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PaintingCabinet Painting vs. Replacement: The Smart Homeowner's Guide
Your kitchen cabinets are looking tired and dated. Replacement is the obvious solution, but also the most expensive. Cabinet painting is a dramatically more affordable alternative, but it is not right for every situation.
by Luna Drywall and Paint
The Cost Case for Painting
Full cabinet replacement in a standard kitchen typically runs $15,000 to $40,000 or more depending on material selection and kitchen size. Professional cabinet painting with proper prep and a durable finish system typically runs $2,500 to $7,000 for a full kitchen. For many homeowners, painting delivers 80 percent of the visual impact of replacement at 20 percent of the cost.
When Painting Is the Right Call
Cabinet painting works best when the cabinet boxes are structurally sound, the door profiles are classic enough to work with your updated aesthetic, the kitchen layout functions well, and you are primarily trying to refresh the look. Wood, MDF, and laminate-faced cabinets in good condition can all be successfully painted with the right preparation and products.
The Professional Difference
DIY cabinet painting has a poor track record. The prep required, cleaning, degreasing, sanding, priming, is extensive and unforgiving. Using the wrong primer on wood or the wrong topcoat on MDF results in chips and peeling within months. Professional cabinet painters use catalyzed lacquers or waterborne alkyd systems that cure to a hard, durable finish that holds up to daily use.
Get practical help for your walls and finishes
Luna provides interior painting for homes and businesses across the Lowcountry. We assess the surface, preparation needs, and finish goals before giving an estimate.
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