Painting Kitchen cabinets

Yes we can happily paint built-in wooden structures! Whether it’s a bookshelf, entertainment center, or cabinetry, a new paint job can give your space a whole new look. Our professional painters have the expertise to properly prep and paint your built-ins to ensure a smooth and durable finish. Plus, with a wide range of colors to choose from, you can easily match your new paint job to your existing decor. 

It is commonly asked why white cabinets are a popular choice for painting. The answer is that white cabinets are classic, just like a little black dress. They may be trendy now, but throughout the years, white kitchen cabinets have been popular multiple times. Additionally, if the homeowner decides to change the color in the future, it is less expensive to do so after the initial painting. White kitchens are timeless and will likely remain in style for a while. Furthermore, many of the cabinets that are painted are oak, which is unlikely to ever become a popular trend again.

It is a reasonable question to consider the longevity of painted cabinets. When done correctly, a painted cabinet can last for an extended period. However, the issue is that many painters and homeowners are not aware of the correct method for painting cabinets. This is evident through observing failed cabinet paint jobs and speaking with other painters in professional settings. It is easy to take shortcuts and paint cabinets incorrectly, but it is worth the effort to research and execute the proper method. Our company offers a lifetime warranty and free touch-ups for as long as the customer lives in their home. To ensure the longevity of the paint job, the proper steps must be taken during the painting process.

The duration of the cabinet painting process varies depending on the method used. Typically, a painting contractor will either use the homeowner’s garage for the project or remove the doors and drawers for painting at their own shop. On average, a kitchen takes about two weeks to complete. However, at Walls by Design, our process is more efficient and the average kitchen takes about a week to finish. We utilize a mobile spray booth, which is a 20-foot trailer, and spray the doors and drawers on-site. This system allows for increased efficiency and a superior final product.

It is not necessary to apply a clear coat over the paint to protect the cabinets. If the right type of paint finish is chosen, the surface will be hard and resistant to yellowing. We were called to examine a set of cabinets that had yellowed shortly after they were painted by another company. The homeowner had selected a bright white color but the cabinets had turned into a dingy yellow. We offered to repaint them but it would have cost more than the original job. To avoid this issue, it is important to choose the right paint finish and apply it correctly the first time.

It depends on the method used by the painting contractor. Some companies may require tenting off the kitchen and covering everything with plastic, making it inaccessible for 3-4 days. If a lacquer is used, it is advisable to vacate the home for the same period. However, at Walls by Design, we allow our clients to continue using their kitchen during the process, with the exception of the time we spend prepping and painting. The doors and drawers will be removed for 4-5 days but the kitchen can still be used.

End panels with laminate on them can be painted, even though they are not made of real wood. We have successfully painted hundreds of kitchens without any reported failures. However, it is important to use the right type of primer, as using the wrong one may cause additional issues beyond just the end panels.

Proper surface preparation is crucial for ensuring the longevity of a cabinet painting project. It forms the foundation of a successful project. Many painting contractors fail in this aspect by either skipping steps or not knowing the correct methods. To ensure the best results, we did extensive research and developed a thorough preparation process when we started receiving requests for cabinet painting. Our process includes:

-Dismantle everything. We mark and take everything apart. I saw a kitchen once that was getting sprayed. They opened all the doors, taped off the hinges, and let the paint fly. As you can imagine, it was not a pretty site.

-Buff sand all surfaces. Not a heavy sand, just a light scuff to break down the finish a little.

-Wipe down all surfaces with a de-glosser. This is simply a very strong cleaning agent, and does two things for us: Gets rid of all the dust we created with sanding, and further etches into the finish. Paint does not like shiny surfaces. If it doesn’t have anything to hold onto, it will release. Most painters only like to wipe down with the de-glosser, and not sand, but we feel these are two very important steps done together that cannot be missed.

-Prime with a bonding primer. This is one of the biggest area of failure by most painting contractors. They simply do not understand what a bonding primer is compared to any other primer. We see Kilz used a lot, but typically not the Kilz bonding primer. We like a product called Stix. It is made by Benjamin Moore, and will literally stick to glass.

-Then, if we have an oak cabinet or a dark stained cabinet we use another primer called Fresh Start, also by Benjamin Moore. This helps seal the grain of the oak and/or block any stains. We apply a heave rolled coat onto the oak cabinets, then spray two more coats to get the best coverage.

Cabinet painting involves applying paint to the surface of the existing cabinets. This process typically involves cleaning and sanding the surface, applying a primer, and then applying one or more coats of paint. Cabinet painting is a great option for those looking to change the color of their cabinets without changing the existing design or layout.

Cabinet refinishing, on the other hand, involves sanding down the existing finish on the cabinets to bare wood and then applying a new finish. This process can include staining, glazing, or a combination of the two. Cabinet refinishing is a more extensive process that can change the color, texture, and overall look of the cabinets. This process is more suitable for cabinets that have a lot of wear and tear and need a complete makeover.

In conclusion, cabinet painting is a more cost-effective way to change the color of the cabinets, while cabinet refinishing is a more extensive process that can change the color, texture, and overall look of the cabinets.

It is possible to reduce the visibility of the grain on oak cabinets through the use of putties and fillers, but it can be costly. Many homeowners opt for painting their cabinets as it is a more cost-effective solution than replacing them. However, using fillers to smooth out the grain can cost as much as replacing the doors. It is important to consider the cost-effectiveness and practicality of the options available.

We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have about painting cabinets in Denver. You can contact us through our website, by phone, or through our Facebook page. For those who would like to see examples of our work, we invite you to visit our office where we have actual cabinets on display that we have painted, both smooth and oak doors. Please note that we cannot bring you into other clients’ homes to see their cabinets. For more pictures, please visit our Facebook page, where we regularly post pictures of our projects.

Our company has been a leading expert in the painting industry for the past decade. Our owner, Nick May, has extensive experience in the field and has hosted and participated in various events to share his knowledge and techniques in cabinet painting. His expertise has also helped many other painters across the country achieve exceptional results.