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To paint or not to paint kitchen cabinets

10 years ago

I live in a manufactured home. It has 'typical' maple cabinets. I was wonder if I painted them would they look less like a mobile. They are in good shape I am just not pleased with the look. I may be selling in the next year.

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Comments (2)

PRO
Kitchens By Katie
10 years ago
Most of the time once you paint cabinets it becomes a maintenance issue, it is a very temporary finish. You could try reglazing, or refacing. Be sure to do a test in an inconspicuous area if you are going to alter the existing finish.
salt17 thanked Kitchens By Katie
PRO
Kitchen Tune-Up - Newton, MA
10 years ago
I agree completely, it won't last. But if budget is an issue then painting will certainly be less expensive than refacing. If you go that route be sure the painter will spray the cabinetry, not brush or roller it. If you want it to look factory-finished then it must be sprayed. I can always tell hand-painted cabinets when I walk into a home and some of the buyers will, too.

If you paint then be sure that you or the painter:
- Clean the cabinetry extremely well, several times if needed in the cooking area
- Very lightly scuff with 220 grit sandpaper
- Use a "sticky" primer, not the usual wall primer (all the paint manufacturers make such a thing - just tell them you want a primer that could be used on plastic)
- Then spray with latex paint

If the door style is ugly then refacing will be your only option since it includes replacing them - and then you can choose a white thermofoil door.

Good luck!
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