Revamping your kitchen cabinets through spraying may seem like a convenient and cost-effective solution to update your space. However, while it offers a quick refresh, it often falls short of the transformative potential offered by a full kitchen makeover. Let’s delve into why a mere spray may not be the best choice for your kitchen upgrade.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about spraying kitchen cabinets and some of the issues and limitations you may encounter.
What is kitchen cabinet spraying?
Kitchen cabinet spraying is a process where you use a paint sprayer to add a new or existing colour to refresh your cabinet doors. Using an airless paint sprayer is a quick and easy way to paint your cabinets and ensure you can get back to using your kitchen as soon as possible.
Spraying your kitchen cabinets rather than painting can result in a smoother finish without leaving unsightly brush strokes or paint drips on your surfaces. It’s also a great way to save money, as you don’t need to buy expensive kitchen units to change the look of your kitchen.
How much does it cost to spray kitchen cabinets?
The cost of spraying your kitchen cabinets depends on a variety of factors. One of the main factors to consider is the size of your kitchen. If you have a large kitchen, you’ll need to buy more resources, such as primer and wood filler.
Another major factor when it comes to costs is whether you’re going to revamp your kitchen yourself or hire a professional kitchen cabinet spraying service. By spraying your kitchen cabinets yourself, you remove the cost of labour. However, you will need to purchase an airless paint sprayer, safety gear, and extra equipment such as wrenches and screwdrivers. These costs add up, with the airless paint sprayer alone priced at approximately £500. Unless you’re planning on painting more rooms in your house, it’s probably not worth the one-off investment.
Hiring a kitchen spraying company will speed up the renovation process, meaning you can get back to using your kitchen after just a few days. The cost of this service will depend on the size of your kitchen, the type of paint, and the finish you choose. It will likely cost you at least £100 per cabinet facing. However, employing a professional ensures that the job will be done to a high standard.
Spraying kitchen cabinets: the Pros and Cons
Before deciding whether to repaint your kitchen cabinets, it’s necessary to understand whether it’s the best option for you. We’ve done the research and collected a list of the pros and cons of kitchen cabinet spraying.
The benefits of kitchen cabinet spraying
Overall, while respraying kitchen cabinets offers benefits such as cost savings and a quick update, it’s important to weigh these advantages against the potential limitations, such as temporary fixes and limited customisation options, to determine if it’s the right choice for your kitchen renovation needs.
Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to a complete kitchen renovation, respraying cabinets is generally more budget-friendly. It allows you to refresh the look of your kitchen without the hefty price tag associated with replacing cabinets entirely.
Just like wrapping your kitchen cabinets, giving them a respray is a more cost-efficient way of refreshing them. This is especially true compared to buying a whole new kitchen and getting it fitted by professionals.
Quick Update: Respraying cabinets can provide a relatively quick update to your kitchen’s appearance. It’s a faster process compared to replacing cabinets, which can involve demolition, ordering new units, and installation.
Environmental Impact: Repainting cabinets instead of replacing them entirely can be more environmentally friendly. It reduces waste by reusing existing materials rather than discarding them and sourcing new ones.
Preservation of Existing Layout: If you’re satisfied with the layout and configuration of your current kitchen cabinets, respraying allows you to maintain this layout while giving the cabinets a fresh look. This can be advantageous if you’re happy with the functionality of your kitchen and want to update its aesthetic appeal.
DIY Option: For those who enjoy DIY projects, respraying cabinets can be a fulfilling endeavour. It allows homeowners to take on a home improvement project themselves and exercise creativity in choosing colours and finishes. However, cabinet spraying can require a large upfront investment in equipment, and there are better, more cost-effective methods to refresh your kitchen to a higher standard.
Increased property value: Having modern-looking kitchen cabinets is a great way of leaving a positive impression on potential buyers or renters of your property. Many people interested in buying homes can be put off by an older kitchen because they see it as a future expense they will need to pay to get it renovated.
The limitations of kitchen cabinet spraying
Limited Transformation: When you opt for spraying your kitchen cabinets, you’re essentially just adding a fresh coat of paint to the existing doors. This means you’re constrained by the current style and design of your cabinets. If you’re seeking a significant change in aesthetics or layout, spraying won’t fulfil those desires.
Temporary Fixes: Spraying over damaged or worn cabinet doors only provides a temporary solution. It doesn’t address underlying structural issues or damage. Over time, chips and peels can occur, necessitating further touch-ups or even replacements. Spraying your kitchen cabinets is a waste of time and money if your cabinet doors are not in the best condition.
Lack of Customisation: When you decide to spray your kitchen cabinets, you’re essentially applying a new layer of paint over the existing surface. This means that you’re limited in terms of changing the style or design of the doors. If you dislike the style or design of your kitchen cabinets, a respray isn’t going to change that. This limitation can be frustrating if you’re looking to create a truly personalised kitchen space.
Durability Concerns: Painted cabinets are prone to chipping and wear, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Unlike alternatives such as vinyl wrapping or replacing doors, sprayed cabinets may require frequent touch-ups to maintain their appearance.
Slow Turnaround: Compared to one of our kitchen makeovers, kitchen resprays typically take much longer to complete, around five working days on average. This saves your kitchen from being out of order for weeks and sometimes months, which is what happens when you have a full kitchen renovation. However, it’s still not as quick as a kitchen makeover, which is completed within two days on average.
While spraying your kitchen cabinets may offer a quick fix, it often falls short of delivering the transformative results you desire. By opting for a full kitchen makeover, you can achieve a truly customised and durable kitchen space that reflects your style and personality. So why settle for a temporary solution when you can have a kitchen that truly stands out?
Can I spray my own kitchen cabinets?
It is possible to spray your kitchen cabinets on your own. However, it can be a long and complicated process. Here are the steps you will need to take.
