One of our favorite recent projects took place in the beautiful Covington Lakes subdivision in Huntley, IL. The homeowners wanted to give their maple kitchen cabinets a fresh, modern look to match their newly installed flooring.
They had considered going with a gray color, but after reviewing samples and lighting in the space, they decided on Pure White from Sherwin Williams — a timeless, clean color that instantly brightens any kitchen.
Our cabinet painters in Huntley IL specialize in residential painting. We provide painting services in the surrounding suburbs, too, like Crystal Lake, Cary, Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, McHenry, and Woodstock.
For this project, our goal was to deliver a flawless, durable finish that looked as if the cabinets had come straight from the factory.
This post walks you through exactly how we approached this transformation — step by step — and why homeowners choose our team when searching for experienced cabinet painters in Huntley IL.
Project Overview: A Maple Cabinet Transformation in Covington Lakes, Huntley IL
The kitchen featured beautiful maple cabinets that were structurally sound but had become dull and dated over the years, and our customer didn’t want to spend a ton of money replacing them.
The homeowner’s new flooring gave the space a fresh start, but the warm tone of the cabinets no longer complemented the rest of the kitchen. They wanted a color that would make the room feel more open, brighter, and more contemporary.
After comparing several options, the homeowner chose Pure White from Sherwin Williams, a versatile and popular color that pairs perfectly with just about any floor or countertop.
Our team explained the process, discussed finish options, and helped the homeowner understand the benefits of spray painting for the smoothest, most professional finish possible.
Step 1: Preparation and Labeling for a Smooth Reinstallation
Before we began painting, every door, drawer, and piece of hardware was carefully removed and labeled.
Organization is a big part of our cabinet painting process because it ensures a smooth and efficient reinstallation when the job is complete.
Each piece was numbered and matched to its location on the cabinet frame. Hardware was stored securely in labeled bags so that nothing would be misplaced.
This level of attention to detail is part of what sets Advantage Painting Services apart from other painting companies in McHenry County.
Step 2: Cleaning and Degreasing the Surfaces
In many kitchens, especially around areas like the stove or microwave, cabinet doors can accumulate grease and residue over time.
In this particular home on Balmoral Drive, several of the cabinet doors near the microwave area required extensive cleaning before we could begin sanding them for paint.
We used a professional-grade degreaser to thoroughly scrub each side of every door to remove buildup that could affect adhesion.
A clean cabinet surface is the foundation of a long-lasting paint finish, and skipping this step often leads to peeling or uneven texture later on. De-greasing is the single most important step when it comes to kitchen cabinet painting.
Step 3: Patching and Repairs Using Bondo Wood Filler
Although the cabinet doors and drawers were in good shape overall, there were a few small dents in the wood that needed attention. The customer also wanted a hardware hole patched.
To repair these areas, we used Bondo wood filler, which provides a strong, smooth surface that blends in seamlessly once painted. Unlike typical wood fillers, Bondo dries quickly and sands down to a perfectly smooth texture, ideal for our spray painting process.
Step 4: Off-Site Preparation and Priming
After cleaning and patching, we transported the cabinet doors and drawers to our off-site workspace. This allows us to spray them in a controlled environment where dust and humidity are carefully managed — ensuring the highest-quality finish possible.
Our customer, who works from home, was also happy to have the cabinet doors painted off-site.
We started with two coats of a high-quality primer surfacer, specially designed for cabinets. The primer helps seal the surface and maximize paint adhesion.
Between each coat, we sanded lightly to eliminate any raised grain and ensure the next coat would apply evenly. This meticulous prep work creates the foundation for the sleek, factory-smooth finish that our clients love.
Step 5: Applying Sherwin Williams Pure White
Once the primer coats were complete, we began sanding again and spraying the color. Our customer went with the color Pure White, a Sherwin Williams color we have used many times for kitchen cabinet painting.
The maple wood took the paint beautifully, and the combination of the fine-grain maple surface and our precision spraying resulted in a flawless, glass-smooth finish.
Pure White is one of our most requested cabinet colors because it reflects light beautifully and instantly modernizes older kitchens.
It pairs well with nearly any countertop and backsplash color, and its clean look helps make kitchens feel larger and brighter.
Step 6: Prepping the Kitchen for On-Site Frame Painting
With the cabinet doors and drawers drying off-site, we turned our attention to the kitchen itself. The frames and boxes were still in place, so we took careful steps to protect the surrounding areas.
We used telescoping ZipWall poles and plastic sheeting to fully seal off the kitchen, containing any dust and paint over-spray.
The homeowners were able to leave their dishes inside their cabinets because we taped off each opening with precision, ensuring that nothing inside was exposed during the painting process.
The countertops, floors, ceiling, and appliances were all carefully masked with plastic, paper, and tape to ensure complete protection. When taping the floors and appliances, we used special tape to prevent damage.
Step 7: Cleaning, Patching, and Spraying the Frames
Just like the cabinet doors, the frames were cleaned, patched, and sanded to remove any imperfections.
We applied the same professional primer surfacer followed by two coats of our dedicated cabinet paint, using the color Pure White.
We use a special paint designed for cabinets because it offers incredible durability and a smooth, hard finish that resists yellowing over time.
It’s a top-tier product that provides excellent flow and leveling, leaving a beautifully uniform finish with a slight sheen that’s easy to clean.
This coating also dries quickly, which allowed us to complete the cabinet spraying process in a single day — minimizing the disruption for the homeowner.
