Pros and Cons of Painted Cabinets

When it comes to a kitchen remodel the cabinets are in integral part. The cabinets are often thought to be the focal point of the kitchen. Together with the flooring, backsplash, and countertops the cabinets bring your vision to life. However, installing all new cabinetry is an investment, and refinishing your existing cabinets can go a long way for your design and your budget. You’ll have two choices: either stain or paint, either can breathe new life into your cabinets and give them longevity.

So which is the better option for your kitchen? In this blog we will explore the difference between stain and paint and the pros and cons of each.

The Difference Between Stained and Painted Cabinets

With a little paint or stain you can make cabinets look like new, and you can stretch your dollar much further with refinishing rather than installing all new cabinets. Both stain or paint can give the cabinets a brand new, elevated look but there are some key differences between them. Stain gets absorbed into the grain of the wood exposing its natural beauty and providing an organic, traditional aesthetic that is long-lasting and easy to maintain.

Paint on the other hand, will completely cover the wood grain for a smooth, modern look. But paint is more than just a look, paint also provides protection from heat and moisture, so it is a practical and functional choice. Plus, there are endless color and finish options when it comes to paint. Additionally, paint can be used on any surface including wood, particleboard, or other cabinet materials. Stain can only be used on natural, solid wood.

To recap, here are the differences between stain and paint:

Paint:

• Smooth, modern look
• Covers natural wood grain with a smooth all over color
• Can be used on multiple cabinet materials
• Color options and finishes are endless
• Adds protection from heat, moisture, and spills

Stain:

• Displays the natural grain of the wood
• Shows the raw, imperfections and unique character of the wood
• Color options are more limited compared to paint
• Low cost
• Easy to DIY

Pros of Painted Kitchen Cabinets

Here’s the perks of painted cabinets.

1. Paint allows for a clean aesthetic. Painted cabinets offer a clean, sleek look, and paint provides all over coverage with a smooth, flawless finish for your cabinets.
2. Paint allows for more color. With painted cabinetry, the sky’s the limit when it comes to design. If you want to match your tile backsplash perfectly, or add a punch of color and brightness to an otherwise neutral kitchen or bathroom paint is the solution. In fact, one of the most sought after trends of 2022 are painted cabinets.
3. Paint covers or hides imperfections. If your goal is to have a flawless finish, paint is going to give you that look. Where stain highlights imperfections of natural wood, paint will cover them as if they never existed. Not only that, paint gives full coverage on any surface, so you can make less expensive materials appear more elevated when they are given a coat of fresh paint.

Cabinet Paint Trends

If you’re going to go the paint route, here are some of the most popular painted cabinet looks trending now.

1. Pure white- clean white cabinet paint adds crispness and brightness to your kitchen. Brings granite counters and stainless steel appliances to life. And, it’s a classic long-lasting look.
2. Two-toned cabinets- painting above the counter cabinets one shade and choosing a darker shade for the bottom cabinets. Try a neutral shade above and a dark blue shade below.
3. Neutral grays. Calming gray tones offer a rich sophisticated hue that compliments most kitchen spaces, and especially those with open floor plans and lots of natural light.
4. Deep blue shades. Shades like Sherwin Williams Naval is an excellent choice that doesn’t seem to be one that will be out of style anytime soon.
5. Green cabinet paint is perfect for bringing natural, organic vibes into the kitchen. All shades of green are acceptable from deep forest, to airy sage, any green will do.
6. Cheerful pops of color. And for a really unique look, bright yellow, orange, or even a vibrant red can be the pop your kitchen needs.

Cons of Painted Cabinets

1. Cost. Paint can be expensive compared to using stain and typically costs 10-15% more.
2. Harder to DIY. Painting cabinets is quite a project. It can be a lengthy, multi-step, complicated process.
3. Harder to touch-up. While paint offers an all over coverage look, paint touch ups can be tricky. Matching the shade perfectly, replicating the smooth finish you get with the spray technique most manufacturers use is not easily achieved, and touch-ups can be complex and involved to do properly.

While these cons are something to consider, if you are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind look for your cabinets and a design that is updated, modern, and visually interesting paint is the best option. With all the color options and various finishes, you can cater exactly to your design vision.

Flowers Painting is the ideal supplier for all your cabinet painting needs. And, if DIY isn’t your thing but you still want the look achieved through painted cabinets, our trained professionals can take the time-consuming job off your hands and make sure it is done right–the first time. Our selection of paint shades and brands available offers endless options sure to meet whatever aesthetic you’re looking for. Contact Flowers Painting today for a free estimate.

About Flowers Painting

Flowers Painting is a full-service interior painting company that services the entire Charlotte metro area including Mooresville, Huntersville, Davidson, Concord, Rock Hill, and more. Call today to schedule your FREE estimate at (800) 699-4558. Flowers Painting provides full painting services including color consulting, interior painting, faux finishing, textured walls, cabinet refinishing, interior stairs, handrails, and more. To see pictures of our finished work be sure to visit our website gallery.

