These are some common questions that Painted Freedom customers ask us about painting their kitchen cabinets:

 

Is it Expensive?:

A: No.  New, standard modular cabinets are around $110 per linear foot. You can double that for custom cabinetry, and that's with a standard finish option. High end English cabinets with hand-painted finishes double once again.  You can also keep the wood look by having the cabinets stripped, bleached and refinished.  This is a messy and expensive process with sometimes very disappointing results. Your other option is for Painted Freedom to paint the cabinets.  This is clearly the most cost-effective of all, and offers the best return on your investment.

What is involved?

A: Each kitchen needs to be evaluated by Painted Freedom, however the process generally would be done in these steps:

1. All cabinets are washed with Mineral Spirits or TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) if needed, to remove any grease or dirt build-up.
2. All doors, hardware and hinges are removed (in most cases).  Sometimes we paint the hinges or mask around them. 
3. Cabinets are thoroughly sanded and dusted. Dents and scratches can be repaired upon agreement and/or desired finished look.
4. We use a good quality primer which will adhere to old finishes far better than top coat alone.
5. A final coat of enamel is applied to the cabinet bases. An additional 3rd coat may be applied to doors and drawers, as these areas have more wear and tear.

Q: Do I have to empty everything out of the cabinets?

A: If you want to have the inside painted, yes, they would have to be emptied. Otherwise, you can leave everything inside and the interior of the cabinets can be sealed off with plastic, or the cabinet bases can be painted by hand, with the doors painted separately.

Q: What kind of paint should be used?

A:  Latex and acrylic primers and enamels, high quality products, are best for this type of work. They have a hard finish that resists chips and dents. 

Q: How long will it take to complete the work?

A: A small to medium kitchen will take about three to  five days. Larger jobs will take from four to seven days. If you have other dark wood work in your home – bathroom vanities, doors, casings, base, etc. We also can paint walls for you.   These all can be painted at the same time as your cabinets, giving the whole house a new look.

Q: How long will the paint job last?

A: If the above process is followed, the paint job should last for many years, probably longer than the finish you currently have. Of course, this will depend on the amount of traffic that goes through the kitchen. Just as the painted wood work and doors in your home need periodic painting, so the kitchen cabinets will also need maintenance. An advantage to painted cabinets is that any nicks or worn areas can easily be touched-up, thereby extending the life of the paint job.

Q: Do I have to paint them white?

A: Not at all! Cabinets in colors can be very exciting in the kitchen –: Blues, Greens,  Sunny Yellows or any other combination. Decorating magazines often show cabinets in Spruce Green, Navy Blue and weathered or faux finishes. One of the latest trends is to have a "brushed" look with distressed edges!  This creates a rustic, country look and is a timeless finish. If you are not sure what color to select Painted Freedom can help advise you on your colors.