EVERYTHING CABINET BLOG

Making the decision to paint your own cabinets should not be taken lightly. Here are the most important things to consider before painting your own cabinets , whether they're kitchen, bathroom or built-ins. These points will help you avoid the most common and costly mistakes and help you decide whether it's a DIY project worth tackling. Cabinet Material : Different substrates require different approaches Solid wood: can be sanded and repaired easily but you should know which wood species you're painting as some have naturally occurring compounds, called tannins, that will bleed through each layer of wood coating if not properly sealed. Oak, pine and cherry are some of the worst offenders and can be very difficult to block tannins. Special knowledge and product application is required to block the bleeding. MDF: paints easily but shouldn't be sanded. Must be sealed properly as to prevent water swelling from occurring. MDF is used to make one piece doors and drawers which have no joints. Laminate/Thermafoil: If thermafoil is failing, it (and the adhesive underneath) must be removed exposing the MDF core which must be properly sealed prior to painting. Veneer: can be lightly sanded and painted if it's in good condition. If it's peeling, it should be replaced prior to painting. Mixed/Combination: Solid wood frame with an MDF middle panel is a very common 5-piece door option but must be prepped, sanded, sealed and sprayed in a special way to avoid bridging (paint going in the gaps around the frame). Your Paint Job is Only as Good as Your Prep! 80% of the hard work of refinishing is on the front end of cleaning, repairing, and sanding. Special knowledge of proper cleaning agents is required along with the worthwhile investment of an electric sander designed specifically for refinishing is a must. Expect to spend at least 8-12 hours on cleaning and 8-10 hours for sanding the doors and drawers alone. An average kitchen can be prepped by one person in a day. Critical prep steps include: labeling & removing all doors/drawer fronts degreasing all items to be painted including the carcass sanding/deglossing (do NOT use a liquid deglosser) filling/repairing scratches, dents, holes with wood filler or glazing putty reclean with solvent and vacuum to remove any remaining contaminants Skipping prep steps or not doing thoroughly is the #1 reason for paint failure! Choosing the Right Products for Longevity Primer: Primer is the foundation of a good paint job and must be chosen carefully. Different types do different things. Blocking primers for tannin rich woods and bonding primers to enhance adherence to substrate. Water-based, oil and shellac-based primers all serve different purposes and must be compatible with the topcoat you'll be using. Topcoat: with so many choices, topcoat must be compatible with whatever primer you're using. Proper cabinet grade wood coatings can be water-based or solvent-based. If working with solvent-based, special personal protective gear and equipment is required for safety purposes. Most retail products will not be as durable as a professional product. 1k or 2k: wood coating can be applied straight out of the can as a 1 component paint or a catalyst can be added to the paint to make it more durable. 2k wood coatings are designed to be applied by spraying. You can roll out or brush 1k wood coatings but leveling ability will be dependent on brand of paint used. Don't take short-cuts and choose a paint and primer in one! Know the difference between different paint types before starting as there's a vast difference is durability amongst the following: Acrylic enamel: retail grade Alkyd enamel: retail grade Acrylic urethane: retail grade Polyurethane: professional grade Oil: old technology, high VOC Lacquer: professional Conversion Varnish: professional Tools & Equipment Required Cleaning tools like dental picks, brushes, putty knives Electric sanders and block sanders: invest in decent handheld sanders to make job faster & easier and cut down on sanding down/ruining edges. Professional sanders cost over $300 plus another $700 for the vacuum. Air compressor for dust removal Spray booth or homemade containment area Drying racks Air scrubbers/air filtration Sprayers: airless, air assisted or HVLP knowledge and skill base in which sprayer to use and how to properly spray Rollers, brushes, caulk, and wood fillers are all common tools required Improper tools and improper technique will lead to a streaks, orange peel finish, drips, and under/over application. Drying & Curing Time Dry and cure times vary per paint manufacturer but typically take 12-24hrs to dry and 30 days to fully cure. Professional products are quick drying, can be stacked within hours and reinstalled in a fraction of time. If painting your own cabinets, you'll need a proper set up to adequately allow for drying time. Professionals use drying racks or will vertically hang items to spray. UV light technology can also be used to speed cure time. Color Consideration Choosing the perfect color is a big decision and one you want to get right the first time. If you struggle with color coordination, it's best to pay a professional to guide your decision whether it's an interior designer or cabinet refinisher like A La Carte Cabinet Painting that offers expert color consultations. Kitchen Function Disruption Choosing to paint your own cabinets will take substantially longer than a professional company leading to chaos in the kitchen and frustration for family members. Most professionals can finish a kitchen under a week from start to