How Long Do Painted Cabinets Last?

Photo from Wayfair

If you take good care of your beautifully painted kitchen cabinets, you may anticipate them to survive for eight to ten years after they are installed. But, there are some factors that may substantially alleviate this projected lifespan, resulting in you having to have them repainted three to four years sooner than expected. Because the kitchen is located in an increased traffic zone, the cabinets will inevitably exhibit signs of wear through time, regardless of whether they have been repainted or are totally new. The cabinet sides that people use the most often from around garbage, cooktop, and sink will normally appear first, followed by the rest of the cabinet surfaces.

Does Painting Kitchen Cabinets Make Them Durable?

Painted kitchen cabinets would last for a long time and still appear as good as a newly bought one even after a decade of being painted. However, particularly if they are properly painted. The endurance of painted kitchen cabinets is determined by the type of paint applied, the manner of application, and the number of layers that are applied to the cabinets. Increasing the number of layers results in increased depth, which results in a more resilient finish. However, if the paint is indeed not capable of doing the job and if it isn’t executed properly, it isn’t going to help much.

What is the Minimum Number of Coats to Ensure the Durability of the Cabinets? 

As a rule of thumb, three layers of paint must be applied at the very least. In the event that you have followed our advice and selected a solvent-based paint, you will not be required to use a special priming agent on either wood or acrylic surfaces. On the first layer, the paint will serve as a primer, protecting the surface beneath it.

Spray paint must be sprayed in lightly, with consistent applications to avoid streaking. On the first coat, spray horizontally in two opposite directions in two different directions, and then vertically in two different directions on the next coat. The third layer should be a mixing coat to blend the colors together. After that, you can add more paint if necessary.

Therefore, painted kitchen cabinets can retain their pristine appearance for an extremely long period of time if they have been painted appropriately. If at all possible, resist using paintbrushes while painting cabinets since they never appear exactly right when done with a paintbrush.

Does Painting Technique Affect the Longevity of the Cabinets?

You can possibly paint cabinets using a paintbrush, roller, or sponges, or it is possible to be sprayed with a spray applicator, much like they are at the production, to give them a professional appearance.

In order to achieve a factory-quality appearance, we suggest spray painting. This approach promotes uniform paint application, and the paints used are typically tougher as a result of this method. For use at home, you can obtain a low-cost electric paint sprayer and dismantle the cabinet panels before painting the exterior of the house.

Not only will spray paints provide you with a factory-like appearance, but they will also need significantly less labor than painting with a paintbrush, sponges, or rollers would require. You’ll save a significant amount of time.

How Much Does it Usually Cost to Have the Kitchen Cabinets Painted? 

Cabinet painting is less expensive than you may expect—certainly less expensive than upgrading or even resurfacing your kitchen cabinets. Refinishing kitchen doors and cabinets cost approximately $810, with an average range of $400 to $1,200 depending on the type of paint used. 

The majority of this expense is composed of labor, but it also involves supplies and equipment. A large number of cabinets in a big kitchen may ne004cessitate a significant amount of prep work to remove deteriorated surfaces before repainting, as well as extensive completion work. 

These factors could increase the price to an estimate of $6,500. It is the most prevalent element that influences the expense of painting kitchen cabinets, but continue to read to know more about the expenses involved with painting kitchen cabinets.

Should You Repaint or Reface the Cabinets to Make it Last?

Refinishing kitchen cabinets is a popular activity that can be completed on many different types of wood as well as some composite materials, provided that they too are in good shape and that the surface is adequately prepped. Taking old cabinets and merely changing the painting or staining to give them a new look is a simple approach to improve their appeal.

Cabinet refacing is an alternate remodeling approach to upgrading your cabinets. This is useful if you want to refresh the appearance of the cabinets without needing to spend the money on fully new cabinets, which would be a more expensive investment. You have the option of replacing the doors entirely or having new veneers professionally installed on them.

Typically, this entails installing hardware that can be accomplished even if you are only painting. Cabinet refacing is a popular alternative for individuals who have laminated cabinets in poor shape that cannot be painted as-is and cannot be repaired.

Does Painting Prep Help in Improving the Lifespan of the Cabinets?

Cabinets should be thoroughly cleaned and readied before they can be painted. The paint would not stay as long if such cabinets are not properly prepared, and you will find yourself requiring touch-ups very soon after painting the cabinets. All cabinet surfaces and compartments must be properly sanded, patched, cleaned, and primed in order to prevent jeopardizing the ultimate outcome of the project. In painting wood cabinets, one important step that several painters overlook is the application of grain filling. This additional step plays a vital role in seeing wooden granules popping through paint and having a better-finished look that appears like it just came off the factory floor.

How to Extend the Lifespan of the Painted Cabinets?

The degree to which your painted cabinets are protected is primarily dependent on how well you keep them. In the event that you are not qualified to cope with hazards such as ultraviolet rays, dampness, and pressure, you may find yourself in need of expert painting services to preserve the cabinets quicker than you would have planned. Check out these approaches on how to extend the lifespan of the cabinets. 

Schedule Cleaning and Maintenance

It is your responsibility to ensure that your cabinets are properly cared for after they have been painted. Cleaning your kitchen cabinets on a regular basis is the most effective approach to ensure that they remain durable and attractive. You’ll want to be cautious when cleaning these features so that they don’t become scratched, so avoid using abrasive cleaners or cleaning pads. 

If you want to eliminate dust, dirt, oil, and other minor stains, consider using ecologically friendly detergents and water. When dealing with particularly tenacious stains, combine two portions of baking soda including one part warm water and several drops of dishwashing liquid, then lightly rub the spot with a towel until the discoloration begins to fade. Ensure that your cabinetry is completely dry inside but outside after having to clean them. Excess moisture can damage paint and distort wood while also attracting insects and molds.

Control the Internal Climate

The kitchen environment is a major hazard to the painted kitchen cabinetry. Temperatures and relative humidity can fluctuate dramatically in kitchens that are frequently used for preparing and cooking meals and other tasks. Although if the cabinets as well as other elements are completely sealed by paint, the shifting temperature can lead them to stretch, compress, and distort. Preserve the kitchen’s temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain the comparative moisture levels between 25 percent and 55 percent in order to reduce the impacts of mold and bacteria. Keep in mind that these circumstances can be difficult to keep in the kitchen, although they are critical if you want to prolong the lifespan of the painted cabinetry.

Seal the Surface

While high-quality paint serves as a protective barrier for cabinetry, it’s never a bad idea to apply an extra layer of defense. Using a polyurethane or epoxy sealing agent, you can protect the painted cabinets. A cabinet sealer protects your paint job against humidity, scratching, aging, and more, just like a flooring sealant protects the pavement from pressure, spillage, as well as other hazards.