Before you start painting, most cabinets will require sanding the surface, filling in any cracks or uneven areas with wood filler, and allowing it to dry. Once sanded, use a damp cloth or a lint-free tack cloth to remove all of the dust and debris. Any small particles that aren’t cleaned up can waft into the paint and ruin the pristine surface of the cabinet. If you have patience and some DIY skills, this is a project you may be able to tackle yourself; however, depending upon the intricacy of the cabinet design and your expectations for the final product, it may be worth it to hire a pro. “The average cost in the U.S. to paint your kitchen cabinets is between $1,000 to 1,700 or between $45 to $60 per hour,” says Steckel. “Older cabinets are typically painted with oil paint. However, the most common paint today is latex paint. If you apply latex paint on top of oil-based paint, the paint will slowly peel off and require you to re-paint quicker than you anticipated,” says Steckel. “Instead, use an oil-based primer and then apply the latex paint on your cabinets,” he advises.
Check the painter’s experience: Painting cabinets requires keen attention to detail and experience removing cabinet doors or drawers without damaging the cabinet itself.Ask about time: Request an estimate for how long the project will take so you have a good idea of what you’re up for before you dive into it. You may have to relocate furniture and other items ahead of time.Ask about equipment: Find out if the pro is comfortable purchasing paint and other materials on their own, or if you’re required to pick up some of those tasks.
Check the painter’s experience: Painting cabinets requires keen attention to detail and experience removing cabinet doors or drawers without damaging the cabinet itself. Ask about equipment: Find out if the pro is comfortable purchasing paint and other materials on their own, or if you’re required to pick up some of those tasks.
