Is it Better to Replace Kitchen Cabinets Or Paint Them?
Before you decide to paint your kitchen cabinets, it is important to consider their structural integrity. If a cabinet has multiple areas of damage, it may be better to have them replaced rather than painting them. If you are not a skilled DIYer, you may want to consult a professional for advice.
Repainting
Before repainting your kitchen cabinets, you need to prepare them for the paint job. You should prime the wood first to prevent air bubbles and blotches. Then, paint them with a roller or brush. When applying the paint, make sure to use even strokes so the paint does not run or pool in the nooks and crannies. If necessary, use a small paint brush to clean up drips and smooth out the beveled edges.
The paint used for repainting kitchen cabinets is usually acrylic or oil-based. Typically, these paints are durable and will last several years. You can also use solid-colored lacquers if the cabinets are brand-new. Repainting cabinets is an inexpensive way to give your kitchen a fresh, new look. It costs less than replacing them, and paints have the same durability as new cabinets.
Refacing
There are many benefits of refacing kitchen cabinets instead of painting them. Painted cabinets require much more maintenance and are prone to dust and dirt. You also have to be careful with harsh cleaners because they can strip paint. Moreover, you have to allow ample drying time between coats. You may need the help of a professional to complete the project.
Refacing your cabinets will add value to your home when you decide to sell it. You won’t need to buy new doors or drawer fronts, which is a significant savings. Refacing also allows you to incorporate new design elements and features into your kitchen. In addition, it is a great DIY project.
Painting
Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great DIY project that is easy to complete. However, it’s important to know that there are a few things that you should do correctly in order to avoid making mistakes. First, you should consider the environmental conditions. The temperature, humidity and air quality will all affect the quality of your paint job. Make sure that the area you’re working in is free from dust and pollen, which can settle on the wet paint. In addition, you should choose a climate-controlled work space if you’ll be painting cabinets throughout the year.
You’ll also need a flat work area to paint the cabinets. You can use sawhorses or a drop cloth to create a workstation on which you can paint. If you’re painting the cabinets’ doors, you’ll find it much easier to prop them up so that you can reach the corners more easily. A long ladder will also be handy.
Cost
Replacing kitchen cabinets is not a cheap project. Often, the process involves completely taking out the old cabinets and tearing them apart. This process can disrupt the entire house for three to four days. However, refacing your kitchen cabinets can be a cheaper alternative, especially if you want to add storage space. If you are not sure whether refacing is right for your space, consider looking at used cabinets that are in good condition. Garage sales and Craigslist are a great place to find used cabinets for sale. In the end, though, new cabinets are not only a great investment, they can also improve the value of your home.
The cost of replacing kitchen cabinets depends on the type of cabinets and the size of your kitchen. For instance, if you’d like to get brand-new, birch cabinets, you should expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for a new set of cabinets. The low end of this price range is represented by stock cabinets from big box stores, while the high end is reserved for custom cabinetry. The cost of birch cabinets is significantly lower than that of other wood materials. In addition, birch cost up to 80 percent less than the cost of regular plywood.
