Kitchen Cabinet Painting in Crystal Lake, IL
What Goes Into Painting Cabinets
Painting kitchen cabinets takes more than applying a new color. The condition of your cabinets, the type of wood, and the existing finish on them all affect how I approach the job.
Oak cabinets, for example, have a pronounced grain that requires additional attention, while previously painted cabinets can have their own preparation needs. I look at these details before starting so I can determine what needs to be done to get the cabinets ready for a new finish.
I remove the doors and drawer fronts and take them to my shop, where I prepare and spray them. The cabinet frames are prepared and painted in your home.
I handle the work myself, from the initial preparation through the final installation of the doors and hardware, so the person you speak with about the project is also the person doing the work.
A cherry cabinet painting project in Mchenry, IL.
Is Cabinet Painting Right for Your Kitchen?
Not every set of cabinets is a good candidate for painting, so I look at their condition before recommending an approach. The material, existing finish, previous damage, and overall construction all matter.
During the estimate, I’ll examine the doors, drawer fronts, and cabinet frames and discuss any concerns I notice. Solid wood and many previously finished cabinets can be suitable for painting, while certain materials, such as thermofoil, are not.
I’ll also discuss the appearance you’re hoping to achieve. For example, if you have oak cabinets and want a smoother look, we can talk about grain filling and what kind of result is realistic. Filling can reduce the appearance of the open grain, but the natural pattern of the wood will still be visible to some degree.
Example of cabinet damage that can make painting unsuitable: bubbling or warping of the door panel can indicate that the existing material is no longer sound enough to paint.
How I Paint Kitchen Cabinets
I use a multi-step process that includes cleaning, sanding, repairs where needed, priming, and spraying the finish coats. The exact preparation depends on the condition and the type of wood the cabinets are made out of.
1. Inspecting the Existing Cabinets: I look at the cabinet material, existing finish, and overall condition to determine what preparation and repairs may be needed.
2. Removing Doors and Drawer Fronts: I remove the doors and drawer fronts and take them to my shop for preparation and spraying.
3. Cleaning and Degreasing: I thoroughly clean cabinets to remove grease, cooking residue, and other buildup.
4. Sanding and Making Repairs: I sand the surfaces, address imperfections, and fill the wood grain where appropriate.
5. Applying Primer: I apply primer surfacer to prepare the cabinets for the finish coats, sanding between coats as needed.
6. Preparing the Kitchen: I protect the surrounding surfaces, appliances, floors, and areas that aren’t being painted.
7. Painting the Cabinet Frames: I prime and spray the cabinet frames in your home.
8. Spraying the Doors and Drawer Fronts: I apply the finish coats to the doors and drawer fronts at my shop.
9. Reinstalling Everything: I reinstall the doors and drawer fronts, put the hardware back on, and add bumpers.
Not everyone chooses white for their kitchen cabinets. Darker colors, like this black cabinet finish in a Crystal Lake, IL home, can create a completely different look.
Choosing a Cabinet Color
Choosing a new color is one of the biggest decisions when having your kitchen cabinets painted. I can help you consider different options based on the colors and materials already in your kitchen. Your countertops, flooring, backsplash, and wall color all play a part in how a cabinet color will look once everything comes together.
Some homeowners prefer a clean white, while others want warmer neutrals, grays, or darker colors to change the look of their kitchen. If you already have a color picked out from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, or another paint manufacturer, I can discuss matching that color to the cabinet coating being used.
Warm tan cabinets in an Algonquin, IL home, showing how a softer, neutral color can bring warmth to a kitchen without choosing white.
How Long Does Kitchen Cabinet Painting Take?
The time required depends on the size of the kitchen, the number of doors and drawers, and how much preparation the cabinets need. Projects involving extensive repairs or grain filling take longer than cabinets that are already in good condition.
I’ll give you an estimated timeframe when I look at the kitchen and explain what the work will involve. I’ll also keep you informed as the project moves along so you know what to expect.
Kitchen cabinets painted in Huntley, IL, with a smooth, even finish
The Finished Cabinet Coating and How to Care for It
The preparation and coatings used on kitchen cabinets make a huge difference in how the finish looks and how it holds up over time. I take the time to clean, sand, prime, and prepare the cabinets properly before applying the top coats of the color.
I spray a catalyzed coating made specifically for cabinets and furniture. Once cured, it dries to a hard, durable surface that stands up to normal kitchen use and allows everyday food spills to be wiped away without damaging the finish when cleaned properly.
Painted cabinets do need some care, particularly while the new coating is curing. I recommend giving the coating time to cure before cleaning it. For routine cleaning, a soft, damp rag with warm water is usually all that’s needed. If you need something more, a small amount of dish soap can be used. I recommend avoiding abrasive scrubbers and harsh cleaners that could damage the coating.
Large kitchen drawer fronts sprayed with a super smooth finish for a homeowner in Crystal Lake, IL.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting in Crystal Lake and Nearby Communities
I’m based in Crystal Lake and provide kitchen cabinet painting for homeowners in the surrounding area, including Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, Huntley, Woodstock, Cary, McHenry, and nearby communities.
If you’re considering painting your kitchen cabinets, I can take a look at your existing cabinets, answer your questions, and provide an estimate for the work.
Kitchen cabinet painting project in the Turnberry subdivision of Lakewood, IL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all kitchen cabinets be painted?
Not all cabinets are suitable for painting. The material, existing finish, and overall condition need to be evaluated first. I’ll look over your cabinets during the estimate and let you know whether painting is a good option.
Will the grain still show on oak cabinets?
Grain filling can reduce the appearance of the open pores in oak, creating a smoother surface. However, the natural pattern of the wood will still be visible to some degree.
Do you remove the cabinet doors to paint them?
Yes. I remove the doors and drawer fronts, label them so they can be returned to their proper locations, and take them to my shop for preparation and spraying. The cabinet frames are prepared and sprayed at your home.
Do you brush or spray the cabinets?
I spray the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and frames. This provides a consistent, smooth finish without the brush marks or roller texture that can occur with other application methods.
Can I use my kitchen while the cabinets are being painted?
There will be periods when access to parts of the kitchen is limited, mostly while the cabinet frames are being sprayed. The doors and drawer fronts are painted at my shop, but the work at your home still requires masking and a contained work area. I’ll explain what to expect before the project begins.
How long will painted cabinets last?
The life of the finish depends on the cabinet condition, preparation, products used, and how the cabinets are treated afterward. A properly prepared and applied cabinet coating is designed to handle normal everyday use for many years, but painted cabinets can still be scratched or damaged.
Do you provide free estimates?
Yes. I provide free in-home estimates for kitchen cabinet painting. I’ll look over your cabinets, discuss the color you’re considering, and explain the preparation and painting involved.
Another kitchen cabinet painting project completed in the Turnberry subdivision of Lakewood, IL.
Ready to Update Your Kitchen Cabinets?
If you’re ready to give your kitchen a different look without replacing the existing cabinets, I’d be happy to take a look at your project. I’ll explain what the work involves, answer your questions, and provide a free estimate.