Transform Your Kitchen with Professional Cabinet Painting
Nothing dates a home quite like 1990s oak cabinets with their orange-tinted finish and cathedral arch doors. But you don’t need to spend $30,000 or more on cabinet replacement to get a modern, updated kitchen. Professional cabinet painting delivers a stunning transformation at a fraction of the cost.
At John Claude Painting, we specialize in converting dated wood cabinets into smooth, factory-finish modern cabinetry. Using professional spray equipment and premium cabinet coatings, we create surfaces that look and feel like brand-new custom cabinets.
Why Cabinet Painting Makes Sense
Cost Comparison
The numbers tell a clear story:
| Option | Typical Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Replacement | $15,000 - $50,000+ | 4-8 weeks |
| Cabinet Refacing | $8,000 - $15,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| Cabinet Painting | $3,500 - $8,000 | 5-7 days |
Professional cabinet painting typically costs 50-70% less than replacement while achieving a similar modern aesthetic. Learn more in our detailed cabinet painting vs replacement guide.
When Painting Works Best
Cabinet painting is ideal when:
- Your cabinet boxes are structurally sound
- You’re happy with your current layout
- You want to update the color/finish
- Your budget doesn’t allow for replacement
- You want minimal kitchen disruption
When to Consider Replacement
Replacement makes more sense if:
- Cabinet boxes are damaged, warped, or water-damaged
- You want to change the layout significantly
- You’re doing a complete kitchen remodel
- Cabinets have functional issues (hinges, drawers)
Our Cabinet Painting Process
Day 1: Preparation Begins
Morning: Our team arrives and begins the careful process of removing cabinet doors and drawers. Each piece is labeled and numbered for precise reassembly later.
Afternoon: We clean all surfaces to remove grease, grime, and residue that could affect paint adhesion. Kitchen cabinets accumulate years of cooking oils and cleaning product residue.
Days 2-3: Surface Preparation
Critical Step: This is where most DIY cabinet projects fail. Proper prep includes:
- Deglossing to remove shine and create tooth for paint
- Sanding with fine-grit paper for smoothness
- Filling any dings, dents, or wood grain (for smooth finish)
- Priming with bonding primer designed for cabinets
- Sanding the primer smooth before paint
We typically sand surfaces 2-3 times throughout the process. This tedious work is what creates a truly smooth finish.
Days 4-5: Spray Application
Using professional HVLP spray equipment, we apply multiple thin coats:
First Coat: Light application that provides base coverage Dry time: 2-4 hours
Light Sand: Knock down any particles or imperfections Remove dust completely
Second Coat: Full coverage with even mil thickness Dry time: 2-4 hours
Third Coat (if needed): Additional coverage for complete opacity
The spray technique is what separates professional results from brush-and-roll DIY attempts. No brush marks, no roller stipple – just smooth, factory-quality surfaces.
Days 6-7: Reassembly and Completion
Cabinet Boxes: We paint the face frames and visible interior surfaces Doors and Drawers: Reinstalled with new or existing hardware Adjustments: Doors aligned, hinges adjusted, soft-close checked Final Inspection: Walkthrough with you to ensure satisfaction
What We Paint
Kitchen Cabinets
Our most popular service includes:
- Upper cabinets
- Base cabinets
- Pantry cabinets
- Island cabinets
- Cabinet interiors (optional)
Bathroom Vanities
Transform dated bathroom cabinets:
- Vanity bases
- Medicine cabinets
- Linen cabinets
- Storage cabinets
Built-In Cabinetry
We also refinish:
- Entertainment centers
- Bookshelves
- Mudroom lockers
- Closet built-ins
- Laundry room cabinets
Choosing Your Cabinet Color
Most Popular Colors
Classic White: The most requested color. Brightens spaces and never goes out of style. Works with any decor.
Off-White/Cream: Softer than bright white. Warmer feel that complements wood floors and warm-toned countertops.
Gray Tones: From light dove gray to darker charcoal. Modern and sophisticated. Pairs well with white countertops and stainless appliances.
Navy Blue: Bold statement color for islands or full kitchens. Creates dramatic, high-end look.
Sage Green: Trending color that brings subtle warmth. Works well in farmhouse and transitional styles.
Two-Tone Options
Many clients choose different colors for upper and lower cabinets:
- White uppers with gray lowers
- White uppers with navy island
- Gray uppers with white lowers
Hardware Recommendations
New hardware completes the transformation:
- Modern: Simple bar pulls in matte black or brushed nickel
- Traditional: Cup pulls and knobs in oil-rubbed bronze
- Transitional: Clean lines in satin nickel or brass
Products We Use
Cabinet Coatings
We use professional-grade products designed specifically for cabinetry:
- Bonding Primers: Ensure adhesion to wood and previously finished surfaces
- Cabinet Enamels: Self-leveling formulas that create smooth finishes
- Hybrid Coatings: Combine durability of oil-based with easy cleanup of water-based
Why Product Choice Matters
Standard wall paint will fail on cabinets within months. Cabinet-specific coatings provide:
- Hardness to resist scratches
- Flexibility to handle door movement
- Adhesion to survive constant handling
- Cleanability for kitchen environments
Frequently Asked Questions
How durable is painted finish vs. factory finish?
With proper preparation and professional products, painted cabinets are extremely durable. Our finishes withstand daily use, cleaning, and the occasional bump. Most clients report their cabinets looking great 8-10+ years after painting.
Can you paint laminate cabinets?
Yes, with the right products and preparation. Laminate requires special bonding primers to ensure adhesion. Results are excellent when done correctly.
What about the cabinet interiors?
We can paint interiors for an additional cost. Many clients choose to leave interiors unpainted (especially if they’re in good condition) to reduce cost.
Do you replace hardware?
We can install new hardware you provide, or help you source hardware that complements your new finish. Hardware installation is included in our quotes.
How do I care for painted cabinets?
Clean with soft cloth and mild soap/water. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Wipe up spills promptly. Your cabinets will look great for years with basic care.
The John Claude Painting Difference
Why Our Results Are Superior
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Spray-Only Finish: We never brush or roll cabinet surfaces. Spray application is the only way to achieve factory-smooth results.
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Prep-Heavy Process: We spend more time on preparation than most painters spend on entire projects. This is the secret to lasting results.
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Premium Products: Professional cabinet coatings cost more but deliver dramatically better durability and finish quality.
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Experience: We’ve refinished hundreds of Phoenix kitchens and know exactly what works in our climate.
What Sets Us Apart
- No subcontractors – our trained team handles your project
- Detailed estimates with no hidden fees
- Clean, organized job sites (we clean up daily)
- Warranty on our workmanship
- References available from past kitchen projects
Ready for Your Kitchen Transformation?
Stop living with dated cabinets that bring down your whole kitchen. Professional cabinet painting from John Claude Painting delivers stunning results at a fraction of replacement cost.
Call us at 602-572-1234 or request a free estimate today. We’ll assess your cabinets, discuss color options, and show you exactly how we’ll transform your kitchen.
