Your kitchen says a lot about your home. It’s where people gather, meals are shared, and memories are made. But when cabinets start to look faded, scratched, or outdated, the whole space feels tired. That’s when most homeowners face the big question: Should you paint your kitchen cabinets or replace them entirely?
At first glance, replacement might sound like the “real fix.” But painting done by experienced house painting services can often achieve the same refreshed look at a fraction of the price and in a lot less time.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: cost, durability, timelines, and what professionals want you to consider before you decide.
The Core Question: Paint or Replace?
The correct answer depends on your cabinets’ condition, your budget, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
If your cabinets are structurally sound, meaning the frames aren’t warped or broken, painting can breathe new life into them. A professional painting service can repair minor imperfections, prime, and apply a durable finish that looks factory-fresh.
If, however, your cabinets are damaged, sagging, or poorly built, replacement makes more sense. New cabinetry gives you a blank canvas to change the layout, add storage, or modernise your kitchen design.
Still, for most homeowners, painting is the more cost-effective and faster path to a like-new kitchen. Let’s see how the two compare in detail.
Quick Comparison: Painting vs Replacement
Factor | Cabinet Painting | Cabinet Replacement |
| Average Cost | $1,000 – $5,000 | $8,000 – $20,000+ |
| Durability | 5–10 years (with prep and quality paint) | 15–20 years, depending on the material |
| Turnaround | 3–5 days | 2–4 weeks |
| Disruption | Minimal | Major renovation |
| Customization | Colour and finish only | Style, layout, and hardware |
| Environmental Impact | Reuses materials | Generates more waste |
Painting clearly wins for speed, budget, and convenience. Replacement wins if your goal is a long-term remodel or layout change.
What Do Cabinet Painting Services Actually Involve
Many homeowners think painting cabinets means a quick sand and a coat of paint. In reality, professional house painting services follow a detailed multi-step process that determines how long the finish will last.
Step 1: Surface Cleaning and Preparation
Cabinets collect grease, dust, and cooking residue over time. The painter starts by removing doors, labelling hardware, and thoroughly degreasing every surface. This step is critical because paint doesn’t adhere properly to oil or dirt.
Step 2: Sanding and Repair
Next, painters sand down the surfaces to create a smooth base. Minor dings or cracks get filled, and gaps between joints are caulked for a seamless appearance.
Step 3: Priming
A quality primer seals the wood and blocks stains or tannins from seeping through. This also ensures that the final paint colour looks consistent and lasts longer.
Step 4: Painting
Professional house painting services often spray the paint for a smooth, factory-grade finish. Others use high-quality brushes and rollers depending on the material and layout.
Popular choices include:
- Latex paints for easy cleaning and minimal odour
- Acrylic enamels for durability and a hard finish
- Oil-based paints for traditional depth and shine
Step 5: Sealing and Curing
Finally, a protective clear coat adds resistance to moisture, grease, and wear. The cabinets are left to cure properly before reinstallation, ensuring the finish doesn’t chip or peel prematurely.
Done right, this process turns old cabinets into a centrepiece that rivals brand new installations.
What Cabinet Replacement Involves
Replacing cabinets means tearing out the old ones and installing completely new units. It’s more extensive and time-consuming than painting, but it allows for a complete kitchen transformation.
Here’s what happens during a typical replacement project:
Step 1: Design and Planning
You’ll work with a designer or contractor to choose materials, styles, and finishes. Layout changes like adding an island or extending cabinets to the ceiling are planned here.
Step 2: Demolition
Old cabinets are removed along with countertops, backsplash, and sometimes flooring. This part can get messy and might expose plumbing or electrical issues that need fixing.
Step 3: Installation
New cabinets are built and installed, often requiring multiple trades—carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and countertop fabricators. Each step can delay completion depending on the schedules.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once cabinets are in place, doors and drawers are aligned, hardware is attached, and countertops are reinstalled.
A full replacement delivers a custom look, but it’s closer to a remodel than a refresh, and the cost and disruption reflect that.
