Transform your kitchen with these tips and cabinet painting ideas

September 20, 2024
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WOW 1 Day Painting - Cabinet Painting Ideas Interior Colors

A full kitchen renovation is time-consuming and expensive, but a kitchen transformation doesn't have to be. Some creative cabinet painting ideas and a few coats of paint can make a world of difference in transforming your kitchen.

With WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, you can bring your cabinet painting ideas to life and transform your kitchen before dinner time.

To kickstart your kitchen transformation, we've outlined everything you need to know: 

  • Pros and cons of staining kitchen cabinets
  • When to paint your kitchen cabinets and when to stain
  • Painting kitchen cabinets without sanding
  • Monochromatic kitchen color schemes
  • Painting kitchen cabinets without removing doors
  • The longevity of a kitchen cabinet paint job
  • Kitchen cabinet painting ideas
  • Where to begin

Kitchen Cabinet Painting

The kitchen is the heart of your home, so it's essential that it feels inspiring and comfortable. If your kitchen is feeling a bit lackluster, don't worry! With the WOW 1 DAY PAINTING team, a single day and a fresh coat of paint can bring new life and energy to your space.

Can kitchen cabinets be painted?

Yes and no. A fresh coat of paint can dramatically transform your space without the expense or hassle of a full renovation, depending on the cabinet material.

Wood, wood-laminate, and metal cabinets are usually ideal for a paint makeover. However, plastic laminate can be challenging to achieve a smooth, even finish, and intricately detailed wooden cabinets may present similar issues. If you're unsure whether your cabinets are suitable for painting, consulting an expert is always a smart move.

Can kitchen cabinets be restained?

With a bit of sweat and elbow grease, you can certainly restain your kitchen cabinets.

Restaining your cabinets requires a lot of prep work and is a multi-day project - from disassembling and removing the cabinets, to stripping and scraping the original finish, to finally refinishing with the new stain.

For best results, it's a good idea to apply one coat and let it try for 24 hours before applying your second coat. If you'd rather enjoy your weekend, a team of experts from WOW 1 DAY PAINTING can promptly do the dirty work for you.

Is it better to restain or paint cabinets?

It depends on your needs and project goals! If you have solid wood cabinets, you may opt to restain your cabinets to protect their quality and enhance their beauty. If you're looking to completely transform your space, paint is a great, inexpensive option that can make your existing kitchen feel like part of a brand new home. Both options will refresh your space, but each comes with its own considerations.

Restaining cabinets can be a messy, time consuming project. If you choose to take on this project, be prepared for things to get very, very dusty. As such, be sure to wear the proper protective wear. If you choose to take the painting route, be wary that a DIY paint job requires lots of prep work to prevent your hard work from scuffing, cracking and chipping.

Can kitchen cabinets be painted without sanding?

There's no denying that sanding is a messy, time consuming project. Thankfully, certain cabinet materials, like laminate, are best-painted without sanding.

However, if you choose to skip sanding it's important to diligently prep your cabinets in other ways. To ensure an even, durable finish, you must thoroughly scrub your cabinets of any grease or debris.

You also want to make sure that you're selecting the right paint for the job. We recommend using a high-quality paint that's specifically made for cabinets. While it's not required, we also recommend using glossier paints as they're easier to keep clean.

When to not skip sanding

There are a few instances where sanding is a crucial step to the painting process. If your existing cabinets are finished with a glossy paint, have rough or damaged surfaces, have a dark finish or are stained, you're going to want to sand the surfaces for optimal results.

You may also want to refer to your cabinets' manufacturer's instructions as some cabinets might explicitly require sanding prior to refinishing. When in doubt, it's always good to defer to the experts.

Can kitchen cabinets and walls be the same color?

We say, why not! When selecting paint colors for your home, you're really choosing the mood for your space. Having a monochromatic color scheme creates a sense of continuity and can make a small space feel larger.

A monochromatic look can also give your space a serene and contemporary mood as the elements of your kitchen won't be competing against each other. If you really want to commit to this look, you can even try painting your ceilings to match!

If you're a color-lover and are worried about your kitchen feeling flat, you can also try painting the inside of your cabinets with a pop of color.

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WOW 1 Day Painting - Cabinet Painting Ideas Interior Colors

At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. If you're unsure, looking at reference photos can help narrow down your cabinet painting ideas.

Can I paint my kitchen cabinets without taking them down?

You certainly can, although we don't recommend doing so. While taking your cabinets doors off can be a time consuming process, it can save you time in the long run. Removing your cabinets and their hardware makes it easier and faster for you to apply a smooth, even coat of paint.

Pro tip for if you choose to remove your cabinets, label the doors! You'll be thankful that you did when it comes time to reinstall your doors and admire your handiwork.

If this part of the process sounds daunting, we've got you covered. Our team of experts will handle the removal and installation for you so all you have to do is say WOW!

How long do painted cabinets last?

The longevity of your paint job is dependent on the quality of the application. A rushed DIY paint job is more prone to cracking and chipping than a professional one. If done correctly with high-quality materials, your cabinet paint should hold up for 8-15 years.

If you're going through the trouble of painting your cabinets, you should take the necessary steps to ensure you can enjoy the finished product of your hard work for years to come. Using high-quality paint, doing multiple even, thin coats and allowing your cabinets to fully dry between coats and before use will boost the quality and longevity of your paint job.

Cabinet painting colors

There is no shortage of colors to choose from when it comes to painting your kitchen cabinets, so when selecting your color scheme, you should consider how you want your kitchen to feel. After all, a fresh coat of paint can totally transform the mood of your space!

Here are a few cabinet painting ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Classic white and soft gray

This color scheme offers a fresh and sophisticated look. White cabinets paired with soft gray accents create a light and airy atmosphere that feels both classic and modern.

Deep navy and crisp white

Pairing deep navy cabinets with crisp white trim offers a striking and sophisticated feel. The high contrast between colors adds a touch of drama while maintaining a polished and refined appearance.

Warm taupe and cream

If you're going for a homey and relaxing mood, then this could be the color scheme for you. Taupe cabinets with cream accents create a warm and comforting ambience, giving your kitchen a welcoming vibe.

Soft sage green and white

Pairing sage green with white accents can create a calming and nature-inspired environment. This scheme brings a touch of tranquility and a breath of fresh air into the kitchen.

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WOW 1 Day Painting - Cabinet Painting Ideas Interior Colors

Charcoal gray and a pop of color

Charcoal gray cabinets with bold accent colors offer a contemporary and vibrant look. Try pairing the gray with a bold yellow shade to energize your space while keeping it sleek and stylish.

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WOW 1 Day Painting - Cabinet Painting Ideas Interior Colors

Matte black and gold accents

This color scheme brings on the glamor! Matte black cabinets with gold hardware and accents offer a sophisticated and luxurious look.

Where to begin?

So, you know you want to give your kitchen a new feel but don't know where to start. We're here to help! Our team of experts will visit, inspect your space and get you a free quote as soon as possible. If you're undecided on your color scheme we can help with that, too!

Get a free quote today

WOW 1 DAY PAINTING

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