finish. You'll need a place to store & dry doors/drawers You'll need to cook around a partial renovation You'll need to deal with the smell/fumes of paint used You'll need a dust-free area for spraying and drying Longevity of Paint Job Professionally finished jobs typically last 7+ years with few touchups required, DIY jobs can have early failure due to improper prep, process and products used. The Spruce asked designers which home decor "quick fix" shortcuts seem smart but ended up backfiring and DIY cabinet painting was one of the biggest offenders! https://www.thespruce.com/which-quick-fixes-always-backfire-11820031 Your Comfort Level with Attention to Detail Cabinet painting is tedious and requires an enormous attention to detail. Details are what make a paint job look good. If you don't enjoy meticulous work, it may be best to outsource the work! DIY Cost vs Profession Doing it yourself will still cost you money but can be significantly less than hiring a professional. With that said, there's still the opportunity cost, rental equipment or purchasing tools/equipment and your time. An average size kitchen will cost at least 1k if you after tools and paint cost. Hiring a professional will cost you at least $3500+ depending on products and process used. Spraying a carcass will always cost significantly more due to extra skilled labor and material costs required. If you're okay with lots of labor to save money, than DIY may be worth it to you! At A La Carte Cabinet Painting you don't have to choose between DIY or Professional because we offer the best of both worlds! Our unique Homeowner Labor Discount and P.Y.O.B. (Paint Your Own Boxes) programs allow homeowners the option to save money by doing some of the easier tasks themselves like cleaning, unhanging and reinstallation while we handle the spraying for professional looking results. Most of our clients save about 10-20% of the project cost with the Homeowner Labor Discounts. We even teach homeowners how to paint their own cabinet boxes with our P.Y.O.B. tutorial program. We give you all the knowledge and supplies required to help you save about 50% off your cabinet painting job!

Damaged MDF: Should You Repair or Replace? MDF, or Medium Density Fiberboard, is a popular material in cabinetry due to its smooth finish and versatility. However, over time and with exposure to moisture, wear, and tear, MDF can become damaged. When faced with damaged MDF, homeowners often grapple with a crucial decision: should they repair or replace the affected pieces? This article explores the factors to consider when making this choice, ensuring your cabinetry remains functional and aesthetically pleasing. #### Overall Age of Existing Cabinetry One of the first considerations is the age of your cabinets. If your cabinetry exceeds 12 years, it may be wise to evaluate whether repair is worth the investment. Older cabinetry might not only show visible damage but also lack modern conveniences that newer models offer. For instance, if your MDF doors currently utilize exterior hinges, you could opt for new doors that accommodate concealed hinges, providing a sleeker look. Furthermore, upgrading to a soft-close feature can enhance usability, making everyday life just a little bit easier. Therefore, if your cabinetry is aging, consider replacing damaged items as an opportunity to modernize your space. #### Amount and Severity of Damage The extent and severity of the damage are also pivotal in making your decision. If only a few pieces are affected and the damage is minimal, repairing may be a feasible option. This typically involves a detailed process where a refinisher removes the existing thermfoil and its adhesives, carves out any swollen or damaged areas, and fills them with Bondo or epoxy. While these repairs require skilled labor and can be costly, they often result in a restored appearance without the need for full replacement. Conversely, if numerous cabinets exhibit damage or the deterioration is severe, replacing doors and drawers could prove more practical in the long run. #### Budget Considerations Budget constraints play a vital role in any home improvement decision. Refacing an entire kitchen tends to cost significantly more than simply painting existing cabinetry. If you find yourself with only a couple of damaged items, consult a refinisher about matching the trim profile for specific replacements. However, if matching is impossible, you'll need to weigh the viability of repairing the damaged MDF against refacing the entire kitchen. A thorough assessment of your budget will help guide your choice, ensuring you achieve the best results without overspending. #### Professional Guidance for Your MDF Needs If you’re uncertain about the best course of action for your damaged MDF cabinets, consider seeking the advice of professionals. Companies like A La Carte Cabinet Painting can provide insights tailored to your unique situation. They will assess the condition of your cabinetry, discuss available options, and help you make an informed decision that aligns with your aesthetic and financial goals. In conclusion, deciding whether to repair or replace damaged MDF cabinetry hinges on several factors, including the age of your existing cabinets, the extent of the damage, and your budget. By carefully weighing these elements, you can choose the best solution for your home. Don't hesitate to reach out for expert guidance to ensure your cabinetry remains beautiful and functional for years to come. Schedule a free consultation today and discover how to breathe new life into your cabinetry!

