Do Painted Kitchen Cabinets Hold Up? An Overview of Their Durability
Are you considering painting your kitchen cabinets? If so, you’re likely wondering if painted cabinets are a viable option for your home. After all, the kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in a house—it’s not unusual for it to be used several times a day.
Generally speaking, painted kitchen cabinets may need to be repainted every 3-5 years. With the right techniques, painting your kitchen cabinets can mean that they last for many years—sharing good looks and smooth operation each step of the way.
Let’s take a closer look and answer the question do painted kitchen cabinets hold up?
How Long Do Painted Kitchen Cabinets Last?
Painted kitchen cabinets are an attractive and relatively inexpensive way to refresh the look of your home. But, when it comes to how long they will last before they start to look bad, it really depends on the quality of the paint job and the amount of maintenance taken over the years.
Generally speaking, good quality painted cabinetry can last for up to five or six years if cared for properly. However, if you’re a bit lax with regular cleaning and upkeep, you could find yourself repainting them in as little as two or three years—so it’s important that you stay committed to seasonal deep cleanings in order to keep them looking their best for as long as possible.
Pros And Cons Of Painted Kitchen Cabinets
So is painting your kitchen cabinets something that you’d regret? Here are some pros and cons for you to consider.
First the pros:
Painted kitchen cabinets offer a great way to update and refresh the look of your kitchen without spending too much money. On the plus side, painting is relatively quick and easy; simply remove hardware, prep the surface, apply a few coats of paint, then reinstall hardware!
When you choose to paint you can customize the style and color of your cabinets with a wealth of options.
Light and bright or dark and moody, its completely up to you.
Switching up the color can cover nicks and dents in existing cabinets with minimal effort compared to total replacement.
Cons to consider:
However you should still be aware of a few of the possible downsides – it can become quite time consuming if you’re not familiar with the process and have many doors or drawers to complete.
Enforcing durability may require additional layering of sealants over a freshly painted surface.
It can be difficult to evenly apply the finishes and produce an overall smooth look.
If humidity levels are too high, it files down hard edges which can lead to chipping or flaking of the paint.
A professional look can take a fair bit of preparation beforehand.
DIY vs Professionally Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Speaking of a professional look let’s also discuss whether you should call the pros in to paint your kitchen cabinets.
Is one option truly longer lasting than the other? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, a professionally-painted job certainly offers some benefits that DIYers cannot easily replicate on their own.
Professional painters often have access to higher quality paints and primers, as well as specialized tools, which can lead to better results in terms of coverage, color uniformity, and overall durability.
In addition, depending upon the painter and application techniques used, professional paint jobs may also be for more resistant to scratches, chips, and fading over time than those done by inexperienced or amateur painters.
Tips To Keep Painted Kitchen Cabinets Looking Good
Prime Your Surface
If you’re looking to prevent chips, use a good quality primer. That will help form a lasting bond between the paint and the surface of your kitchen cabinet.
Cleaning surfaces with mild detergent prior to using paint is also ideal for ensuring that your new coat of finish will look great for years to come.
Paint Quality Matters
The quality of paint you use will have an impact on the longevity of your painted kitchen cabinets. Low-quality paint won’t adhere as well as high-quality brands and will be much more likely to chip or flake off over time.
So, if you want your painted kitchen cabinets to last for years, invest in good paint—it’s worth spending more upfront rather than having to repaint down the line.
Choose the Right Paint Finish
Another factor that affects the durability of painted kitchen cabinets is the finish you choose. What paint should be used to paint the kitchen cabinet? Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes are all great options since they can stand up against spills and grease splatters with ease.
On the other hand, flat finishes should be avoided because they won’t offer enough protection against water damage or everyday wear-and-tear.
Maintenance Is Key
No matter what kind of finish you choose, proper maintenance is essential if you want your painted kitchen cabinets to stand up over time. Regularly cleaning off any dirt or food particles that accumulate on your cabinet doors can help prevent any long-term damage from occurring. You should also apply new coats of sealant whenever necessary to ensure that moisture doesn’t seep into the wood underneath.
FAQ
Does painting your kitchen cabinets decrease home value?
If you are ever thinking about selling your home, this isn’t necessarily the best option to increase its value – there’s no guarantee that potential buyers will prefer your new custom shade of yellow over the original style of the cabinets.
If you truly want to increase the value of your home, opting for a remodel using a neutral and timeless color or replacing them altogether might be a better investment.
Does painting kitchen cabinets look cheap?
Many people worry that painting their cabinets will look too cheap or amateur-looking, but with the right preparation and the right paints, you can achieve a professional finish that looks like it just came out of a showroom!
Preparing your cabinets takes time and patience, but if done properly, it can prevent chips and fading in the long run.
How often to paint kitchen cabinets?
It is best to repaint them about every five years in order to prevent chips, scratches, and other paint damage from occurring. This will also help prevent the need for more extensive painting or staining down the line. Additionally, changing the color periodically can give your kitchen a brand new feel without needing any major remodeling projects.
Is It Worth Painting Kitchen Cabinets?
Even though there may be some extra effort involved in caring for them, properly maintained painted kitchen cabinets can last for many years without any issues. However, it’s important to use high-quality paint and select an appropriate finish when painting them in order to maximize their lifespan. Additionally, regular maintenance is key if you want your cabinet doors to stay looking like new! With these tips in mind, you can enjoy beautiful and durable painted kitchen cabinets for years to come!
