That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your space can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With franchises across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choices for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.
Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and your cabinets are its most defining feature. Worn, outdated, or scratched cabinets can make the entire room feel tired—no matter how clean or well-designed the rest of your space is. If you’re thinking about freshening up your cabinets, painting them might seem like a no-brainer. But here’s the big question: Should you tackle it yourself or hire a professional?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of DIY cabinet painting versus professional cabinet painting, specifically for homeowners in El Paso, TX. We’ll highlight what really goes into a flawless finish, what can go wrong, and why That 1 Painter El Paso is the trusted choice for local homeowners who want beautiful, lasting results.
Before we dive into DIY vs. pro, let’s look at why painting your cabinets is such a smart move.
Cabinet painting gives your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room a completely new look—without the cost of replacing cabinets, which can easily run $10,000 or more. With painting, you can spend a fraction of that and still enjoy a dramatic transformation.
Color trends have changed. If your cabinets are dark oak, yellowed maple, or old cherry, painting them a soft white, navy blue, or sage green can instantly bring your space into the 2020s.
Buyers love updated kitchens. A professional cabinet painting job boosts your resale value and sets your home apart—especially in competitive markets like West El Paso or Eastside El Paso.
There’s no shortage of tutorials on YouTube that make DIY painting look easy. At first glance, it might seem like a weekend project. A few brushes, a can of paint, and a free Saturday, right?
Let’s break down what DIY really involves—and where things can go wrong.
Most homeowners think they’ll spend a day or two painting cabinets. In reality, a DIY cabinet painting project can take anywhere from 5–10 days, especially if you’re juggling work, family, and daily life.
Each cabinet door has to be:
You’ll also need to prep the entire room, cover countertops and floors, and deal with strong paint odors for days.
Cabinets aren’t walls—they’re high-touch, high-traffic surfaces. Cheap brushes or rollers leave brush marks, bubbles, or uneven texture. DIY paint jobs often chip within months, especially around handles and edges.
Without professional tools like HVLP sprayers and commercial-grade drying systems, it’s extremely difficult to achieve that smooth, factory-like finish.
Skipping or skimping on the prep phase is the #1 reason DIY jobs fail. Cabinets collect grease, fingerprints, and food particles—especially in hot, dry climates like El Paso, where dust is everywhere.
If you don’t thoroughly:
…then even the best paint will peel or crack within a year.
Once you start, there’s no easy way to go back. A bad DIY job might force you to sand everything down and start over—or worse, hire a pro to fix it, which costs more than doing it right the first time.
Now that we’ve seen the pitfalls of DIY, let’s look at the professional route—especially with a trusted name like That 1 Painter El Paso.
We’ve painted hundreds of cabinets in El Paso homes—from cozy townhomes near UTEP to sprawling homes in the Upper Valley. We know which products work best for desert humidity, intense UV exposure, and the dust that blows in during seasonal winds.
Our painters are trained to deliver smooth, flawless finishes that last for years, not months.
We use:
These tools just aren’t available at your local hardware store.
We back every cabinet painting project with a 3-year warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If something chips, peels, or doesn’t meet your expectations, we make it right. DIY can’t offer that kind of peace of mind.
Choosing the right shade isn’t just about preference—it’s about lighting, architecture, and future trends. We help you find a color that:
Let’s take a look at how our process works, step by step.
We inspect your current cabinets, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed, transparent quote. There are no hidden fees or gimmicks.
We fully mask off and protect your:
This ensures no overspray or drips. Then we clean, degrease, sand, and prep the cabinets properly.
We apply industrial-strength bonding primers and multiple coats of top-quality paint using professional sprayers. This gives you that smooth, brush-free finish you see in magazines.
Paints are cured properly (not just dried), ensuring durability. We reinstall all hardware and do a complete walkthrough to make sure you’re thrilled with the result.
Bright, clean, and timeless. Perfect for small kitchens or homes with limited natural light.
Upper cabinets in a crisp white, with navy, sage, or charcoal lower cabinets for a modern contrast.
Think greige, taupe, or soft clay—ideal for desert landscapes and Southwest aesthetics.
Deep green, black, or navy blue for dramatic flair—especially popular in open-concept homes.
“We thought about painting the cabinets ourselves—but after seeing what a professional finish looks like, I’m SO glad we didn’t. That 1 Painter made it look better than new.”
– Javier M., West El Paso
“Our DIY attempt was a disaster. Drips, streaks, and peeling. That 1 Painter came in and completely saved the project. Lesson learned—hire pros first!”
– Samantha R., Eastside
“I got three quotes and That 1 Painter was the most professional by far. The team was clean, on time, and the cabinets are stunning. Worth every penny.”
– Claudia P., Horizon City
Let’s sum it up.
| Feature | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 5–10+ days | 3–5 days |
| Finish Quality | Inconsistent | Flawless, factory-grade |
| Tools & Equipment | Limited | Commercial-grade |
| Durability | Prone to chips | Built to last years |
| Warranty | None | 3-year guarantee |
| Cost | Low upfront, higher risk | Higher upfront, long-term value |
| Stress Level | High | Zero—you relax, we paint |
Bottom line: If you’re after quality, durability, and peace of mind, hiring a professional painter is the clear winner, especially when it comes to the central visual anchor of your kitchen: your cabinets.
You don’t have to spend thousands on a kitchen remodel. With expert cabinet painting from That 1 Painter El Paso, you can enjoy a high-end transformation for a fraction of the cost, with lasting results.
Let us help you fall in love with your kitchen all over again.