- First, you will need to remove all the cabinet doors that you want to paint.
- Label your cabinets to make sure you put them all back in the right place at the end.
- Use a degreaser such as sugar soap to remove grease from all units. This process must be done thoroughly, as grease could be on all of your cabinets from all the cooking you do in the kitchen.
- Use a dustless sander to sand every unit and remove old stains or the original paint surface. This is another important step, as without it, the paint you’re adding will not stick to the surface.
- Use the airless sprayer to apply primer to each kitchen cabinet. You will need to buy an adhesion primer for this step, as it is the best primer for sticking to the surface properly.
- Fill and caulk all the kitchen units to prevent any chips or defects from showing once they’ve been painted. To do this, you must meticulously examine each cabinet to ensure you don’t miss any spots. This will take you a while, but spraying your cabinets will be a waste of time if you do not do this step correctly.
- After all of that prep work, you can finally spray your kitchen cabinets. Make sure to choose paint designed for cabinet spraying and apply a minimum of two coats.
- Once the spraying is complete, you will need to reinstall the cabinet doors in your kitchen.
As you can see, spraying your kitchen cabinets by yourself is a long process which requires a lot of research, prior knowledge, and expensive equipment.
Spraying kitchen cabinets: FAQs
This FAQ guide provides expert answers to common questions about spraying kitchen cabinets, whether you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast or a first-time renovator.
Is spray painting kitchen cabinets a good idea?
Spray painting your kitchen cabinets is definitely a cost-effective way of updating your kitchen while saving you time. Using an airless paint sprayer ensures you get a more professional finish than using a brush or roller. However, if the process is not completed to a high standard, your kitchen cabinets could look even worse than before.
Do sprayed kitchens chip?
It’s possible that your sprayed kitchen cabinets will chip and peel over time. This is more likely to happen if you use cheaper, lower-quality paints. However, even if you use high-quality paint, you will still experience chips in your cabinets from wear and tear.
Is it necessary to remove cabinet doors and hardware before spraying?
While it’s not always necessary to remove cabinet doors and hardware before spraying, doing so can make the process easier and ensure even coverage. If you choose to leave them in place, protect surrounding areas with masking tape and plastic sheeting.
How many coats of paint do I need to spray on cabinets?
Before applying paint, you will need to add 1-2 layers of primer. For most kitchen cabinets, one coat of primer is enough. Then, you will need to spray at least two coats of paint.
How long does it typically take to complete a cabinet spraying project?
The time required to complete a cabinet spraying project varies based on factors such as the size of the kitchen, the complexity of the cabinets, and drying times between coats. Typically, plan for several days to allow for thorough preparation, painting, and drying.
Why replacement kitchen cabinet doors are superior
Total Transformation: A kitchen makeover transcends the surface-level refresh offered by spraying. Instead of simply applying a new coat of paint, it involves replacing cabinet doors and panels with entirely new styles and colours. This comprehensive approach allows for a complete transformation of your kitchen’s appearance. From traditional to contemporary, from minimalistic to ornate, the options are endless, enabling you to curate a space that authentically reflects your taste and personality.
With replacement doors, you’re not just refreshing your kitchen – you’re reinventing it.
Enhanced Durability: Investing in new doors and panels means investing in long-term durability. Modern materials and finishes used in replacement doors offer unparalleled resistance to wear and tear. Whether it’s the daily onslaught of cooking splatters, the constant opening and closing of doors, or the inevitable bumps and knocks of everyday life, these doors are built to withstand the rigours of a busy kitchen.
Customisation Options: One of the most compelling aspects of a kitchen makeover is the sheer breadth of customisation options available. From door styles to finishes to hardware selections, the choices are virtually limitless. Whether you aspire to a sleek, modern aesthetic with clean lines and glossy surfaces, or you prefer the warmth and character of rustic wood finishes and antique hardware, there’s something to suit every taste and preference.
This level of customisation empowers you to tailor every aspect of your kitchen to your unique vision, resulting in a space that feels truly personalised.
Increased Functionality: Beyond aesthetics, replacement kitchen cabinet doors can also enhance the functionality of your space. With soft-close hinges, pull-out drawers, and integrated storage solutions, you can optimise your kitchen’s layout to maximise efficiency and convenience.
Say goodbye to clunky, outdated cabinets that hinder your workflow and hello to a well-organised, highly functional kitchen that makes meal prep and cooking a breeze.
Value Addition: A kitchen makeover not only enhances the enjoyment of your home but also adds significant value to your property. A stylish, well-appointed kitchen is a major selling point for potential buyers, increasing the desirability and resale value of your home.
By investing in replacement doors, you’re not only improving your living space for the present but also making a smart investment in the future.
Professional Installation: Unlike DIY spraying projects, which can be fraught with challenges and uncertainties, a kitchen makeover will be executed by seasoned professionals. These experts possess the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to ensure a flawless installation from start to finish. From precise measurements and meticulous preparation to seamless assembly and impeccable finishing touches, their attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship shine through at every stage of the process.
With professional installation, you can rest assured that your investment is in capable hands.
Makeover your kitchen cabinets
If you’d like to restore your kitchen cabinets by using our professional fitting service and range of made-to-measure kitchen doors, feel free to contact us to learn more. You can arrange an in-person consultation via our website to get a home visit from one of our expert fitters.
We offer a range of services, including kitchen handles and worktop replacements. Our kitchen makeover services are a cost-effective way to breathe new life into your kitchen without the hassle of doing everything yourself.
Not sure what your dream kitchen would look like? Have a browse of our kitchen designs and previous work, as well as the Kitchen Makeover blog. We provide you with articles, just like this one, full of tips and tricks for designing your perfect kitchen.
