Cabinet Painting FAQ
How long does it take to paint cabinets?
As with most home improvement projects, this depends on several factors. While some contractors may choose to paint more or less on-site, perhaps in a garage or other building, we take the dismantled cabinet fronts to our high-tech facility where we clean, sand, and use our newest spray equipment to give them a fresh and flawless finish. Since there is time involved in transit, and we always go through a review and evaluation process to ensure that your cabinets look perfect before reinstalling, you can expect your cabinet painting project to take roughly five days to complete. But don’t worry, we will give you a specific estimate after evaluating the job, and we keep you informed every step of the way.
Can I keep using my kitchen during cabinet refinishing?
Since, unlike other painting contractors, we give the customer the option of utilizing our special hand-application painting procedure on the boxes in your home, and we are removing doors and drawer faces to clean, sand, prep and paint in our shop, you will not be limited by the typical airborne particulate, dust, fumes or chemicals from the stripping, cleaning, and spraying process. The only time you will not be able to use your kitchen is during the time when our team is removing and then reinstalling everything. Otherwise, you will be without cabinet doors and drawer faces, but you can feel free to use your kitchen as you would at any other time.
How do you make sure that the new finish lasts?
As is true with any painting project, surface preparation is key. It’s the foundational piece, and must be done properly for the finish to sit well and last into the future. That’s why, at Chagrin Home Improvements, we put a lot of time and effort into prep work. We thoroughly sand and deep clean the cabinets and drawer faces before priming, painting, and allowing time for the paint to cure. Each step plays into the next, ensuring good contact and bonding between the paint and the cabinet surface. Once doors are reinstalled, regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure that your new kitchen will stay looking good for years to come. Check out our before and after gallery to see what your new kitchen could look like!
Can you get rid of woodgrain?
It’s possible, as there are specific products on the market that can be used to fill in grooves and create a perfectly smooth surface, but the time and labor required will usually end up working against the budget. Painting cabinets is naturally a money-saving technique that allows you to update your kitchen without spending a fortune. Sure, it’s possible, and we do it all the time, but the additional cost can sometimes make the procedure less practical. We can always give you an itemized price on the quote, for your consideration, prior to starting the project.
Can you paint any kind of cabinets?
Most cabinets can be painted. We have made it our job to get to know various cabinet surfaces and how they interact with paint. We use that knowledge to prep the surfaces to ensure good bonding. That said, there may be some cabinets that aren’t great candidates for painting. But don’t worry, we’re honest and upfront with you and we value your resources. If we think that painting your cabinets won’t give you the results you’re hoping for, we’ll let you know from the get go.
Is cabinet painting inexpensive?
The answer to this question is a lesson in relativity. Having cabinets painted properly requires a fair amount of labor and time, and so the cost reflects that. However, it will be far less expensive than a typical kitchen remodel, which can cost anywhere from $25,000 - $45,000. You’ll get the same feel in your space, for far less of an investment. That said, the skill that it takes to make your cabinets look brand new is deserving of fair compensation.
DIY or hire a pro?
If you’re handy and you’ve painted lots of surfaces within your home, you might feel qualified to handle cabinet painting on your own. But we’d recommend against that. Beyond just being skilled with a paintbrush, cabinet painting requires a deeper understanding of how paint interacts with the existing cabinet finish and surface. It has taken us time and training to get the formula right, and the tools and equipment we use are beyond what the average homeowner has access to. From choosing the right paint to prep and applying the right number of coats, cabinet painting is a job best left to the pros. You’ll get a higher quality, longer lasting finish than if you opt for a DIY approach.