The start of a new year is a great time to refresh your home with some different upgrades
One easy and cost-efficient project to put on your list is painting your kitchen cabinets.
Painting them – rather than renovating with a complete remodel – will save you loads of time and hassle. It can also provide a big boost to the look and feel of the space, so you can enjoy spending time in your kitchen again.
Before you make a move with your kitchen cabinet painting project, though, there are some questions to ask. This will ensure you know what to expect, so there aren’t any surprises. Keep in mind too, choosing the right contractor can make a world of difference in terms of quality.
To get started, here are six questions to consider:
- How Long Will it Take to Paint My Kitchen Cabinets?
It depends on several factors, including the condition of your cabinets and the size of your kitchen. On average, with a professional cabinet painter, it takes around five to seven days. Once you hire a painter, they should provide a detailed timeline based on your project specifications. This way, you can plan ahead to minimize disruption.
- How Long Will a New Finish Last on My Cabinets?
It depends on your painter’s approach. For instance, what products are they using to clean, prime, and paint your cabinets? If they’re not high-quality, it can impact the durability of your new finish.
Another factor that can impact longevity involves foot traffic. If you have young kids, your cabinets will experience a lot more wear and tear each day. As a result, you might notice signs of damage sooner than if you live alone or are retired with your spouse.
In general, though, if your painter used quality products, took the proper approach to the job, and you maintain your cabinets, you can expect the finish to last for many years to come.
- How Much Does it Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
Cost is a huge consideration for any kitchen cabinet painting project. The final price tag for your space will depend on a few factors. This includes how much damage on your original cabinets needs to be repaired and how many cabinets you have. These factors impact the amount of time the project takes and the supplies that will be needed.
Another factor that affects cost is your location. Supplies, equipment, and labor expenses all differ in various parts of the country. However, generally speaking, the cost for painting kitchen cabinets is one-third to one-fifth the price of renovating with new cabinets. According to reports, that translates into about $3 to $10 per square foot.
Keep in mind that certain upgrades can increase the cost, too. These include transitioning to soft close hinges, opting for a finishing technique, like antiquing your cabinets, and purchasing designer drawer pulls and doorknobs.
Finally, if you have cabinets with glass doors, a tricky layout with tight corners, or intricate detailing on your cabinets, and other considerations can also increase the price. The job will be more time-consuming to complete, translating into higher expenses.
- Will My New Finish Chip?
Unfortunately, no paint lasts forever. However, if your painting contractor performs the job properly and you maintain your kitchen cabinets, you won’t have to worry about chips for many years to come.
This is why using a reputable painter is so important. They might not necessarily be the cheapest one; however, you can rest assured you’ll have a higher quality finish that will last longer, actually saving you money down the line.
- How Do I Clean My Newly Painted Kitchen Cabinets?
You’ll want to protect the surface from harsh cleaning agents, like ammonia, bleach, alcohol, and cleaning cloths or scouring pads that are abrasive. When you’re cleaning, also avoid using excessive water, which can make the finish more vulnerable over time. For regular dusting, simply use a damp microfiber cloth and lightly wipe down the surface of each cabinet.
If there’s a spill, whether it’s water or grease, clean it off and dry the surface of your cabinet immediately. Both liquids can actually weaken the surface of the protective coating on your cabinets, leading to a breakdown over time. This can cause the paint to begin to flake.
If your hardware needs a good cleaning, remove it from the cabinets and let it soak in hot water, then scrub it. That way, you’ll be able to thoroughly clean the drawer pulls and doorknobs without damaging the surface of your kitchen cabinets.
- Can I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets by Myself?
There are plenty of handy weekend warriors who tackle jobs like painting their kitchen cabinets on their own. To do so properly, make sure you have the right supplies and equipment, understand the exact steps to follow, and also have a backup kitchen to use during the job.
That said, painting your kitchen cabinets by yourself will undoubtedly take far more time versus hiring a professional. This can lead to frustration and headaches, and potentially an end result you don’t love.
With a professional cabinet painter instead, you can get flawless results, quickly and affordably. Plus, you’ll be able to get back into your kitchen in a minimal amount of time, so your family and routine aren’t disrupted for long.
When we’re painting kitchen cabinets, N-Hance® uses our LightSpeed® UV system for a rock-hard, factory-like finish… instantly. It’s proprietary to our team and ensures you get cabinets painted to last. Call (855) 642-6230 to set up a FREE consultation.