DIY project vs professional kitchen cabinet painter
If you’re planning to paint your kitchen cabinets, you may be wondering whether to do it yourself or hire a professional. There are pros and cons to both, and the best option for you will depend on your budget, skills and time frame. painting your kitchen cabinets yourself can be a great way to save money. If you’re handy and have the time to do the job right, you can achieve good results. But if you’re not sure about your painting skills or don’t have the time to do a perfect job, it’s better to hire a professional.

How to Choose a Professional Kitchen Cabinet Painter
If you’re planning to paint your kitchen cabinets, you may be wondering whether to do it yourself or hire a professional. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
- The condition of your cabinets. If your cabinets are in good condition, with no major damage or wear and tear, painting them yourself may be a viable option. However, if they’re in poor condition or require significant prep work (sanding, priming, etc.), it’s probably best to leave the job to a professional.
- The type of paint you want to use. If you’re planning to use high-quality paint, such as a Cabinet Enamel from Sherwin-Williams, a professional painter will likely do a better job than you could achieve on your own.
- The colour you want to paint your cabinets. If you’re planning on painting your cabinets a dark or bold colour, hire a professional painter who has experience with that type of project. They’ll know how to properly apply the paint so that the colour looks great and evenly covers the cabinets.
- Your budget. Professional painters can be expensive, so if you’re working with a tight budget, painting the cabinets yourself may be the way to go. Just be sure to factor in the cost of materials when making your decision.
DIY cabinet painter guide
There are many things to consider when painting kitchen cabinets, such as type of paint, colour, and finish. If you’re not sure where to start, our DIY cabinet painter guide will walk you through the process step by step.
We’ll cover what type of paint to use, how to prep your cabinets, and tips for a professional-looking finish. Whether you’re painting your kitchen cabinets yourself or hiring a professional, this guide will help you achieve beautiful results.
What you need
Whether you are painting your kitchen cabinets yourself or hiring a professional, there are a few things you will need to ensure the job is done right.
If you are painting your cabinets, you will need:
- -a paintbrush
- -paint roller
- -drop cloths
- -painter’s tape
- -sandpaper
- -primer (if needed)
- -paint (of course!)
If you are hiring a professional painter, they will likely bring their supplies. However, it is always good to ask ahead of time what type of paint and primer they recommend for your cabinets, as well as if there is anything else you should do to prepare your cabinets for painting.
Preparing kitchen cabinets for painting
When it comes to painting kitchen cabinets, there are two main options: doing it yourself or hiring a professional. If you’re considering taking on the project yourself, there are a few things you need to know to prepare your cabinets for painting.
First, you’ll need to remove all of the hardware from your cabinets. This includes handles, knobs, and hinges. Once everything is removed, give your cabinets a good cleaning with a degreaser or TSP solution. This will help ensure that the paint adheres properly.
Next, sand down all of the surfaces that will be painted. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and then move to a finer grit until the surface is smooth. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth before proceeding to the next step.
If your cabinets are currently stained or varnished, you’ll need to apply a primer before painting. This will help the paint adhere better and provide a more even finish. Choose a high-quality primer designed for use on wood surfaces. Apply the primer evenly with a brush or roller and allow it to dry completely before moving on to painting.
Now you’re ready to start painting! Use an angled brush or mini roller for best results and paint in long, even strokes. Be sure to start at the top of each cabinet door and work your way down. Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding another. Once everything is dry, reattach
How to paint kitchen cabinets: step-by-step
For those looking to save some money on their kitchen renovation, painting cabinets yourself is a great option. But before you get started, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to paint kitchen cabinets:
- Remove all hardware and doors from the cabinets. This will make painting much easier and will also help the paint job look more professional.
- Clean the cabinets thoroughly with a degreaser or TSP solution. This will remove any grease or grime that could interfere with the paint job.
- Prime the cabinets with a high-quality primer designed for use on laminate surfaces. This will help the paint adhere better and provide a more even finish.
- Once the primer is dry, paint the cabinets with two coats of high-quality latex paint. Be sure to let each coat dry completely before applying the next one.
5 . Reattach all hardware and doors once the final coat of paint is dry. And that’s it! Your newly painted kitchen cabinets are ready to use
Cabinet painting mistakes to avoid
- Overlooking the importance of surface preparation:
One of the most common cabinet painting mistakes is overlooking the importance of surface preparation. If you don’t take the time to thoroughly clean and sand your cabinets before painting, the new paint job will likely not adhere well and will start to chip and peel within a few months.
- Not using primer:
Another mistake people make when painting their cabinets is not using primer. Primer provides a barrier between the old paint and the new paint, helping to ensure that your new paint job will last for years to come. Without primer, your new paint job is much more likely to fail prematurely.
- Choosing the wrong type of paint:
Not all paints are created equal! When choosing a paint for your cabinets, make sure to select a high-quality product that is specifically designed for use on kitchen cabinets. These types of paints will provide superior durability and resistance to staining and fading.
- Applying too much or too little paint:
Applying either too much or too little paint to your cabinets can ruin the look of your new paint job. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying paint to your cabinets to achieve optimal results.
Why hire a professional cabinet painter?
There are many reasons to hire a professional cabinet painter rather than attempting a DIY project. Professional painters have the experience and training needed to achieve a high-quality finish. They also have access to better-quality paints and painting equipment, which can make a big difference in the final look of your cabinets.
Additionally, professional painters will be able to complete the job promptly and with minimal disruption to your kitchen. They will also take care of all the necessary prep work, such as sanding and priming, so you don’t have to.
Overall, hiring a professional cabinet painter is the best way to ensure that your kitchen looks its best.
What does a cabinet painter cost?
When it comes to painting kitchen cabinets, there is a big difference between doing it yourself and hiring a professional. If you choose to do it yourself, the cost of paint and supplies will be your only expense. However, if you hire a professional cabinet painter, the cost will be much higher.
On average, a professional cabinet painter will charge between $1,500 and $3,000 for their services. The exact cost will depend on the size of your kitchen cabinets and the number of coats of paint you need. In most cases, you will also need to pay for primer and other painting supplies.
Getting quotes for cabinet painters
When it comes time to choose a kitchen cabinet painter, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is whether you want to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional. If you’re comfortable painting cabinets and have the time to do so, then DIY may be the way to go. However, if you’re not confident in your painting skills or don’t have the time to dedicate to the project, then it’s best to hire a professional.
To get quotes from cabinet painters, start by contacting several local painters or painting companies. Ask for estimates and compare prices before making your decision. Be sure to ask about any discounts that may be available, such as for seniors or military personnel. Once you’ve selected a painter, be sure to get a written contract that outlines the scope of work and costs involved. This will help avoid any surprises down the road and ensure that both parties are on the same page.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons to both DIY kitchen cabinet painting and hiring a professional painter. If you have the time, patience, and skill set required, then DIY may be the way to go. However, if you want guaranteed results and a stress-free experience, then it’s worth considering hiring a professional. Ultimately, the best decision comes down to what you feel comfortable with and what will work best for your specific situation.