Kitchen cabinets are the biggest surface in the room people see first. When they look dated, the whole house feels dated, and the first quote for new cabinets is usually a shock. For a lot of homes in Raleigh and Cary, painting the cabinets you already have gets most of the transformation for a fraction of the cost, as long as the boxes are solid and the prep is done right.
When painting makes sense
- The cabinet boxes and doors are solid wood or good quality MDF, with no water damage.
- You like the layout and do not need more storage.
- Your countertops and backsplash are staying.
- You want the change in days, not weeks, and without tearing out the kitchen.
When replacing is the better call
- Boxes are swollen or soft from leaks, usually under the sink.
- Doors are peeling thermofoil or laminate that paint will not hold on.
- You are changing the layout or adding an island.
- You are replacing countertops anyway and the cabinets are near the end of their life.
If you are unsure, a walkthrough settles it quickly. We would rather tell you painting is not the right choice than paint something that will not last.
What a proper cabinet painting job looks like
| Step | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Remove and label doors and drawers | Everything goes back exactly where it came from, hinges aligned |
| Clean and degrease | Kitchen grease is invisible and paint will not bond to it. This is the step most cheap jobs skip |
| Sand | Gives the primer something to grip |
| Prime | Seals the surface and blocks stains and wood tannins |
| Paint in even coats | Thin coats with proper drying time give a smooth, durable finish |
| Reinstall and clean up | Hardware back on or replaced, kitchen left clean |
The degreasing step is where our background matters. Lara Maids has spent years cleaning kitchens in the Triangle. We know where grease hides: above the stove, around handles, along the bottom edge of upper cabinets. Clean surfaces are the difference between paint that lasts and paint that chips at the handles within a year.
Thinking about new cabinets?
Get a cabinet painting quote first. We look at the condition, talk colors and finish, and send a clear price.
Get my free quoteCommon mistakes that make painted cabinets fail
- Skipping the degrease. Paint looks fine for a few weeks, then peels around the handles.
- Painting doors on the hinges. Drips, painted hinges and edges that were never coated.
- Wall paint on cabinets. It stays soft and sticky. Cabinets need a paint made for them.
- Rushing between coats. Paint needs time to dry and harden before doors go back and get used.
- Heavy coats. Thick paint sags, shows brush marks and takes longer to cure.
A typical timeline
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Doors and drawers removed and labeled, kitchen protected, everything cleaned and degreased |
| Day 2 | Sanding and priming of doors, drawers and frames |
| Days 3 to 4 | Paint coats with drying time between them |
| Final day | Reinstall, adjust hinges, hardware on, full cleanup and walkthrough |
Every kitchen is different, and the size of the kitchen and the finish you choose change the timeline. Your quote includes the expected schedule.
Choosing a color that works in a Raleigh home
White and warm whites stay the safest choice for resale. Soft greige, sage green and deep navy or charcoal on lower cabinets are popular ways to add character without dating the kitchen. Look at samples in your own kitchen light, morning and evening, before deciding. Paired with new hardware, even a subtle color change makes the room feel new.
Living with the project
Most kitchens take several days, including drying time between coats. You can usually keep using the kitchen in a limited way while doors are out for painting. We explain exactly what to expect before we start.
Frequently asked questions
How long does painted cabinetry last?
Durability comes from preparation. Cabinets that are properly degreased, sanded and primed hold up to normal kitchen use for years.
Can you paint bathroom vanities too?
Yes. Vanities and built-ins can be painted with the kitchen or on their own.
Do you replace hardware?
We reinstall your existing hardware or install new pulls and knobs you choose.
See the full process on our cabinet painting page, or call (919) 601-3676.
