how to change color of kitchen cabinets
May 17, 2025
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How to Change the Color of Kitchen Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your kitchen cabinet color is one of the most impactful (and affordable) ways to transform your kitchen. Below are five methods, from DIY painting to professional refacing, with costs, steps, and pro tips:
1. Paint Cabinets
Best for: Most DIYers; budget-friendly and customizable.
Steps:
Prep:
Remove doors/drawers, label for reinstallation.
Clean with degreaser (e.g., TSP substitute).
Sand lightly (120–220 grit) for adhesion.
Prime:
Use stain-blocking primer (e.g., Zinsser BIN for dark wood).
Paint:Use cabinet-grade paint:
Enamel (e.g., Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane).
Chalk paint (matte finish, requires wax/poly topcoat).
Apply 2–3 thin coats with a brush, roller, or sprayer.
Seal:
Protect with water-based polyurethane (e.g., Minwax Polycrylic).
Cost: 100–100–100–500 | Time: 3–7 days (including drying).
2. Refinish with Stain
Best for: Natural wood cabinets (change stain color).
Strip old finish: Use chemical stripper or sand thoroughly.
Sand: Start with 80 grit, finish with 220 grit.
Stain: Apply wood stain (e.g., Minwax) in desired shade.
Seal: Use polyurethane or lacquer for protection.
Cost: 50–50–50–200 | Time: 2–4 days.
3. Refacing (Replace Doors + Veneer)
Best for: Outdated styles; faster than painting.
Remove old doors/drawers.
Apply veneer: Use adhesive-backed wood or laminate sheets.
Install new doors: Buy pre-made shaker, flat-panel, or glass-front doors.
Cost: 1,000–1,000–1,000–4,000 | Time: 1–3 days.
4. Replace Doors Only
Best for: Solid cabinet boxes with damaged or outdated doors.
Order custom or stock doors from:
IKEA (SEKTION system).
The Cabinet Door Shop (online).
Paint or stain new doors to match your desired color.
Cost: 800–800–800–3,000 | Time: 1–2 days.
5. Use Contact Paper or Vinyl Wrap
Best for: Renters or temporary fixes; no painting.
Clean and dry cabinets.
Cut adhesive vinyl/contact paper to size.
Smooth onto cabinet surfaces, avoiding bubbles.
Cost: 50–50–50–200 | Time: 1 day (peel-and-stick).
Cost Comparison
| Method | Cost (10x10 Kitchen) | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | 100–100–100–500 | 5–10 years |
| Refinish | 50–50–50–200 | 10+ years |
| Refacing | 1,000–1,000–1,000–4,000 | 15+ years |
| Replace Doors | 800–800–800–3,000 | 15+ years |
| Vinyl Wrap | 50–50–50–200 | 1–3 years |
Pro Tips
Test colors: Paint/stain a small area to check undertones in your lighting.
Upgrade hardware: Modern handles (matte black, brass) elevate the new look.
Maintain: Clean with mild soap + water; avoid abrasive scrubbers.
Primer matters: Use gray-tinted primer for dark colors (e.g., navy, black).
Final Recommendations
Best for renters: Vinyl wrap or peel-and-stick contact paper.
Best for DIYers: Paint with enamel or chalk paint.
Best for longevity: Refacing or replacing doors.
Pair your new cabinet color with a complementary backsplash (e.g., white cabinets + sage green tile) for a cohesive look! 🎨✨