Should you paint the kitchen cabinets?

Hi Carmela!  I have seen some cabinets in homes where they did a lovely job and always went light...and I've seen a few disasters.  I guess getting the best professional would be a good idea if you're considering it.

Carmela, Years ago my Dad painted his cabinets and they looked great until they started peeling.  He should have put a coat of Kilz on.  I have learned by his lesson and always prime before I paint.  I refisnish furniture as a hobby and have not had a problem if I Kilz first.

Yop...I am not big on painting wood but sometimes a white layer is still going to make a better impression...

Carmela, I'm a big proponent of painting cabinetry, when appropriate.  It's a lot of work if done properly, but it's a whole lot cheaper than replacing the cabinets.  Again, if done well, I think they look great, whatever the color -- again, appropriate to the decor.  

I'm BIG on painting cabinets.....both Kitchen & Bathrooms.  Nothing dates a house more than outdated wood/oak cabinets and paint will make it all new again!!

I do agree that the painter needs to know how to do this type of job to make them look right and last!

I also agree - painting kitchen cabinets makes a huge difference.  As Kathy says, even oak cabinets that are in good shape just date a kitchen so much.  You can have the doors removed and professionally spray painted.  This gives a great finish.  Ben Moore - Marscapone for white cabinets.

Carmela- We are huge proponents of painting cabinets.  I also have painted the cabinets in my kitchen and bathrooms and I love them!  Most times, the homeowners tell us they wish they had painted a long time ago.

I agree with painting kitchen cabinets as a way to update the look without the expense of remodelling.  So many of us are afraid of doing this, but as others have said, when done right they can be stunning.  And changing the hardware is the jewellery to the whole look.  I could easily say it is just paint, but the reality is it is a big job.

Painting cabinets can completely transform a kitchen or bathroom.  I've seen them painted true black beautifully.  

Regarding your color question, I've seen bright hues applied to the base cabinetry of islands.  It's a trend that appeared over the last few years.  As with any trend, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.  I think if you're using color, it should be bold and not washed out.  If you do it, commit to it!

Painting the cabinets can transform an entire kitchen from outdated and boring to modern and upscale. Just did one with BM classic Brown and a dark, almost black glaze over old oak cabinets. They look stunning!

Carmela,

As you know I love painted wood. I'm a big believer in making everything lighter and brighter when selling. There are also great tutorials out there on the internet so homeowners can do it themselves, which save a lot of money.  In a small kitchen light is the best way to go I think, and regardless of the color chosen, the most important thing is to finish them off with with Polyurathane. Cabinets get a lot of use and will chip if this step is left out.

I just painted a dining room table in a creamy white and used wipe on "Poly" from Minwax, just use a piece of an old T shirt and wipe on, that easy!