Is Painting Cabinets Worth It? Pros and Cons
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.
Is Painting Cabinets Worth It? Pros and Cons
They’re right at eye level. You see them every day. And they take up a big part of your kitchen or bathroom. Your cabinets set the tone for your entire space—but are they doing your home justice?
Here’s something to think about: painting your cabinets can cost up to 80% less than replacing them. That’s a huge savings for a makeover that can totally transform the look and feel of your kitchen. And in Riverside – Rancho Cucamonga, where homes shine under that golden California light, cabinet color makes all the difference in how a space feels.
So, is painting cabinets really worth it? Let’s take a close look at the pros and cons, so you can make the best decision for your home.
The Power of Paint: Why Homeowners Consider Painting Cabinets
Cabinets are often the first thing you notice when you walk into a kitchen or bathroom. When they’re outdated, scuffed, or just the wrong color, it drags down the entire space. But painting them? That’s a game-changer.
Homeowners choose to paint their cabinets for a variety of reasons:
- To modernize old oak or cherry finishes
- To brighten dark rooms with fresh whites or light neutrals
- To avoid the cost and hassle of full cabinet replacement
- To boost home value before selling
Whether you’re working with builder-grade cabinets or solid wood classics, the right paint job can make them look custom-built. But like any home project, it comes with trade-offs. Let’s dig into both sides.
The Pros of Painting Cabinets
1. Cost-Effective Makeover
Replacing cabinets can be one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen remodel. It often costs thousands, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars. In contrast, painting your cabinets is much more affordable, especially when compared to a full renovation.
Hiring a professional painting company like That 1 Painter Riverside – Rancho Cucamonga gives you quality results without the high price tag of a remodel. It’s one of the best return-on-investment upgrades you can make.
2. Dramatically Improves Aesthetics
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders. It can make your kitchen feel cleaner, more modern, and even larger—especially when going from dark wood to a bright white or soft neutral. Color trends have shifted over the years, and painting is a great way to bring your cabinets in line with your current style.
Want that sleek, all-white modern kitchen? A bold navy island with white upper cabinets? Two-tone finishes? You’ve got options—and they’re all achievable with paint.
3. Eco-Friendly Choice
Instead of tossing out perfectly good cabinets and sending them to a landfill, painting gives them a second life. This is a great way to reduce waste and keep costs down—plus, it’s a smart choice for homeowners who want sustainable solutions.
4. Customization and Color Flexibility
Unlike stock cabinet finishes, painted cabinets can be fully customized. Want a matte finish with a farmhouse feel? Or a high-gloss modern shine? Choose from hundreds of colors and finishes to get exactly what you want.
Professional painters also know how to color-match with your countertops, backsplash, flooring, and walls, so the result looks intentional and polished.
5. Adds Home Value
A clean, modern kitchen is a major selling point. If you’re planning to list your home in the near future, a cabinet painting project could be a smart investment. It creates a fresh, move-in-ready feel without a total kitchen gut.
The Cons of Painting Cabinets
1. Time-Intensive Process
Painting cabinets isn’t a weekend project, especially if you want it done right. It requires several stages:
- Removing doors and hardware
- Cleaning and degreasing surfaces
- Sanding or deglossing
- Priming
- Applying multiple coats of paint
- Curing and reassembling
Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a pro, expect the job to take several days to a full week.
2. Preparation Is Everything
Cabinets get greasy, especially in the kitchen. If surfaces aren’t properly cleaned and sanded before painting, the paint won’t stick well. That means peeling, chipping, or uneven finishes down the road.
This is where professional painters shine, they know the right products, the best primers, and how to prep surfaces for long-lasting results.
3. DIY Comes with Risks
Many homeowners are tempted to tackle cabinet painting on their own, but this isn’t like rolling paint on a wall. Without the right tools and technique, it’s easy to leave behind:
- Brush strokes
- Drips and runs
- Uneven coverage
- Sticky cabinet doors that won’t close properly
Professionals use sprayers, specialty rollers, and durable cabinet paints that go on smooth and stay beautiful for years.
4. Paint Doesn’t Fix Structural Issues
If your cabinets are warped, water-damaged, or poorly constructed, paint won’t solve those problems. In those cases, replacement might be the better long-term investment.
Before you commit to painting, make sure your cabinets are in good enough shape to support a fresh finish.
DIY vs. Hiring Professional Painters
Doing It Yourself
Some homeowners go the DIY route to save money and get creative with their space.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- Total control over materials and timeline
- Personal satisfaction in doing it yourself
Cons:
- Very time-consuming (especially with full kitchens)
- Requires specialty tools and products
- Risk of imperfections or damage
- Not as durable as a professional finish
If you’re up for the challenge and have plenty of time, DIY might work. But be prepared for a learning curve.
Hiring That 1 Painter Riverside – Rancho Cucamonga
When you hire professionals like us, you get more than just a paint job, you get peace of mind.
Pros:
- High-end, factory-smooth finishes
- Proper prep, from cleaning to sanding
- Durable, long-lasting coatings
- Fast turnaround time
- Color consulting and expert recommendations
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to DIY
- Requires scheduling in advance
For busy homeowners, real estate agents, or anyone who wants guaranteed results, professional cabinet painting is often the best value.
What Kind of Cabinets Can Be Painted?
Not all cabinet materials are the same, but most are paintable with the right prep.
Ideal for painting:
- Solid wood cabinets (oak, maple, cherry, etc.)
- Wood veneer
- MDF (medium-density fiberboard)
- Laminate (with specialized primers and techniques)
If you’re not sure what your cabinets are made of, our team at That 1 Painter Riverside – Rancho Cucamonga can inspect them and help you choose the best solution.
How Long Does Painted Cabinetry Last?
With the right materials and proper prep, painted cabinets can last 8 to 10 years, or even longer.
Things that help extend the life of painted cabinets:
- High-quality cabinet paint and primer
- Sealed finishes for durability
- Careful maintenance (gentle cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals)
- Regular inspections for chips or wear
Touch-ups are simple, and color changes down the road are much easier with paint than with stained wood.
When Is Painting Cabinets NOT Worth It?
While painting works for most homes, there are a few situations where it might not be the best option:
- Your cabinets are structurally damaged or warped
- You dislike the layout and want a full remodel
- You’re investing in high-end custom cabinetry for resale
If you’re already planning a full kitchen overhaul, painting might not give you the return you want. But if your cabinets are in good shape and you like the layout, paint can work wonders.
Let That 1 Painter Riverside – Rancho Cucamonga Refresh Your Cabinets
If you’re looking for a smart, budget-friendly way to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom, painting your cabinets is absolutely worth considering. It’s one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s appearance, value, and style—without the expense or downtime of a full renovation.
At That 1 Painter Riverside – Rancho Cucamonga, we specialize in cabinet painting that looks beautiful and lasts. From color consultation to final coat, we take care of every detail. Whether you’re dreaming of fresh white cabinets, bold navy, or anything in between, we’ll help bring your vision to life.
Give your cabinets the makeover they deserve. Contact us at That 1 Painter Riverside – Rancho Cucamonga today and let’s make your home shine—one door at a time.