My Experience With Painting Vs Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

When my husband and I first moved into our home, we knew that the kitchen needed some major updating. One of the biggest decisions we had to make was whether to paint or reface the kitchen cabinets. After researching and considering our budget, we ultimately decided to paint the cabinets ourselves. Here’s what we learned.

Painting Vs Refacing Kitchen Cabinets: Explained

Painting and refacing kitchen cabinets are two popular ways to update the look of your kitchen without completely replacing the cabinets. Painting involves applying a new coat of paint or stain to the existing cabinets, while refacing involves covering the existing cabinet boxes with new doors and drawer fronts, as well as adding new hardware.

Step by Step Guide for Current Trends on Painting Vs Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

If you’re considering painting or refacing your kitchen cabinets, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the decision:

1. Evaluate the condition of your current cabinets. If the cabinets are in good condition but just need a new look, painting may be the best option.
2. Determine your budget. Refacing can be more expensive than painting, but it can also add more value to your home.
3. Consider the style of your kitchen. Refacing can give your kitchen a completely new look, while painting may be better for a more subtle change.
4. Research different colors and designs for both painting and refacing options.
5. Hire a professional or DIY. Painting cabinets yourself can save money, but refacing is often best left to professionals.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas on Painting Vs Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Here are some top tips and ideas to consider when deciding between painting and refacing kitchen cabinets:

Painting cabinets is a more affordable option than refacing or replacing them entirely.
Refacing cabinets can add more value to your home if you plan to sell in the future.
Painting cabinets can be done in any color, while refacing options may be more limited.
Refacing can give your kitchen a completely new look without the cost of a full remodel.
Choose a high-quality paint or finish for painting cabinets to ensure longevity.
Refacing can be done with a variety of materials, including wood, laminate, and veneer.
Consider adding new hardware to cabinets during both painting and refacing to complete the look.
Both painting and refacing can be done quickly, with most projects taking only a few days.
Refacing can be more durable than painting, especially in high-use areas such as the kitchen.
Choose a professional with experience in either painting or refacing, depending on which option you choose.

Pros and Cons of Painting Vs Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding between painting and refacing kitchen cabinets:

Painting Cabinets

Pros:

More affordable than refacing or replacing cabinets
Can be done quickly and easily
Can be done in any color or finish

Cons:

May not last as long as refacing or replacing cabinets
May require touch-ups over time
May not add as much value to your home as refacing

Refacing Cabinets

Pros:

Can give your kitchen a completely new look
Can add value to your home
Durable and long-lasting

Cons:

More expensive than painting cabinets
May require professional installation
Options may be more limited than painting

My Personal Review and Suggestion on Painting Vs Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

After painting our kitchen cabinets ourselves, we were happy with the results and felt that it was a more affordable option for us. However, if we had a larger budget and wanted a completely new look, we would have considered refacing. Ultimately, it comes down to your budget and personal preference. If you’re looking for a quick and affordable update, painting may be the best option. If you’re looking for a more drastic change and have the budget for it, refacing may be the way to go.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can you paint over refaced cabinets?

A: Yes, you can paint over refaced cabinets, but it may not adhere as well as painting directly onto the original cabinets.

Q: How long does it take to reface cabinets?

A: Refacing cabinets can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of your kitchen and the materials used.

Q: Do I need to sand my cabinets before painting?

A: Yes, it’s important to sand your cabinets before painting to ensure that the paint adheres properly.