Adding color to your cabinets is a big decision and one that defines the look of your space. While choosing a trending color can be tempting, it often creates a look that feels temporarily "updated" rather than timeless. Making a long-lasting, thoughtful color cam feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. In this guide, we'll explore some upcoming design trends and color suggestions that may align perfectly with your future cabinet painting project! Color Trend Forecast: A Return to Warmth Color trend prediction isn't a hard science-it's an evolving blend of industry insight, expert intuition and countless hours of cultural and market research. Trends are cyclical; what's old often becomes new again. In recent years, we've seen the rise of bright whites and cool tones dominating design, especially in kitchens---think clean lines, circular silhouettes, Taj Mahal quartzite countertops, and Chantilly Lace bright white cabinetry. However, a subtle but steady shift is underway. Consumers are beginning to move away from stark, high-contrast whites and cool minimalism. In their place, we're seeing a growing embrace of warmer, softer off-white and greige tones that evoke comfort and character without sacrificing brightness. Looking ahead to this year and beyond, the future of interior design is leaning toward warmth, personality, and a sense of intimacy. Spaces are becoming more inviting, personal, and emotionally resonant-less showroom-perfect and more lived-in and loved. Below is a list of some of our all time favorite colors that exude warmth characterized by color family: Blacks & Browns #1. Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze : a rich dark grounding greige with green leaning #2. Sherwin Williams Black Fox : a beguiling black neutral with a warm greige undertone #3. Benjamin Moore Dragon's Breath : a deep dark gray-brown with a touch of green #4. Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron : a popular accent color with slight purple undertone #5. S herwin Williams Black Magic : warm, timeless and sophisticated black Off Whites #1. Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee : with a light reflectance value of 83, this beige leaning off white goes perfect with warm granites #2. Benjamin Moore Seapearl: slightly darker than it's brother color Swiss Coffee, this versatile off white can lean a little cool too #3. Benjamin Moore Ballet White : more warm depth but not a yellow white. #4. Sherwin Williams Alabaster: a popular choice for soft white cabinets keeping your look bright but inviting #5. Benjamin Moore White Dove : a top contender for its neutrality this color is similar to Swiss Coffee but less beige. Light Greiges #1. Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray : timeless, earthy organic taupe greige with hints of beige and green #2. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter: an iconi. c neutral color that adapts beautifully to its environment #3. Benjamin Moore Classic Gray : ultra light greige that behaves more like an off white #4. Magnolia Homes Gatherings: this is a golden gray with amber, beige and a wink of green undertones #5. Benjamin Moore Pale Oak: a light neutral taupe greige with subtle purple-pink undertones When considering your palette, warm greens with earthy leanings are especially grounding and soothing like Benjamin Moore's Dark Olive or Sherwin Williams Night Owl . For a more dramatic and saturated statement consider incorporating a deep sophisticated burgandy like Farrow and Ball's Brinjal . This evokes depth and warmth and pairs symbiotically with accents of burnished gold, warm natural woods and fabrics with hints of red or gray undertones. To add a touch of classic coolness, a refined blue like Benjamin Moore's Britannia Blue can be striking. It balances wonderfully when anchored with warm neutrals like Revere Pewter, offering a harmonious blend of warmth and contrast across the space. At A La Carte Cabinet Painting, we offer complementary expert color guidance for our clients, helping them choose the perfect hue for your space---creating a timeless and personalized look that reflects their unique style. Need help picking the perfect cabinet color? Book a free estimate and schedule a color consultation today! As the owner of A La Carte Cabinet Painting , Heather Perkins, has a Bachelor of Arts and a strong foundation in color theory staying attuned to evolving design trends to assist clients in creating spaces that are both timeless and on-trend.

