Table of Contents
Introduction
The cabinetry in a home is often viewed as a focal point, and it plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic. If your cabinets have seen better days, you might be considering professional cabinet painting to revitalize them with a fresh coat of paint.
DIY is tempting, let’s uncover its advantages in this blog to empower your cabinet painting journey and ensure a professional outcome when you tackle it yourself.
Can You Paint Cabinets Professionally?
Cabinets can be professionally painted to rejuvenate your kitchen without a full remodel. Skilled cabinet painters possess the expertise, tools, and experience for a flawless finish, greatly enhancing your kitchen’s aesthetics.
If you’re also interested in learning about eco-friendly methods to refinish bathroom cabinets, be sure to check out our blog for more information.
Do-It-Yourself Route

If you’re determined to paint your cabinets yourself, follow these steps for the best results:
1. Take Your Time
Rushing through the process can lead to mistakes and an uneven finish. Proper preparation, priming, and multiple coats of paint are essential for a professional look.
2. Purchase High-Quality Materials
Invest in high-quality paint, brushes, and rollers to ensure a smooth and durable finish. Don’t forget painter’s tape and drop cloths for clean lines and a mess-free workspace.
3. Reduce Cleanup Time
Minimize cleanup by covering countertops, appliances, and floors. This will save you time and effort when the project is complete.
4. Have a Convenient Workstation
Set up a dedicated workspace with adequate ventilation to ensure proper drying and prevent dust particles from settling on the wet paint.
5. Make Use of Painting Pyramids
Painting pyramids allow you to paint both sides of cabinet doors without waiting for one side to dry. This speeds up the process and yields a professional result.
6. Ensure Proper Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for spotting imperfections and achieving an even coat. Use bright, natural light or LED lights to illuminate your workspace.
7. Use Bondo Instead of Wood Filler
Bondo is a great choice for repairing dents and dings in cabinets. It dries quickly, sands easily, and provides a seamless finish.
8. Applying Many Coatings
Don’t skimp on coats. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat. Sand lightly between coats to achieve a smooth surface.
Advantages of Hiring a Professional Cabinet Painter

While the DIY route can be rewarding, there are several compelling reasons to consider hiring a professional cabinet painter:
- Expertise: Professionals have years of experience and knowledge of the best techniques and materials.
- Time-Saving: They can complete the project efficiently, minimizing kitchen downtime.
- Professional Finish: Expect a flawless, factory-like finish that’s hard to achieve with DIY methods.
- Aesthetic Appeal: According to the National Association of Realtors, applying a fresh coat of paint to cabinets can significantly enhance a room’s appearance and give your home a more contemporary and updated look.
- Longevity: Professional paint jobs tend to last longer, saving you money in the long run.
- Peace of Mind: You can relax knowing the job is in capable hands.
Conclusion
Professional cabinet painting can breathe new life into your kitchen, making it a more inviting and aesthetically pleasing space. Professional Painters in Rhode Island suggest prioritizing quality materials and attention to detail, whether you choose to go the DIY route or hire a professional cabinet painter. However, for a truly professional finish, it’s often worth the investment to hire an experienced cabinet painter who can transform your kitchen cabinets into works of art. Professional Painters in Connecticut and Professional Painters in Massachusetts emphasize the importance of expertise and precision in achieving the best results.
If you’re interested in learning more about refinishing veneer cabinets, check out our blog on refinishing veneer cabinets for timeless appeal.
FAQs
Q1: What is the cost of professional cabinet painting?
A1: According to Home Advisor, the professional cabinet painting cost can vary based on several factors. Here’s what you need to consider:
1. Type of Paint:
- Latex-based paint: $15 to $50 per gallon
- Acrylic paint: $15 to $50 per gallon
- Oil-based paint: $20 to $80 per gallon
- Gloss level: Add approximately $2 per gallon for glossier finishes. High gloss paint tends to cost more.
2. Area:
- Painting cabinets typically costs $3 to $10 per square foot or $30 to $60 per linear foot, inclusive of supplies, materials, and labor.
- Itemized costs:
- Doors: $100 per door
- Drawers: $25 per drawer
- Cabinets: $75 to $150 per cabinet
3. Labor:
- Professional labor accounts for around 85% of the total cost. Labor rates typically range from $20 to $50 per hour, but in high-cost living areas, it can reach up to $100 per hour. Some contractors charge based on square footage or by specific cabinet components.
4. Painting vs. Refacing or Refinishing:
Painting is a cost-effective way to refresh cabinets. However, you can explore other options:
- Refinishing cabinets: $1,800 to $4,100, including paints, stains, varnish, lacquer, and epoxy.
- Cabinet refacing: $4,300 to $10,000.
These factors influence the overall cost of your cabinet painting project, so it’s essential to consider each one when planning your budget.
Q2: How long does professional cabinet painting take?
A2: The duration of a project undertaken by a cabinet painting professional hinges on the size of the kitchen and the complexity of the job. It can typically span anywhere from a few days to a week.
Q3: What supplies do I need for professional cabinet painting?
A3: According to Forbes home improvement, here is a list of recommended tools and professional cabinet painting supplies for repainting cabinets:
Tools:
- Rotary sander
- Sanding block
- Screwdriver (type depends on cabinet installation screws)
- Putty knife
- 4-6 inch square paint brush
- 2-2 1/2 inch angled paint brush
- 4-6 inch roller
- Drill (if creating new screw holes for hinges)
Materials:
- Primer
- Paint (color of your choice)
- Face mask
- 220-grit sandpaper (if there are minimal imperfections)
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Wood filler
- Masking tape (Writer’s recommendation: Frog Tape, also known as the “green kind”)
- Non-residue cleaning solutions