Don’t Let Age Get You Down
Kitchen cabinets are bound to show their age eventually. What was trendy yesterday might feel outdated today, and when that happens, it can make your entire space feel stuck in the past.
Replacement
If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen (or bathroom) by replacing the cabinets, be prepared for some sticker shock. What initially seems like a simple update—just pick out a few cabinets at the store—can quickly become overwhelming. When you start adding in the costs for upgrades like real wood, hardware, installation, and factoring in the downtime while your kitchen is out of commission, the price can easily spiral. Suddenly, this budget-friendly project is pushing $10k, and for larger kitchens, it can easily surpass $15k or even $20k.
If you’re financially ready for that kind of investment and you find a style you love, then replacing the cabinets might be the right choice for you.
Painting
But, if you’re working within a budget or prefer to save resources, painting your cabinets can be a great option. Wood cabinets are ideal for painting (compared to MDF, laminates, or melamine), and with our professional process, we can achieve stunning and durable results. Whether you choose a classic paint finish or a high-end glaze, painting costs only a fraction of replacing your cabinets. You’ll have the flexibility to choose any color you want, opening endless possibilities.
Our process typically involves de-glossing, priming, prepping, and applying two coats of paint using an airless sprayer. Painting usually costs around 1/4 to 1/3 of the price of replacement. Glazing, which requires a bit more attention to detail, gives you a beautiful finish, and when paired with a polyurethane topcoat, you’ll get a durable, long-lasting result. Glazed finishes can be around 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of replacement—saving you potentially thousands of dollars! Personally, I love my glazed oak cabinets more than any new product on the market.
If you’re thinking about painting or glazing your cabinets, I highly recommend hiring a reputable company. Cabinet painting requires specialized skills and products, so it’s one of those projects you’ll want to leave to the professionals.
Things to Think About Before Painting Starts
While painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to update your space and boost your property value, it’s also a detailed project that can be a little disruptive. Here’s how to prepare:
1. Kitchen cabinets
Be prepared to lose access to your kitchen for a few days. It’s best to empty your drawers and cabinets, keeping just enough in easy reach for essentials. Consider relocating your coffee maker, wine, and small appliances to another room so you’ll still have access to them. Our priority will be painting the cabinet boxes first, so you can get back into your kitchen as soon as possible.
2. Oven use
Please avoid using your oven during the painting process. Not only could this be dangerous, but it can also affect the paint. Decide for meal prep outside the kitchen.
3. Dust
We’ll set up a tent to keep the dust contained, but it’s important to know that the tent won’t be airtight. Some dust may still make its way through, so be prepared for a bit of extra cleaning when the project is complete. We’re meticulous with our work, but sanding cabinets creates a lot of dust, and there’s no way to eliminate it entirely.
4. Door painting
We use a system that requires drilling small holes in the top or bottom of each door. These holes are used to hang the doors while we paint all six sides at once. Don’t worry—the holes will be filled and will not be visible once the doors are re-hung.
5. After-care
While the cabinets will feel dry to the touch within hours, they won’t fully cure for a month or more. No need to worry—just avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning spills and give them a little extra care during this time.
6. New hardware
If you’re planning on installing new hardware or drilling new holes for handles, it’s best to have that done before we start painting. We can help with the installation and will charge for time and materials.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy the process! We’re here to take care of the details and ensure you love the result.
—Nancy
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