The Pros and Cons of DIY Cabinet Painting

DIY Cabinet painting is an easy and cost-effective way to update your kitchen without the hassle and complications of remodeling.  However, DIY cabinet painting can also be a tricky job for a do-it-yourselfer to attempt. So is it really all that it’s cracked up to be? If you aspire to use this technique to update your kitchen, here are the pros and cons of this method.

Weighing the Risks & Benefits of Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Painting kitchen cabinets is a popular choice for homeowners who want to give their kitchen a makeover. It’s one of the most budget-friendly options, and it’s also easy to do yourself. However, before you jump in and start painting your cabinets, there are a few things you should know about this project.

Pros of DIY Kitchen Cabinet Painting

1. Budget Friendly
   
   Painting your cabinets is one of the most cost effective ways to upgrade your kitchen. You can choose from many different colors and finishes, which means you can create an entirely new look without spending thousands of dollars on new cabinets. Painting can also be done at any time, even when you’re tight on money or if you don’t have time for more major renovations like installing new cabinets or countertops.

2. Choose Your Own Color Scheme
   
   Choosing your own color scheme allows you to personalize your kitchen design in a way that works best for you and your family’s needs and tastes. The options are endless — from neutral shades like white or gray to bolder colors like yellow or red — there’s something out there for everyone!

3. Quick Fix with Noticeable Impact
   
   Painting diy painting kitchen cabinets is a quick fix with noticeable impact. You can update something else while you wait for new hardware or appliances, or even while you’re waiting for flooring installation. This makes painting cabinets a great option if you’re remodeling during the summer when contractors are busy with other projects.

Cons of DIY Kitchen Cabinet Painting

1. Not all cabinets will be repainted
   
   When you paint your own cabinets, it’s difficult to get them all done at once. If there are other projects going on in your home, it can be difficult to find time to paint cabinets while juggling other things. You may think that because they are in the kitchen they don’t need to match, but a professional painter will ensure that each door and drawer matches perfectly with the rest of the cabinet set.

2. Time and energy consuming
   
   Painting kitchens on your own takes time and energy! Plan on setting aside at least 80-120 hours to do this project correctly. You have to take everything out of the cabinets and clean them thoroughly so they don’t get ruined while they’re being painted. Then, you have to tape off everything so no paint gets on places it shouldn’t go. You also need a lot of patience because painting kitchens can take days depending on how many coats you apply and how much prep work needs done before painting begins.

3. You need a spray gun
   
   Paint guns aren’t cheap, but they’re better than brushes or rollers. A paint gun allows you to apply the paint evenly and quickly — perfect for an intensive kitchen makeover.

4. Not Durable
   
   The problem with painting your own cabinets is that you won’t be able to achieve the same durability as a professional paint job, like one that uses Milesi paint. A professional’s job will last longer than a DIY one because it uses high-quality primers, paint, products, and techniques. It will also withstand wear and tear better than a DIY job because it was done correctly from the beginning.

5. Impossible to do a Professional Level Job
   
   If you want to paint your own cabinets, then you need to have some experience in this area. No matter how much research you do before starting out, there is no guarantee that you will get the results you want.

6. Doesn’t Add Value
   
   One of the main reasons people paint their cabinets is to increase the value of their home. However, when you do a DIY project like this, the quality of the end product may vary and thus — may not add any value to your home.

Conclusion

Before making the commitment to refinish cabinets, first consult a professional. DIY cabinet painting can be a rewarding and cost-saving option for many homeowners—but it’s not for everyone. Each project is different, and a simple paint job may not be enough to meet your needs. If you don’t feel confident in your DIY abilities, if you don’t have the proper equipment, or if you’re just unsure if you really want to go down this path, trust the professionals to do it right.