Is it better to DIY and paint kitchen cabinets, or is it wiser to professional help to avoid a potential disaster? Our objective is resolution on this contentious issue.
Rebecca Knight, an interiors journalist with 7 years of experience and the Deputy Editor on the our platform Website since 2022, finds herself in a dilemma. She is a homeowner, and her kitchen cabinets, currently a light blue-tinged grey with a wood grain effect showing through, are in need of a refresh.
Painting kitchen cabinets can be a budget-friendly idea to achieve a new look. In fact, Rebecca already has a tin of green paint ready to repaint her flat's grey kitchen cabinets. However, she is concerned about the durability of the paint, the visibility of amateur brushstrokes, and potential chipping around the door edges.
The cost of having kitchen cabinets repainted by a professional is approximately £600, but painting them herself can help achieve a lower cost. Rebecca has previously attempted some easy DIY projects, including wrapping her rental kitchen doors in vinyl.
Painting kitchen cabinets, while offering cost savings and control over the project, requires significant time, skill, and patience to achieve durable, professional-quality results. On the other hand, hiring a professional ensures a high level of precision, durability, and a polished finish but comes with higher costs.
Pros of painting kitchen cabinets yourself: - Cost savings: DIY avoids labor costs, making it more affordable. - Control: You choose the paint, finish, and timing. - Durability possible: With the right products and process, DIY cabinets can last 5+ years with heavy use. - No sanding/priming required: Certain methods allow skipping labor-intensive prep steps, saving effort.
Cons of painting kitchen cabinets yourself: - Time consuming: Can take several days to finish properly, requiring removing doors and careful multiple coats. - Skill dependent: Precision in prep, painting, and finishing impacts durability and appearance; mistakes can lead to uneven look or durability issues. - Limited color and finish options: Some DIY products have fewer color choices than professionals can offer. - Additional challenges: Poor prep or painting can cause blemishes, uneven coverage, or premature wear.
Pros of hiring a professional: - Expertise: Professionals ensure smooth, flawless finishes with proper prep, paint, and application techniques. - Time savings: The project is completed faster and with less disruption to your routine. - Durability and warranty: Professionals often use superior products and provide guarantees. - Handling imperfections: Experts can address existing cabinet flaws before painting for a flawless result.
Cons of hiring a professional: - Higher cost: Labor and materials fees increase overall expense compared to DIY. - Less personal control: You rely on the contractor’s schedule, product choices, and style advice.
Rebecca is seeking advice on whether she should paint her kitchen cabinets herself, leave them as they are, or hire a professional. Jenny McFarlane, Senior Digital Editor, had her kitchen cabinets repainted and was impressed by the results. Her experience might provide valuable insights for Rebecca as she makes her decision.
Given Rebecca's desire to refresh her kitchen cabinets while considering the pros and cons of DIY versus hiring a professional, she may find inspiration from the lifestyle aspect of interior-design, particularly in home-and-garden magazines or websites. For instance, DIY projects can offer a personal touch and cost savings, but require a significant investment of time and patience to achieve a durable, professional-quality finish. On the other hand, hiring a professional guarantees expertise, durability, and a polished finish, albeit at a higher cost, potentially impacting her lifestyle budget. Weighing these options, Rebecca could opt for a combination approach, where she repaints cabinets herself and hires professionals for certain aspects to ensure a satisfactory home-and-garden makeover.
