Is it Hard to Paint Cabinets?

Resurrect Wood Refinishing is a cabinet renovation business dedicated to rejuvenating cabinets with the most up to date process called “Refinishing.” Painting of any kind for your cabinets is not recommended, as anything bought from a store is not designed for a factory finished look. That being said, the process and application of painting is similar to refinishing, which is why we feel confident to answer the following common questions from customers.

Painting cabinets is a very tedious and detail orientated job. We have personally met professional painters who have referred us to customers simply because the job is too daunting for their own crew. So if you are someone who has seen a DIY YouTube video and think you’re up to the task, beware. Painting cabinets by yourself may seem approachable on paper, but one misstep can  ruin your expensive cabinets. There are some key things to educate yourself in, if you’ve decided to try it yourself.

Know what kind of wood/surface you are working with. Not all wood is alike. They all have some quirks unique to the breed. Research on how to properly clean and prep the surface. Not all cleaning products that are designed for wood have the correct ph levels or are complementary to oil enamels or water based paints. Many use wax or acidic oils that need to be neutralized before prepping in your primer coats. Remove hardware and know the measurement of overlay of the hinges in the case of broken or worn out hinges. Have a temperature, humidity controlled area to work in. Remember to include all paper, tape, applicators, gloves, and other tools into your budget. If applying by hand, even following all the guidance you can find on the internet, it will still look hand applied. Consider renting a spraying rig, and remember to purchase all protection and filters for dust in your house. You will likely spend between $1000- $2500 doing the job yourself, and it will likely take you 7 days to 3 weeks to complete properly.

Is painting kitchen cabinets a good idea?

Painting kitchen cabinets in general is not a good idea. We excel in a process called “Refinishing,” which is a more innovative approach to updating existing cabinetry. The key difference is the product we use. Our proprietary blend of polyurethane acrylic adheres to the existing finish on cabinets. It is thin, durable, and odorless, leaving a factory finish that looks as if the cabinets always were that way. It is also water soluble and environmentally friendly. We are able to tint it to any stain or solid color upon request. In our experience we are hired often to fix DIY work. There are some things in life worth hiring out. We think our level of expertise can make all the difference. 

What is the average cost to paint kitchen cabinets?

The average cost to hire a painter for your kitchen cabinets is usually about $100-$120 per surface area. Refinishing is only a little more expensive than that since the equipment and product we use is much more valuable. It’s always discouraging to see customer’s take a bid from a general painter when the price difference is only a couple hundred bucks compared to the scope of the project. It may seem like a good deal, however in the long run the product isn’t as durable and won’t have the longevity a higher quality refinish would.  Many general painters do not focus exclusively on repainting cabinets. Resurrect Wood Refinishing is dedicated only to refinishing woodwork, which is why we are so confident and proud of our quality service.

Is it hard to paint your own kitchen cabinets?

Painting or refinishing cabinets can be an overwhelming endeavor if not managed by practiced hands. That is one of the main reasons we have managed to dedicate a business to just that service. There are a lot of factors to consider when painting or refinishing cabinets. Surrounding areas need to be masked, the surface has to be properly prepared, and air quality must be regulated, and the list goes on..

Mistakes can happen. It is crucial to make sure the right product is being used for the right circumstances. This is why we hope you will trust our knowledge in the field.