Get matched with top cabinet refacers and refinishers in Burnsville, MS

You can paint over wood, wood-laminate, and metal cabinets, but you need to prepare the surface first. Plastic laminate cabinets and thin veneers may accept a layer of paint depending on their condition, but they require special techniques and paints. If your cabinets sag or have significant damage, it may be a better investment to replace your cabinets than paint over them.

There are many options for choosing the best paint for cabinets. In general, interior enamel paint is considered a high-quality, strong, and long-lasting choice for cabinets. However, you can also go with a high-quality oil-based or latex water-based paint. Each has its own look and sheen—with high gloss, semi-gloss, and matte styles available. So, it comes down to personal preference.

You should not clean cabinets with vinegar. While many homeowners think it is a natural cleaner, vinegar is a mild acid, not a degreaser. Since it does not cut through greasy grime, it won't effectively remove it from kitchen cabinets. For best results, use a degreasing cleaner designed for prep work, then rinse and dry thoroughly before sanding.

Whether it’s better to stain or paint old cabinets depends on your situation, as each option has pros and cons. Paint offers a smooth, modern look, while stain highlights the natural wood grain for a charming, rustic look. Painting cabinets may cost about 15% more than staining cabinets. While paint tends to be more durable against damage because of its thick coating, stained cabinets hide inevitable dings and scratches better than paint.