
Choosing the Right Hardware
As you repaint your cabinets, you’ll also need to decide what to do about the hardware. Since hardware endures significant wear and tear as a moving part, you'll likely want to replace it. Otherwise, it’s like repainting a car without maintaining the engine. However, whether you choose new hardware or opt to reuse old pieces, you may find yourself in a challenging situation.
When searching for new hardware, you might hope to find the same handles and hinges you used before, only to discover they’re no longer being made. On the other hand, if you go with new hardware instead, it may not match the location of the screw holes from your previous hardware.
If you manage to find hinges and handles that match the exact screw hole pattern of your existing cabinets, you’ll still be putting new screws into old holes that are likely weakened and widened. While using wider screws might seem like a quick fix, this solution is only temporary. Over time, the new screws will loosen as they further widen the existing holes due to regular use.
Conversely, if you decide to go with new hardware, you'll need to fasten the hinges and handles in similar locations as before. You can fill in the old holes with putty or paint, but drilling multiple holes in close proximity will eventually weaken the integrity of the cabinet.
Additionally, if your cabinets have hinges set into small recesses, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. These recesses are carved into the cabinet doors and frames to allow the hinges to sit flush, creating a seamless appearance.
However, replacing hinges with this setup can be more complex, as the new hinges need to fit perfectly into these existing recesses. If the replacement hinges don’t align exactly with the old spaces, you may need to make adjustments, which can leave visible gaps or require additional drilling.
Assessing Cabinet Structure
The durability of cabinets depends heavily on how they were assembled before you got them. This process typically involves wooden dowels, screws, nails, and glue to hold everything together. These internal elements allow your cabinets to withstand daily use, including the weight of stored items and the constant opening and closing of doors. However, over time, factors like humidity, temperature fluctuations, and regular usage can weaken these bonds.
While a fresh coat of paint can improve the appearance of your cabinets, it won’t resolve any underlying issues. As the glue degrades or joints begin to loosen, the cabinets can become unstable. This might lead to misaligned doors and drawers that stick or don’t close properly.
To keep your cabinets working smoothly for a long time, it’s important to consider not only their aesthetics but also how well the original construction is holding up.
The Cost of Repainting Versus Renovation
Hiring a skilled professional to repaint kitchen cabinets is no small expense. For a medium-sized kitchen, you’re looking at a price range of around $4,000 to $5,000, which is considered the standard rate for high-quality work. While it may seem like a quick fix, repainting is often a temporary solution. Cabinets endure daily wear and tear, which means even the best paint job can start to chip, peel, or show signs of age sooner than you’d like. Given the significant cost, it’s worth asking if repainting is really the best long-term choice.
A full kitchen renovation might initially require a higher investment, but it can provide a lasting impact that refreshes the look of your kitchen and adds value to your home. With repainting, you’re limited to what already exists. Any structural issues with the cabinets, inefficient layouts, or outdated materials will still be there after the paint dries. In contrast, a renovation tackles deeper concerns, offering a solution that goes beyond just the appearance of your kitchen.
Moreover, a renovation allows you to personalize your kitchen in ways that repainting simply cannot. You could incorporate pull-out shelves, soft-close drawers, or even expand your counter space to make the kitchen better suit your specific needs. A well-thought-out renovation offers a return on investment that will pay off in the long run, whereas painting may only bring more headaches.
So, before you settle on a fresh coat of paint as a solution, consider the bigger picture. Investing in a renovation might cost a bit more upfront, but it ultimately provides a lasting impact, creating a kitchen that not only looks great but also makes everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Author:
Aaron Randolph