The cost to stain cabinets varies dramatically from one project to another and is primarily based on the cabinet size and type of stain.
Who Do I Hire to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
Hire a professional cabinet painter to revamp the look of your cabinets
Photo: Gayrat Tolibov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: Gayrat Tolibov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
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A fresh paint job can transform the look of your kitchen cabinets, but good results aren’t always guaranteed. Wondering who to hire to paint your kitchen cabinets? A professional cabinet painter has the experience and expertise to ensure that your cabinets are painted properly and look their best. Here’s what to know about how to hire out for this project.
Benefits of Hiring a Cabinet Painter for Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Hiring a local cabinet painter to paint kitchen cabinets is the ideal choice for this project. Given their extensive and specific experience in painting cabinets, they will know the best paint for kitchen cabinets and the top-notch techniques to ensure a smooth, even, and long-lasting finish.
Along with that, a professional cabinet painter has the knowledge and skills to streamline the painting process. When you‘re working with a space used as regularly as your kitchen, a painting project can be pretty disruptive. Cabinet painting pros will have everything primed, prepped, and painted in record time, minimizing downtime and hassle.
Can I DIY Cabinet Painting?
A DIY cabinet painting project is relatively approachable, but it can be a time-consuming and tedious process. For best results, you’ll need to dismount the cabinet doors and remove the hardware, tape off the surrounding walls, and place a tarp to protect floors and countertops. Even if you take all these precautions, there’s still a chance of a less-than-perfect result, whether from an uneven coat of paint, a drip, or a splatter.
You also have to invest a lot of time and energy into surface prep, from thoroughly sanding to filling in flaws and priming. This is especially true if you're painting your kitchen cabinets white or a similar light color, as the results can easily be streaky or patchy without the proper surface prep. In any case, without the appropriate prep beforehand, the paint might look uneven or textured, plus there may be peeling or other issues with the paint job’s longevity. A professional cabinet painter has all the supplies and knowledge to take the correct steps.
Can I Hire a Handyperson for Cabinet Painting?
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While there are professional handypeople who are skilled with a paintbrush, most aren’t spending much time painting, let alone painting kitchen cabinets. These pros are more suited for small, quick jobs around the house, such as repairing a leaky faucet or installing a new appliance. For painting projects where speed, neatness, and precision are paramount, it’s worth investing in the extra cost for professional cabinet painting.
Can I Hire a Contractor to Paint My Kitchen Cabinets?
Working with a contractor to repaint your kitchen cabinets is a great idea, especially if you are planning additional kitchen upgrades that require a project manager.
Professional contractors work with a network of professionals with expertise in surface preparation, painting techniques, and finish quality. These pros will ensure a smooth, durable finish that might be challenging for DIYers to achieve. Ensure you get multiple quotes, check references, and review their previous work to ensure you choose a reliable contractor.
How Do Professional Cabinet Painters Transform Your Kitchen Cabinets?
To achieve a flawless cabinet makeover, professional cabinet painters start by carefully removing cabinet doors and hardware, protecting the surrounding space, and then cleaning and prepping each surface. After applying a high-quality primer, they meticulously paint each cabinet by brushing, rolling, or spraying to achieve a smooth finish. A topcoat or sealer is often applied at the end to enhance durability and protect the finish.
Once the paint is dry, the pros will reassemble the cabinet doors and re-install the hardware (or add new hardware if desired). Finally, they’ll do one last inspection and clean up the work area, leaving you with refreshed, expertly-painted cabinets. All that’s left for you to do is restock your cabinets with their contents and enjoy their beautiful new look.
Cost to Hire a Professional to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets
Hiring a professional painter with experience painting cabinets costs from $400 to $1,300, depending on the size and location of your project. When you break the cost down by area, it's around $6 to $14 per square foot. Pros will thoroughly strip, clean, and paint your cabinets with the appropriate paint to guarantee beautiful, high-quality results.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
We get that working with professionals is expensive, but consider your skill set before deciding to DIY to save cash. Painting projects require patience, precision, and the right tools. Errors take time and money to fix. Also, all the stripping and sanding involved is a lot of work and might be too much to handle if you are not a seasoned do-it-yourselfer.
Hiring a professional costs more but ensures high-quality results with durable, smooth finishes. Additionally, professionals have the experience to knock out projects quicker, access to better materials, and knowledge of proper painting techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many homeowners find that having their kitchen cabinets professionally painted is worth it. Pros ensure a high-quality, durable finish that can enhance the appearance and longevity of your cabinets. They have the expertise, tools, and materials to achieve a smooth, even coat, which might be challenging for DIYers. Despite the expense, the time and effort saved and the superior results often justify the investment.
A professional takes about 2 to 5 days to paint kitchen cabinets. This timeline includes preparation, such as cleaning and sanding, applying primer, and multiple coats of paint, along with drying time between each step. Remember, the exact timeframe varies based on the kitchen size, the cabinets' condition, and the job's complexity. Some projects may take longer if additional repairs or detailed work are required.
Yes, kitchen cabinets need two coats of paint to achieve a smooth, durable, and uniform finish. The first coat provides a base and may reveal imperfections, while the second coat ensures complete coverage and enhances the color's richness. Applying two coats helps improve the paint's durability, making it more resistant to chipping and wear. Sometimes, a third coat may be necessary for darker colors or cabinets made of a particularly porous material.
It is cheaper to paint kitchen cabinets than to replace them. Painting costs range from $400 to $1,300, based on the size and complexity of the project and the average costs in your area. In contrast, replacing kitchen cabinets can cost several thousand dollars, including materials, installation, and potential modifications to countertops and plumbing.
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