When it comes to a kitchen remodel the cabinets are in integral part. The cabinets are often thought to be the focal point of the kitchen. Together with the flooring, backsplash, and countertops the cabinets bring your vision to life. However, installing all new cabinetry is an investment, and refinishing your existing cabinets can go a long way for your design and your budget. You’ll have two choices: either stain or paint, either can breathe new life into your cabinets and give them longevity.

So which is the better option for your kitchen? In this blog we will explore the difference between stain and paint and the pros and cons of each.

The Difference Between Stained and Painted Cabinets

With a little paint or stain you can make cabinets look like new, and you can stretch your dollar much further with refinishing rather than installing all new cabinets. Both stain or paint can give the cabinets a brand new, elevated look but there are some key differences between them. Stain gets absorbed into the grain of the wood exposing its natural beauty and providing an organic, traditional aesthetic that is long-lasting and easy to maintain.

Paint on the other hand, will completely cover the wood grain for a smooth, modern look. But paint is more than just a look, paint also provides protection from heat and moisture, so it is a practical and functional choice. Plus, there are endless color and finish options when it comes to paint. Additionally, paint can be used on any surface including wood, particleboard, or other cabinet materials. Stain can only be used on natural, solid wood.

To recap, here are the differences between stain and paint:

Paint:

• Smooth, modern look
• Covers natural wood grain with a smooth all over color
• Can be used on multiple cabinet materials
• Color options and finishes are endless
• Adds protection from heat, moisture, and spills

Stain:

• Displays the natural grain of the wood
• Shows the raw, imperfections and unique character of the wood
• Color options are more limited compared to paint
• Low cost
• Easy to DIY

Pros of Painted Kitchen Cabinets

Here’s the perks of painted cabinets.

1. Paint allows for a clean aesthetic. Painted cabinets offer a clean, sleek look, and paint provides all over coverage with a smooth, flawless finish for your cabinets.
2. Paint allows for more color. With painted cabinetry, the sky’s the limit when it comes to design. If you want to match your tile backsplash perfectly, or add a punch of color and brightness to an otherwise neutral kitchen or bathroom paint is the solution. In fact, one of the most sought after trends of 2022 are painted cabinets.
3. Paint covers or hides imperfections. If your goal is to have a flawless finish, paint is going to give you that look. Where stain highlights imperfections of natural wood, paint will cover them as if they never existed. Not only that, paint gives full coverage on any surface, so you can make less expensive materials appear more elevated when they are given a coat of fresh paint.

Cabinet Paint Trends

If you’re going to go the paint route, here are some of the most popular painted cabinet looks trending now.

1. Pure white- clean white cabinet paint adds crispness and brightness to your kitchen. Brings granite counters and stainless steel appliances to life. And, it’s a classic long-lasting look.
2. Two-toned cabinets- painting above the counter cabinets one shade and choosing a darker shade for the bottom cabinets. Try a neutral shade above and a dark blue shade below.
3. Neutral grays. Calming gray tones offer a rich sophisticated hue that compliments most kitchen spaces, and especially those with open floor plans and lots of natural light.
4. Deep blue shades. Shades like Sherwin Williams Naval is an excellent choice that doesn’t seem to be one that will be out of style anytime soon.
5. Green cabinet paint is perfect for bringing natural, organic vibes into the kitchen. All shades of green are acceptable from deep forest, to airy sage, any green will do.
6. Cheerful pops of color. And for a really unique look, bright yellow, orange, or even a vibrant red can be the pop your kitchen needs.

Cons of Painted Cabinets

1. Cost. Paint can be expensive compared to using stain and typically costs 10-15% more.
2. Harder to DIY. Painting cabinets is quite a project. It can be a lengthy, multi-step, complicated process.
3. Harder to touch-up. While paint offers an all over coverage look, paint touch ups can be tricky. Matching the shade perfectly, replicating the smooth finish you get with the spray technique most manufacturers use is not easily achieved, and touch-ups can be complex and involved to do properly.

While these cons are something to consider, if you are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind look for your cabinets and a design that is updated, modern, and visually interesting paint is the best option. With all the color options and various finishes, you can cater exactly to your design vision.

Flowers Painting is the ideal supplier for all your cabinet painting needs. And, if DIY isn’t your thing but you still want the look achieved through painted cabinets, our trained professionals can take the time-consuming job off your hands and make sure it is done right–the first time. Our selection of paint shades and brands available offers endless options sure to meet whatever aesthetic you’re looking for. Contact Flowers Painting today for a free estimate.

About Flowers Painting

Flowers Painting is a full-service interior painting company that services the entire Charlotte metro area including Mooresville, Huntersville, Davidson, Concord, Rock Hill, and more. Call today to schedule your FREE estimate at (800) 699-4558. Flowers Painting provides full painting services including color consulting, interior painting, faux finishing, textured walls, cabinet refinishing, interior stairs, handrails, and more. To see pictures of our finished work be sure to visit our website gallery.