How to take the headache out of painting kitchen cabinets

If your kitchen is looking tired and shabby, but you don't have the budget for a new kitchen, don't despair. Painting your kitchen cabinets can transform your kitchen at a fraction of the price.

While wood cabinets are often thought to be the most likely candidate for a painted finish, gloss or vinyl cabinets can also be stripped and prepped for a great painted finish.

Wood cabinets are often thought to be the most likely candidate for a painted finish, but gloss or vinyl cabinets can also be stripped and prepped for a great painted finish.

A painted kitchen can be either sprayed or hand-painted. In many cases, a hand-painted kitchen finish is often preferred for its classic look and feel. The benefits of getting your kitchen hand-painted also include:

• Painting done onsite
• Job completed in 2-3 days
• Cheaper than spray-painting

The easiest and quickest way to get your kitchen transformed is to post a job at Onlinetradesmen.

We have qualified painters and decorators across Ireland ready to provide advice and a quote for your kitchen project, but your first step is to do a little homework before you post.

Know your kitchen cabinet paint options 

Paint options will vary, but you'll need to consider a durable product, one that is easy to clean and won't deteriorate over time.

Paint brands now offer quick-drying and odourless options. Also, the type and brand of paint you decide to use will determine the overall cost of the project, so shop around.

Kitchen painting professionals will often make paint suggestions, but understanding the different options and finishes will ensure you are happy with your choice and the finished result.

Choose the right kitchen cabinet paint colour 

Choosing a cabinet paint colour is one of the most important decisions of the project (along with choosing the right trade pro).

Get the paint colour wrong, and it will be an expensive job to correct. Explore different ideas across home improvement sites and review what you think will work for the size and aspect of your kitchen.

For example, darker colours in a south-facing kitchen can often work in a light-filled space, but beware if your kitchen is already dark or small. If you want to stay on-trend, two-tone kitchen colours are popular.

For example, apply a neutral colour, such as white or beige, to a section of the kitchen, then add a contrasting colour to the base of the kitchen island or wall units.

Along with the cabinet paint colour, you'll also need to consider the painted finish.

Painted finish options are typically matt, satin, or gloss, and colour options are endless. With the right research, you'll be sure to find a paint colour and finish that will work for you.

Detail your kitchen cabinet painting requirements 

When posting a job, be sure to include aspects of your project like: 

• Intention to change handles
• Condition of the units
• Type of unit (e.g., wood, vinyl, gloss)

This type of detail will get you a better response and a more accurate quote.

If you are planning to upgrade your splashback, rearrange cabinets, or install a new kitchen worktop, include this detail in your job post, as many Onlinetradesmen professionals will have a range of skills to get the project completed to your specification.

The kitchen cabinet painting process 

When on-site, your tradesman will typically provide the following service:

• Cover and protect all non-painted areas
• Remove cabinet doors and drawers (including drawer fronts) and handles
• Degrease surfaces, repair, fill (if required), and sand Apply primer (if required)
• Apply one (or two coats) of the paint colour of your choice
• Reassemble the kitchen
• Clean-up, removing waste and materials

Cost of a Painted Kitchen Upgrade in Ireland

The cost of painting kitchen cabinets in Ireland can vary significantly based on the size of your kitchen, the type of paint used, and whether you opt for hand-painting or spray painting.

Generally, spray painting offers a factory-smooth finish, while hand-painting provides a more bespoke, traditional look.

Here's an estimated pricing table for upgrading painted kitchens in Ireland:

Please Note: These are estimated costs and can vary based on the specific condition of your cabinets, the chosen paint brand, and the individual tradesman's rates. Always get a detailed, written quote.

Choosing the right professional to paint kitchen cabinets 

Following these steps will help you find the right tradesmen for your job.

1. Know the specifications of your job:  When posting your job, make sure to include as much detail as possible.

2. Ask for references and examples of jobs completed: Make sure the tradesman you select to paint your kitchen cabinets has the specific skills required and can demonstrate recent work done. Ask for references. Previous customers have left reviews of many Onlinetradesmen businesses, and you can view their ratings via their profiles.

3. Ask for details on how they intend to do the job: Don't hesitate to ask for details on who and how many people will be on-site, the job duration, and the intended process. A trade professional will have no problem providing you with this detail.

4. Ask for a written quote: Materials and labour should be provided in the quote. It should also be clear who is supplying paint and any other items required to prepare surfaces. It's always good to have a written agreement in place before work commences.

Ready to transform your kitchen and get accurate quotes? Download this sample contract to help you get started and post a job today to find qualified professionals near you.

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