Cabinet painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a kitchen or bathroom, but the results depend heavily on the quality of the work. While it may seem like a job anyone with a paintbrush can handle, cabinets require precision, prep, and patience.
Hiring the right professional ensures that your cabinets not only look stunning but also hold up to everyday use. Choosing the best person or team for the job means asking the right questions, knowing what to look for, and being clear about what you want.
Look for Cabinet-Specific Experience
Not all painters have experience with cabinets. Many professionals focus on walls, ceilings, and exteriors, which require different techniques and tools. Cabinets need to be carefully prepped, primed with the right materials, and finished with durable paint that resists fingerprints, moisture, and scrapes.
When hiring, ask how many cabinet projects the painter has completed and request before-and-after photos. A professional who regularly works with cabinets will be familiar with the intricate work of sanding, degreasing, and finishing that this type of project requires.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Online reviews can reveal a lot about a painter’s reliability, cleanliness, and attention to detail. Look for comments from homeowners who specifically mention cabinets, and take note of how problems were handled, if any occurred. Beyond reviews, ask for referrals.
A trustworthy painter should be able to provide the contact information of previous clients who can vouch for their work. Referrals give you a clearer picture of what the process was like from start to finish.
Request a Detailed Estimate
A true professional won’t just throw out a number over the phone—they’ll want to see the cabinets, understand the scope of the job, and offer a written estimate.
That estimate should include details about prep work (like removing doors and hardware), types of primer and paint to be used, number of coats, timeline, and cleanup procedures. Be wary of quotes that seem unusually low, as they may indicate shortcuts, lower-quality materials, or rushed timelines.
Evaluate the Prep Process
Proper prep is where cabinet refinishing succeeds or fails. A good painter will emphasize the importance of cleaning, sanding, filling holes, taping off areas, and using high-quality primer. If the prep process sounds minimal or rushed, that’s a red flag. Cabinets need to be degreased and sanded thoroughly before paint ever touches the surface. Ask what kind of primer they’ll use (a bonding primer is often best) and how they’ll protect surrounding areas from dust and paint splatter.
Ask About the Finish and Durability
Cabinets see daily use, so it’s critical that the finish can handle wear and tear. Ask what kind of paint the professional uses—look for durable, hard-curing paints designed for cabinetry, such as alkyd or acrylic enamel.
Discuss whether the finish will be matte, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss, and how that will look in your space. Also ask how long it takes the paint to fully cure, not just dry, so you can plan for when the cabinets will be truly ready for use.