Step 8: Fast Drying and Reinstallation
One of the biggest advantages of our cabinet painting process is the fast turnaround time.
Thanks to our fast-drying, professional-grade coatings and organized workflow, we were able to complete the spraying and cleanup in this kitchen in one day.
The next day, we returned to reinstall the freshly painted cabinet doors and drawers. Because everything had been labeled and prepped carefully at the beginning of the job, re-installation went smoothly.
The homeowners were amazed at how quickly their kitchen was transformed from dated wood tones to a bright, modern space, and because we paint doors off-site, we only worked in this home for a few days.
Step 9: The Finished Look
When the project was complete, the Pure White cabinets reflected the light from the kitchen’s large window, creating a space that felt open, clean, and inviting.
The combination of the smooth sprayed finish and the natural maple grain underneath gave the cabinets a subtle depth and elegance that paint brushes simply can’t achieve.
The homeowners were thrilled with the results and couldn’t believe how different their kitchen looked. They mentioned how the white cabinets made the room feel larger and more updated — perfectly matching their new flooring and décor.
Why We Use Sherwin Williams Pre-Catalyzed Paint for Cabinets
At Advantage Painting Services, we only use professional-grade materials that guarantee lasting durability and beautiful results.
For our cabinet painting projects, we use pre-catalyzed paint designed specifically for cabinetry, furniture, and trim.
Here’s why pre-catalyzed coatings are the superior choice for cabinet painting in Huntley IL:
Exceptional Durability: Pre-catalyzed coatings include a built-in catalyst that chemically hardens the finish, making it more resistant to chipping, scratching, and daily wear.
Fast Drying Time: These coatings dry quickly, allowing us to apply multiple coats in a single day—helping homeowners regain use of their kitchens faster.
Professional-Grade Finish: The product we use creates a sleek, smooth surface with a subtle sheen, giving cabinets that factory-sprayed look.
Excellent Adhesion and Chemical Resistance: Perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens, these paints resist grease, moisture, and cleaning agents better than standard paints.
Long-Term Color Retention: The advanced resin system helps the color maintain its brightness and integrity for years to come.
We’ve tested many products over the years, and the pre-catalyzed system consistently delivers the professional results our clients expect—beautiful, smooth finishes that stand the test of time.
Protecting the Home During Cabinet Painting
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have about cabinet painting is the mess. Our team takes that concern seriously.
For this Huntley project, we used a combination of tape, masking paper, plastic sheeting, and dust barriers to protect the home’s interior.
The kitchen was completely sealed off, and all vents were covered to prevent dust from circulating throughout the house. We also set up a fan to ventilate paint fumes. We pride ourselves on treating each home as if it were our own—careful, clean, and professional from start to finish.
Results: A Brighter, More Modern Kitchen
The transformation in this Huntley home was dramatic. The Pure White finish instantly brightened the kitchen and made the new floors stand out even more.
What once felt slightly dated and dark now looks clean, open, and modern. The homeowners were thrilled with the final results.
The smooth finish of the painted cabinets, combined with the professional-quality paint, gave their kitchen a brand-new look without the cost or hassle of replacing them entirely.
We’ve seen similar results for homeowners throughout McHenry County who want to refresh their kitchens with cabinet painting. Whether it’s in Huntley, IL, or somewhere else, our team delivers the same attention to detail and professional results every time.
The Advantage Painting Services Difference
When searching for cabinet painters in Huntley IL, it’s important to find professionals who specialize in cabinet refinishing—not just general painters.
At Advantage Painting Services, our experience, equipment, and process set us apart from typical painting companies.
Here’s what makes us one of the top-rated cabinet painting companies in McHenry County:
We specialize in cabinet spray painting and use professional spray systems for a factory-quality finish.
We only use premium paints designed for kitchen cabinetry
Every project begins with proper prep work—cleaning, de-greasing, patching, sanding, and priming—to ensure long-lasting results.
We’re fully insured, experienced, and locally owned and operated in Crystal Lake, IL.
Our dedication to quality, precision, and customer satisfaction has made us a trusted choice for cabinet painting in Huntley IL and the surrounding areas.
Why Homeowners in McHenry County Love Our Cabinet Painting Service
Cabinet painting has become one of the most popular home improvement projects for homeowners across McHenry County. It’s affordable, fast, and produces results that rival full kitchen remodels.
Here are just a few reasons why more homeowners are turning to professional cabinet painters:
Cost-Effective: Painting costs a fraction of what it would take to replace or reface cabinets.
Minimal Disruption: Most kitchens are fully functional again within just a couple of days.
Custom Colors: You can achieve any look—from bright and airy to bold and dramatic—with endless color options.
Eco-Friendly: Repainting instead of replacing reduces waste and keeps old materials out of landfills.
With professional cabinet painting, your kitchen can look completely new at a much lower cost.
Looking for Cabinet Painters in Huntley IL?
If you’ve been searching online for cabinet painters in Huntley IL or “cabinet painters near me,” look no further. Advantage Painting Services is based in Crystal Lake and proudly serves the Huntley area.
Here are some of the areas in Huntley where we have painted cabinets and home interiors:
Covington Lakes — north of Reed Road & east of Route 47
Talamore — north of Union Road & west of Route 47
Del Webb (Sun City Huntley) — off Del Webb Blvd west of Route 47
Northbridge — along Kreutzer Road corridor
Lions Chase — north of I-90 & west of Route 47
If you’re ready to refresh your home and bring new life to your kitchen, contact Advantage Painting Services—the trusted cabinet painters in Huntley IL and McHenry County.