Cost Breakdown: Painting vs Replacement
Cabinet Painting Costs
Most professional painting services charge between $1,000 and $5,000 for an average-sized kitchen. The exact price depends on:
- Cabinet size and number of doors/drawers
- Paint type and finish (semi-gloss, satin, matte)
- Prep work needed (repairs, sanding, priming)
- Labour rates of painting contractors in your area
DIY painting can cost less upfront, but the results often lack durability and smoothness. Paint applied without proper prep tends to chip within a year or two, meaning you’ll spend more over time.
Cabinet Replacement Costs
New cabinets cost anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on:
- Material (MDF, plywood, hardwood)
- Custom vs stock options
- Hardware, hinges, and accessories
- Additional plumbing or countertop work
If you choose semi-custom or custom cabinetry, expect costs to climb higher. And don’t forget hidden expenses: delivery, disposal, and temporary kitchen setup.
Financial Summary
If you’re renovating to sell or simply updating the look, painting offers the best return for your money. Replacement makes more sense for long-term ownership or when the cabinetry is beyond repair.
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Durability: How Long Each Option Lasts
Painted Cabinets
A professionally painted cabinet finish can last 5 to 10 years when done with high-quality paint and proper preparation.
Factors that affect longevity:
- Humidity and temperature changes
- Type of paint and topcoat
- Cleaning habits (avoid abrasive cleaners)
- Amount of daily use in the kitchen
Regular wiping with mild soap and water helps keep them looking new. Minor touch-ups can extend their lifespan even further.
New Cabinets
Brand-new cabinets can last 15 to 20 years, but they’re not maintenance-free. Moisture, steam, and wear can still cause swelling or discolouration. Over time, hinges may loosen, and finishes may fade.
When comparing durability, consider your goals. If you plan to stay in your home long-term and want a complete layout change, new cabinets are the better investment. But if you simply want your kitchen to look refreshed for the next several years, painting is more than enough.
Turnaround Time: How Long It Takes
Time is often the deciding factor for busy homeowners.
Painting Timeline
Most professional house painting services can finish a kitchen cabinet project in 3 to 5 days.
That includes:
- Day 1: Prep, cleaning, and removal of doors
- Day 2: Sanding and priming
- Day 3–4: Painting and drying
- Day 5: Reinstallation and touch-ups
During this time, your kitchen remains mostly usable. Painters can even work in sections to keep your space functional.
Replacement Timeline
Full cabinet replacement typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes longer if custom orders or additional construction are required. That means your kitchen could be out of service for nearly a month.
Add potential delays from countertop fabricators, electricians, or plumbers, and you can see why painting wins for convenience.
When Painting Makes the Most Sense
Painting is ideal if:
- Your cabinet boxes are solid and in good shape.
- You like your current layout but want a fresh look.
- You’re updating your home on a moderate budget.
- You’re preparing your house for sale or rent.
- You prefer an eco-friendly option that reduces waste.
Paint can completely transform the kitchen’s feel. You can brighten a dark room with white, add character with navy or sage green, or follow modern trends with two-tone finishes.
A professional painter can also upgrade the hardware, add soft-close hinges, and repair minor imperfections, making old cabinets feel new again.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
Replacement is worth it if:
- Your cabinets are damaged or warped.
- You want to redesign the layout or increase storage.
- You’re already planning a complete kitchen remodel.
- You prefer modern materials or styles unavailable in your current setup.
- You don’t plan to move anytime soon.
A full replacement gives you design freedom—new materials, deeper drawers, better organisation, and completely updated aesthetics.
But it’s important to know: replacement is not a weekend project. It involves multiple trades, permits (in some cases), and higher costs. The investment makes sense only if you’re looking for a long-term change.
The Hidden Value of Hiring House Painting Services
Many homeowners start with the idea of doing it themselves, but kitchen cabinets aren’t like walls; they demand precision. Professional painting contractors bring tools, techniques, and experience that directly affect durability and finish quality.
