Guide
Should you paint or replace your kitchen cabinets?
· By GK Painting & Remodeling
Most people asking this question like their kitchen's layout but not its look. That's exactly the kitchen refinishing is made for. Here's how to tell which side of the line yours is on.
Painting makes sense when
- The cabinet boxes are solid, with no water damage or sagging shelves.
- You like the layout and don't need more storage.
- Your counters, backsplash, and sink are staying.
- The cabinets are stained wood, laminate, already painted, or unfinished. We refinish all four.
- You mainly want a new color or a cleaner, smoother finish.
Replacing makes sense when
George checks the condition of your cabinets before he quotes, and he'll tell you plainly if refinishing isn't the right call.
- The cabinet boxes themselves are damaged, for example by a leak, and can't be repaired.
- You want a different layout, more cabinets, or to move the sink or appliances.
- You're changing the size or shape of the counters anyway.
What stays and what changes
Refinishing changes the color and the finish. Your cabinet boxes, counters, backsplash, and layout stay exactly where they are. In this kitchen the cherry went to light gray, and the counters, backsplash, and appliances didn't move.
Even new cabinets can be painted
Sometimes the cabinets are fine and only the color is wrong. This kitchen was newly built in builder white; painting it olive green gave the owners the color they wanted without replacing anything.
What about refacing?
Refacing generally means new doors and drawer fronts, with a veneer applied over the faces of the cabinet boxes. Refinishing keeps the doors and drawer fronts you have and changes their color and finish. If you're weighing the two, George can look at your cabinets and tell you what he'd do.
How long you're without a finished kitchen
Most kitchens take one to two weeks to refinish. The doors and drawer fronts come off and are sprayed, the frames are finished in place, and everything goes back on once the finish has cured enough to handle.
Three quick questions to ask yourself
- Do I like where everything is? If yes, refinishing is probably your answer.
- Are the boxes solid? Look inside the cabinet under the sink, where leaks show first.
- Am I keeping the counters? If yes, refinishing avoids disturbing them.
See how our kitchen cabinet painting works or browse every before and after.
Thinking about your own cabinets?
Send a few details. George will call to talk it through, visit if he needs to see the space, and send a free written quote.
Fully insured. George on every job. Thumbtack Top Pro 2023 to 2025.