Painting your cabinets can completely transform your kitchen or bathroom, but to get durable long-lasting professional results, it's critical to understand a little bit about the difference in cabinet coatings. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know before you paint in the order of durability: Types of Cabinet Coatings Acrylic Paint (water-based) -Examples: Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane, Behr Cabinet & Trim Enamel Pros: Easy-to-use, fast drying, can readily purchase at retail store, less expensive, DIY non-professional use Cons: Less durable than oil-based, 2 component (2k), solvent based products. Hand oils break down coating over time. Alkyd Paint (synthetic oil-based or water-based) -Examples: Behr premium urethane alkyd enamel, Benjamin Moore Advance Pros: hard, durable finish suitable for high traffic areas, relatively fast dry time, UV resistant Cons: longer cure time, longer-lasting smell, hand oils can break down finish. Lacquers -Examples: Sherwin Williams Sher-Wood Kem Aqua, General Finishes Enduro, Lenmar, Pros: quick drying, used in professional applications, smooth finish, high gloss capability, moisture/chemical resistant if catalyzed. Cons: if not catalyzed, can become brittle and yellow over time. Polyurethanes (solvent or water-based) -Examples: ICRO, Renner, Milesi, Ilva, Sherwin Williams Gallery Series, Centurion Pros: quick-drying, extremely durable, can be catalyzed for more durability, UV/chemical resistant, low VOC, manufacturer-like finish, high-traffic use. Designed to be sprayed, but can also be rolled with correct technique. Cons: more expensive, must be professionally applied. Conversion Varnish -High-end, factory-applied finish, professional application only Pros: long-lasting, most durable finish available Cons: Factory shot, most refinishing shops don't shoot this type of finish. At A La Carte Cabinet Painting we understand that choosing the right product for finishing cabinets involves balancing functionality, aesthetic preferences, skill level and overall budget. That's why we've chosen to specialize in eco-conscious, Italian-made water-based polyurethane wood coatings-a premium solution that delivers both beauty and durability. We proudly offer: Eco-friendly Italian Polyurethane Finishes: designed for long-lasting performance, these coatings are not only environmentally responsible but also guaranteed not to yellow, chip, or peel when properly applied. Professional Spray Application : Doors and drawers are professionally sprayed for a smooth, factory-quality look. You also have the option to choose between spray or rolled cabinet boxes, depending on your needs and budget. Partnership with Hartley Group Distributors: as one of the first adopters of these premium European products in the U.S., we've partnered with The Hartley Group of Cornelius, NC to bring this innovative coatings system to the Raleigh, NC market. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen, bathroom, or built-ins, our high-performance water-based finishes are a smart, stylish and sustainable choice!

The year 2025 welcomes a collection of warm, neutral, and natural hues. In this blog, we delve into several key signature elements anticipated in today's designs. Design and Layout: Expect minimalistic, clean, and uncluttered spaces featuring concealed pantries, preparation areas, and sculleries that effectively hide messes, enhancing the experience of entertaining. Incorporating drawers throughout lower cabinetry provides additional storage, improved organization, and a practical solution for accommodating heavy pots and pans. Expansive islands equipped with built-in appliances and seating merge form and function, creating a shared space for both gathering and cooking seamlessly. Full overlay European-style cabinetry takes the center stage with it's sleek, modern appeal while traditional partial overlay takes a backseat in 2025. Open Shelving to neatly display plates, glasses, or cool trinkets and artwork add structural visual interest to and open up otherwise crowded wall space. Under Cabinet Lighting highlights countertop and backsplash and brightens the space Color Trends: Warm tones are in vogue while cool hues have taken a back seat. The era of stark white, sterile kitchens is a thing of the past; inviting warm shades encourage friends and family to congregate in a more welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, combinations of diverse textures and colors are trending. Rich, stained wood paired with gentle off-whites, greiges (a blend of grey and beige), or striking deep colors are all the rage this year. Below are some of our top color selections: Off Whites: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (Light Reflectance Value 83), Benjamin Moore White Dove (LRV 83), Benjamin Moore Seapearl (LRV 78) and Benjamin Moore Ballet White (LRV 72) Greiges: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (LRV 73), Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (LRV 55), Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (LRV 58), Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (LRV 63) and Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (68) Moody Darks: Sherwin Williams Rosemary, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze, Sherwin Williams Naval, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal and Sherwin Williams Black Magic Two-toned Kitchens: Natural woods mixed with painted cabinetry Finishes: Uniform finishes across the board are a thing of the past. Incorporating a blend of sheens and metals to create a subtle yet complementary contrast with cabinet colors introduces both interest and sophistication to the area. Warm metals such as antique brass can be beautifully combined with classic bronze or satin nickel, while polished brass provides a striking complement to polished chrome. Design professionals advise a maximum combination of 2-3 metals to achieve both interest and harmony within the space. At A La Carte Cabinet Painting, we provide complimentary expert color consultations designed to assist our clients in selecting shades that perfectly reflect their personality and design aspirations. We also order up to three Samplize color swatches for our clients, allowing them to visualize their preferred color options within their own space. These oversized peel and stick swatches are crafted from genuine paint by Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Farrow and Ball.

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