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Why Painting Your Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets Beats Replacing Them

Posted on February 19, 2026

When it comes to upgrading your kitchen or bathroom, cabinets tend to steal the spotlight—and the budget. Homeowners often assume that replacing cabinets is the only way to achieve a fresh, modern look. The good news? That’s not true. Painting your existing cabinets can deliver dramatic results at a fraction of the cost and hassle. 

bathroom vanity and white cabinets

Let’s break down why cabinet painting is often the smarter alternative to full cabinet replacement. 

 

Significant Cost Savings

Replacing cabinets is one of the most expensive renovation projects you can take on. Between demolition, materials, labor, and potential plumbing or electrical adjustments, costs can skyrocket quickly. 

Painting cabinets, on the other hand, typically costs 50–70% less than replacement. You keep the existing cabinet boxes and simply update the finish, allowing you to invest your budget elsewhere—new countertops, updated hardware, or better appliances. 

Less Disruption, Faster Results

A cabinet replacement can leave your kitchen or bathroom unusable for weeks. Demo work creates dust, noise, and stress—especially in high-traffic areas of the home. Our streamlined process ensures a quality finished product within a short time period. 

Once all countertops, floors, and other non-cabinet surfaces are adequately covered, we follow this streamlined, standard process of cabinet painting to ensure your cabinets get a quality upgrade. 

  • Degloss- removes any oils or chemicals on the cabinet’s surface so that primer and paint will adhere properly 
  • Sanding- removes any chipping wood, paint, or stain and creates a smooth surface 
  • Primer- one coat of primer is applied for proper adhesion of paint 
  • Finished Coat of Paint- provides basic color coverage, an even texture, and uniform color to cabinet surfaces. In some applications, a second coat of paint is needed to ensure a quality, guaranteed coverage. 

 

Eco-Friendly Choice

Replacing cabinets generates a surprising amount of waste. Old cabinets often end up in landfills, and new cabinets require raw materials, manufacturing, and transportation, leading to a larger carbon footprint. 

before during and after bathroom

High-End Look Without the High-End Price

From crisp whites and warm neutrals to bold colors and trendy two-tone designs, painting gives you nearly endless customization options—without being locked into the limited styles of pre-manufactured cabinets. Plus, a free appointment with our color consultant will help you find the right look for your kitchen or bathroom. 

 

closet door before and after paint

 

 Excellent Return on Investment

Kitchen and bathroom upgrades are among the highest ROI improvements for homeowners. Painted cabinets can dramatically boost visual appeal and help homes sell faster—without the hefty upfront investment of replacement. 

 

When Replacement Does Make Sense 

Cabinet painting isn’t a cure-all. If cabinets are structurally damaged, poorly laid out, or beyond repair, replacement may be necessary. But for cabinets that are solid and functional, painting is often the more practical and cost-effective solution. 

bathroom cabinets before and after paint

Final Thoughts 

If you’re looking to refresh your kitchen or bathroom without blowing your budget, painting your cabinets is a powerful option. It’s faster, more affordable, environmentally friendly, and delivers stunning results when done right.