What To Do When Your Cabinets Have Been Painted with the Wrong Products

Cabinet painting can be a transformative project, but sometimes, the results fall short due to improper prep, DIY gone wrong, or the wrong paint choice. Unfortunately, many traditional paints like Sherwin Williams Emerald, Benjamin Moore Advance, and other architectural paints — though exceptional for trim work — aren’t suitable for cabinets, which require a highly durable, specialty coating. Whether the paint is chipping, sticky, or simply doesn’t look professional, here are four practical options to revive your cabinets and restore the beauty and durability they deserve. At DeHaan Painting, we offer a few options for homeowners in Charlotte, NC, to get their cabinetry back on track.

1) Strip the Paint Off and Refinish with an Industrial Cabinet Coating

When cabinets are painted with a coating that doesn’t withstand daily kitchen wear, stripping them down to the bare wood and starting fresh with an industrial-grade coating is often the best solution. Renner 851 2k Polyurethane is our go-to choice for cabinets, as it provides an incredibly durable, factory-like finish.

• Pros: With Renner 851, your cabinets will have the scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean surface they need, giving them an upgraded and resilient finish.
• Cons: Stripping and refinishing cabinets is labor-intensive, which can make it a higher-cost option. However, this approach typically yields beautiful, long-lasting results.

If you’re looking to keep your existing cabinets and ensure they look fresh and withstand years of use, stripping and refinishing with a specialty coating is a solid investment.

2) Cabinet Redoor: New Doors, Refinished Boxes

Sometimes, the worst of the poor paint job affects only the cabinet doors. In these cases, you can replace your doors with new, high-quality ones while stripping and refinishing the cabinet boxes to match.

• Pros: Redooring provides an affordable facelift with minimal disruption, allowing you to choose a door style that enhances your kitchen’s look without a complete cabinet overhaul.
• Cons: This option may not be ideal if your cabinet boxes are showing heavy wear or are of lower quality.

For homeowners looking to address only the visual aspect of their cabinets, a cabinet redooring can bring beautiful results with less time and cost.

3) Kitchen Refacing

Refacing offers a middle ground between replacement and redooring. In refacing, we apply a new veneer to your cabinet boxes and replace your doors and drawer fronts. This is a fantastic solution if your cabinet structure is sound but you want a fresh new look and higher-quality surfaces.

• Pros: Refacing costs less than a full replacement and transforms your kitchen’s appearance with new doors and matching box finishes.
• Cons: If your cabinets have structural issues or are poorly installed, refacing won’t solve these deeper problems.

This option is a good balance of budget and style, providing a fresh, professional look without the cost of custom cabinetry.

4) Replace with Custom or Semi-Custom Cabinets

If your cabinets are heavily damaged, outdated, or not structurally sound, a full replacement may be the best option. Replacing your cabinets with custom or semi-custom cabinetry, like those available from Semihandmade, gives you complete control over the style, layout, and finish.

• Pros: Custom and semi-custom cabinets offer the ultimate upgrade in style, functionality, and durability, as you start from scratch with cabinetry designed to your exact specifications.
• Cons: Replacement is generally the most expensive option, requiring both removal and installation.

This approach works well if you want to create a whole new kitchen design or if your current cabinets simply don’t meet your needs or expectations.

DeHaan Painting: Your Partner in Cabinet Transformation

Cabinet painting projects don’t always go as planned, especially when improper prep or paint choices lead to less-than-ideal results. At DeHaan Painting, we understand how frustrating this can be. That’s why we offer solutions tailored to each situation, from stripping and refinishing with industrial coatings to custom replacements. We’ll help you choose the best option for your space, needs, and budget, ensuring a finish that enhances your kitchen’s beauty and functionality.

For personalized advice and an expert opinion on fixing your cabinetry, reach out to DeHaan Painting in Charlotte, NC. Let’s transform your kitchen into a space that looks and performs just the way you’ve always wanted!

Helping Thousands of Families in Plaza Midwood, Noda, Chantilly, Dilworth, Elizabeth, Myers Park, South Park, Barclay Downs and Surrounding Areas.

DeHaan Painting
“Charlotte’s Premier Painter”

Dock, Deck, Fence Staining – Interior House Painting – Exterior House Painting – Kitchen Cabinet Painting – Limewash Applications – Commercial Painting – Christmas Light Installer

Phone: (980) 224-3191

Email: info@dehaanpaints.com