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.
Cabinets are one of the most visible and used features in your kitchen or bathroom. They define the look and feel of the space, and can make or break your home’s interior aesthetic. So, when it’s time to refresh them, the decision usually comes down to one big question:
Should you paint your cabinets yourself or hire a professional?
At first glance, the DIY route might seem tempting. You’ve probably seen countless YouTube tutorials promising beautiful results with just a few coats of paint and a weekend of work. But the reality? Cabinet painting is one of the most demanding home improvement projects you can take on. And when it’s not done right, it shows, especially in Raleigh’s warm, humid summers and fluctuating seasonal conditions that can wreak havoc on subpar finishes.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between DIY and professional cabinet painting—and explain why trusting the pros isn’t just about convenience. It’s about quality, durability, and long-term value for your Raleigh home.
Painting a wall is one thing. Painting cabinets is a different beast entirely.
Most people underestimate how much time, effort, and precision go into achieving that smooth, flawless, factory-finish look on cabinets. It’s not just slapping on a few coats of paint—it’s a multi-step, labor-intensive process that demands skill, the right tools, and a highly controlled environment.
What DIYers Often Overlook:
Even if you’re handy, it’s tough to match the precision and finish of a professional cabinet painting job—especially if you’re working in your kitchen or garage with limited tools and ventilation.
The preparation phase is one of the biggest differences between DIY and professional cabinet painting. In cabinet painting, prep work is everything.
What It Takes to Prep Cabinets Properly:
Professionals come prepared with a system. They’re efficient, methodical, and equipped to do the job right—starting with a pristine prep stage.
DIYers often cut corners here, which leads to common failures like chipping paint or uneven finishes. In short: poor prep equals poor results.
If you want that high-end, smooth-as-glass finish, you need more than a brush and a can of paint.
Professional Equipment Makes the Difference:
Most Raleigh homeowners don’t have access to this level of equipment. And renting these tools, let alone mastering them, isn’t easy or cheap.
Professionals already own this gear and know exactly how to use it. The result? A smooth, durable, and professional-looking finish that completely transforms your kitchen or bathroom.
Cabinets in Raleigh homes take a beating—from sticky Southern humidity to the everyday use of kitchens and bathrooms. That’s why you need premium paint products that are built to handle real life.
The Right Products Matter:
DIYers often use the wrong paint or apply it incorrectly. Pros don’t guess—they use battle-tested coatings that stand up to Raleigh’s climate and daily wear and tear.
When you hire a professional, you’re not just paying for labor—you’re paying for craftsmanship.
Hallmarks of a Pro Cabinet Finish:
This kind of finish doesn’t happen by accident. It takes experience, control, and professional technique. Even skilled DIYers struggle to replicate the finesse of a pro cabinet spray job.
And here’s the truth: a bad cabinet paint job drags down the look—and value—of your entire home.
Painting your cabinets will take longer than you think. Much longer.
The DIY Timeline:
What you thought would take a weekend can stretch into weeks of late nights and ongoing kitchen chaos—especially if you’re working around your job and family.
Hiring professionals means your cabinets are finished in as little as 3–5 days, with no mess, no missed steps, and no stress.
A DIY paint job might look okay for the first few months, but will it still look good next year?
Common DIY Paint Failures:
Professionals use specialty bonding primers, high-durability coatings, and expert techniques to ensure your cabinets not only look amazing—but stay that way for years.
Many pros, including That 1 Painter Raleigh, even offer warranties for added peace of mind.
If you’re planning to sell your Raleigh home, a streaky or chipped cabinet paint job can be a red flag for buyers.
On the other hand, a professionally painted kitchen increases appeal and perceived value, helping your home sell faster and for more.
It’s an upgrade that pays for itself.
Hiring a pro means:
Instead, you get a clean, beautifully painted kitchen or bathroom that you’ll be proud to show off—and that holds up to everyday use.
When it comes to cabinet painting, the difference between DIY and professional results is like night and day.
While doing it yourself might save some money upfront, it rarely delivers the finish, durability, or stress-free experience you’re hoping for. And many Raleigh homeowners who try it themselves end up calling in the pros later, which only adds to the cost.
At That 1 Painter Raleigh, we specialize in professional cabinet painting that transforms your space quickly, cleanly, and beautifully. Our team brings years of experience, high-end tools, and top-tier products to every project, so you get flawless results that last.
Don’t gamble with your kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Call That 1 Painter Raleigh today to schedule a free quote and discover how we can give your space the professional upgrade it deserves.