Are your kitchen cabinets starting to look a little tired or outdated? You’re not alone. Many homeowners face the same conundrum: Asking themselves. Should I repaint my kitchen cabinets or replace them entirely?

In this blog, we’ll explore when it makes sense to paint. The pros and pitfalls of kitchen cabinet painting, and whether it’s a DIY job or best left to the professionals.

The good news? Yes! Kitchen cabinets can be painted, and when done properly, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your space without the expense and disruption of a full kitchen renovation.

However, the key to success lies in knowing when painting is the right choice. Things to consider are: Are your cabinets still structurally sound? Do you still like your kitchen layout? Has the style of your kitchen cabinets dated beyond saving?

Then, a professional cabinet painting might be all you need. From colour updates to restoring scuffed or worn finishes, a quality painted finish can completely transform your kitchen.

So, let’s dive into what you need to know:

✅ When to paint vs when to replace

✅ The pros and common pitfalls of kitchen cabinet painting

✅ Whether to DIY or hire a professional like Highlands Hand Painting for a flawless finish.

Why Painting Kitchen Cabinets Is Worth Considering

If you’re still wondering whether painting your kitchen cabinets is a smart choice, here are some compelling reasons why it often is.

♻️ It’s Sustainable and Waste-Free

Choosing to repaint your kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them is one of the most eco-friendly decisions you can make during a kitchen upgrade. Many homeowners feel uneasy about sending perfectly usable cabinetry to the landfill. By refreshing your current cabinets with a professionally painted finish, you’re not only saving resources, you’re reducing unnecessary waste.

💰 It’s a Strategic Investment

Planning to sell your home soon? Giving your kitchen a fresh coat of paint can be a smart move. A kitchen refresh, even something as simple as repainting the cabinets, can dramatically improve buyer appeal. Some real estate experts suggest that cabinet painting alone can offer up to a 72% return on investment, making it one of the most valuable upgrades for resale.

🛠️ It Opens the Door to Other Updates

One unexpected benefit of painting kitchen cabinets is the flexibility it gives you with hardware. If your current door handles or knobs feel dated, painting gives you the opportunity to change them without being stuck with existing holes. Old drill holes can be patched and re-drilled to suit new hardware, allowing you to modernise the entire look of your kitchen more easily.

💵 It’s Cost-Effective

Replacing your cabinets can eat up a large portion of your renovation budget. Painting them, on the other hand, typically costs a fraction of the price. This gives you more room in your budget to invest in other upgrades, like new benchtops, flooring, or those high-end appliances you’ve had your eye on.

🛡️ It Protects and Prolongs Your Cabinets

Professional-grade cabinet paints don’t just look good. They add a protective layer that helps shield your cabinets from the knocks, stains, and wear-and-tear of everyday life. With the right preparation and finish, your cabinets will look better and last longer.

🎨 It Adds Personality and Style

Your kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in your home. Why not make it feel more you? Whether you’re after a classic white, a bold navy, or a muted sage green, painting your cabinets allows for a completely personalised look that reflects your taste and lifestyle.

✨ It Can Be Truly Transformative

If your cabinets are structurally sound but look outdated or worn, a professional paint job can work wonders. Many homeowners are surprised by just how fresh and high-end their old cabinets look once painted. It’s often the transformation they didn’t realise was possible.

Common Cabinet Painting Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

While painting kitchen cabinets offers plenty of benefits, the results only shine when the process is done correctly. Whether you’re planning your DIY cabinet painting or considering calling in a professional. Several common pitfalls can ruin the final look or shorten its lifespan.

Here’s what to watch out for:

🎨 Using the Wrong Paint or Primer

Not all paints are created equal, especially when it comes to kitchens. The high humidity, regular cleaning, and general wear-and-tear mean you need a durable, hardwearing paint designed specifically for cabinetry.

Avoid regular wall paint at all costs. Cabinet surfaces need a strong bond, which is only achieved using high-quality primers and enamel paints (either water-based or oil-based). The right primer also depends on the material you’re working with, whether it’s timber, laminate, MDF, veneer, or melamine.

Pro tip: For non-wood surfaces like laminate, proper prep and priming are essential for paint to adhere. This often includes sanding or even removing the surface layer before applying a suitable bonding primer.

🧼 Skipping Surface Preparation

Proper prep work is everything when it comes to cabinet painting.

One of the biggest mistakes DIYers make is painting over greasy, dirty cabinets or skipping sanding altogether. You must thoroughly clean, degrease, lightly sand, and ensure the cabinets are fully dry before any paint touches the surface. Any residue, dust, or gloss left on the doors will compromise the finish and cause peeling or bubbling.

🚪 Painting Without Removing the Doors

It might seem easier to paint your cabinet doors while they’re still hanging, but this shortcut usually leads to uneven edges, messy brush strokes, and hard-to-reach areas. For the best results, always remove doors, drawers, and hardware before painting.

This also makes it easier to paint the surfaces flat and avoid dripping. Resulting in a smoother, more professional look.

🔢 Not Labelling Doors and Drawers

You’ll thank yourself later if you take a few extra minutes to label everything. Once all the doors and drawers are removed, it can be surprisingly hard to remember what goes where.

Use painter’s tape or a numbering system to mark each piece. Including hinges and handles, so reassembly is smooth and accurate.

⏳ Not Allowing Enough Drying Time

Another common issue with DIY painting is rushing the drying and curing process. Cabinet paint needs ample time to dry and harden. Often 48 to 72 hours between coats, and up to a week for a full cure, depending on temperature, humidity, and paint type.

Touching or reassembling too soon can lead to smudging, peeling, or fingerprints that ruin an otherwise flawless finish.

🛠️ Going DIY When You Should Call a Pro

Painting cabinets may seem straightforward, but getting a truly smooth, streak-free, durable finish is far from easy.

If you’re unsure about your cabinets’ material, unfamiliar with surface prep, or aiming for a flawless, spray-like finish, it’s best to call in professionals like Highlands Hand Painting.

We have the tools, techniques, and experience to deliver a premium result with zero stress, including:

1. Precision spraying or hand-painted finishes
2. Dust-controlled workspace setups
3. Expert colour matching and product selection
4. Long-lasting coatings that resist kitchen wear and tear
5. 7-year warranty on our paint and workmanship

If you want everything to be perfect or just want to relax, hiring a pro helps your cabinets look new and stay that way.

In Summary: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

✅ Use the right paint and primer for your cabinet material

✅ Clean, degrease, sand, and prep every surface thoroughly

✅ Remove doors and label everything before painting

✅ Stick to proper drying times and don’t rush the process

✅ Know when it’s time to call in the pros

So, Is Painting Kitchen Cabinets a Good Idea?

Yes! Painting your kitchen cabinets is a smart, stylish, and sustainable way to breathe new life into your space. If your cabinetry is still in good shape structurally, but the finish feels outdated or worn, a quality paint job can extend its life and give your kitchen a completely refreshed look.

It’s one of the most effective ways to update your kitchen without the cost or chaos of a full renovation, especially when done right. And with the right products, preparation, and expertise, the results can be nothing short of transformative.

At Highlands Hand Painting, we specialise in professional cabinet refinishing, hand painting, and premium poly finishes that deliver flawless results. Whether you’re after a timeless refresh or a bold new look, our team of expert Sydney kitchen cabinet painters is here to help.

📞 Ready to transform your kitchen? Contact us today to discuss your vision or request a free quote.