Benefits of Hiring Painting Contractors
- Expert Surface Prep: Proper sanding and priming mean no peeling or bubbling later.
- Durable Finishes: Professionals use high-grade paints designed for cabinetry, not walls.
- Smooth Results: Spraying equipment delivers even coats without brush marks.
- Time Efficiency: What could take you weeks, pros can finish in days.
- Warranty and Support: Most reputable painting services offer guarantees on their work.
When searching “painting contractors to hire near me,” look for companies with cabinet-specific experience, photos of past projects, and strong customer reviews. A good contractor won’t rush. They’ll focus on prep, drying time, and clean-up.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring Painting Services
Before you choose a house painting service, ask a few simple but essential questions to make sure you’re getting real expertise, not just a quick paint job.
1. Do you specialise in cabinet painting?
Cabinets need different prep and products than walls. A true specialist knows how to sand, prime, and apply coatings that resist daily wear.
2. What products do you use?
Top-quality enamel or acrylic paints give a smoother finish and last longer against moisture and heat.
3. Do you offer a written estimate and timeline?
Clear paperwork keeps costs and deadlines transparent.
4. How do you handle prep and cleanup?
Professionals remove doors, label hardware, and clean up every trace of dust.
5. Do you provide a warranty?
Trust contractors who guarantee their work for at least a few years. These questions help you find skilled painting contractors who treat your kitchen with care and precision.
These questions help separate true professionals from general painters who might not have cabinetry experience.
Maintenance Tips After Painting
Once your cabinets are freshly painted, a few simple habits will keep them looking good:
- Avoid harsh cleaners; use mild soap and water.
- Wipe spills immediately to prevent moisture damage.
- Don’t slam doors or drawers, and use soft-close hardware if possible.
- Keep humidity balanced with good ventilation or exhaust fans.
- Schedule touch-ups every few years if needed.
Following these steps can help extend the lifespan of your newly painted kitchen by several years.
Environmental Impact: Paint Wins Again
Painting is a much greener option. By reusing existing cabinets, you keep wood, MDF, and metal out of landfills. Modern low-VOC paints used by professional painting services are safer for families and emit minimal odour, so that you can return to your kitchen quickly.
Replacement, while sometimes necessary, involves more materials, transport, and disposal, making painting the more sustainable choice overall.
The Bottom Line
If your cabinets are sturdy and you’re happy with the layout, painting is the smarter move. It’s faster, cheaper, and can give your kitchen a high-end look without the renovation chaos. When done by reliable house painting services, the finish will last for years and instantly raise your home’s appeal.
If, on the other hand, your cabinets are falling apart or you’re redesigning the kitchen from scratch, replacement may be the better long-term investment.
Either way, the first step is talking to professionals who understand both sides. A quick consultation can help you weigh your options, compare costs, and get a clear timeline.
Final Takeaway
- Painting: Best for affordability, quick turnaround, and minimal mess.
- Replacement: Best for structural issues, long-term durability, and design changes.
- Professional help: Always worth it. Skilled painting contractors ensure your project looks stunning and stands the test of time.
If you’re considering a refresh, reach out to trusted painting services in your area for a detailed quote. You might be surprised at how much a coat of paint can do for your kitchen and your home’s overall value.
Refresh Your Kitchen with Professional Painting Services
Your kitchen deserves more than dull, outdated cabinets. It deserves a stunning new look that feels fresh, warm, and inviting. Instead of spending thousands on full replacements, transform your space with expert painting services from Dyson Painters in Hobart that deliver the same “brand-new” effect for a fraction of the cost. Our skilled team handles everything, from surface prep to flawless finishes, using top-quality, long-lasting paints designed for everyday kitchen wear.
Whether you’re updating your home for comfort, preparing to sell, or simply craving a modern refresh, our house painting services bring colour, durability, and beauty back to your space.
Contact our professional painting team at 0420-213-214 or email us at admin@dysonpainters.com.au to schedule a free consultation and see how affordable and fast your dream kitchen can be. Experience craftsmanship that turns ordinary cabinets into extraordinary results.
