Kitchen cabinet spraying is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a kitchen. Cheaper than a complete replacement, it can breathe new life into an old space.
Homeowners broadly have two options:
- Tackle the job themselves, or
- Use a professional kitchen spraying company
The DIY approach might seem a good idea at first. It’s cheaper and spraying can look quick and easy. But achieving a smooth, durable finish without getting paint everywhere is harder than it looks. It also depends on how big your kitchen is, what the cabinets are made from, and the scope of your project.
Is Saving Money With DIY Cabinet Spraying Worth the Risk?
DIY seems cost effective. You’re saving on labour, which can appear to be the biggest component. However, beyond the headline price of paint, the true cost includes equipment, preparation products, protective gear, and more.
Budgeting for Equipment, Paint, and Protective Gear
Your budget needs to stretch to a spray gun, suitable primer, cabinet paint, degreaser and cleaning products. You’ll also need basic gear like sandpaper, masking tape, plastic sheeting, and protective equipment. The costs soon add up.
There is the option of hiring professional equipment. If you’re considering the DIY approach, add everything up before you start and compare this with a complete quote from a professional spraying company.
How Long Does a DIY Spray Job Actually Take?
How long spray painting your kitchen cabinets yourself takes depends on the kitchen. You cannot just start spraying every surface. You’ll need to remove doors, drawers, handles, and hinges. Every surface must be cleaned, degreased, and sanded in preparation before the primer is applied.
Then leave time to apply several coats, letting the paint dry in between. Only when this is done can you reassemble the kitchen.
Knowing What You Can and Can’t Spray
Can You Spray Paint Wooden Kitchen Cabinets?
Yes, most painted and natural wooden cabinet doors can be sprayed successfully. Of course, the existing coatings and the condition of the wood must be assessed first. Preparation, sanding, and the correct primer are key.
Spray Painting MDF Kitchen Cabinets
MDF can generally be sprayed and produce an extremely smooth finish. But you need the right kind of paint. Exposed or damaged MDF edges can absorb moisture and paint differently. That’s why it’s crucial to seal the MDF and choose the right primer.
Can You Spray Paint the Inside of Kitchen Cabinets?
Yes, although it’s not always necessary. Most cabinet interiors aren’t visible once the door is shut. However, if there is a visible glass-fronted cabinet or you want a complete colour change, it is possible.
Just factor in the extra masking, preparation, drying time, and cost involved.
Brush or Spray Kitchen Cabinets: Which Gives the Better Finish?
Brush painting is the traditional option. It can be suitable for certain work but leaves brush or roller texture. It also struggles with uneven surfaces or areas that are hard to reach.
Spraying produces a more even coating across large, flat surfaces. It can also cover mouldings, recessed panels, corners, and decorative detailing without any issue.
Overall, spraying offers the superior finish.
The Professional Advantage: Achieving a Flawless Factory Finish
Industrial-Grade Coatings vs Off-the-Shelf Paint
Professional kitchen spraying has one obvious advantage: it uses coatings designed for durability rather than ordinary household wall paint. This offers greater resistance to knocks, cleaning, moisture, grease, and everyday kitchen use.
These specialist paint options also have better adhesion, a crucial factor with kitchen surfaces. That means the finish can look good for several years with less risk of flaking.
Why Preparation Is the Secret to Longevity
Spraying sounds quick and easy. That’s because it is. Actually applying the paint to any surface only takes a short amount of time.
The real challenge is the preparation.
Each surface must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased. Any silicone or substances that can interfere with adhesion must be removed. A suitable primer has to be applied if required.
Poor preparation is the main cause of peeling, flaking, bubbling, and premature wear.
DIY vs Professional Cabinet Spraying: Pros and Cons at a Glance
Factor | DIY Cabinet Spraying | Professional Cabinet Spraying |
Initial cost | Lower | Higher |
Equipment required | Significant | Included |
Preparation | Done yourself | Professionally completed |
Time commitment | High | Minimal for homeowner |
Finish quality | Variable | Consistent, factory-style finish |
Durability | Depends heavily on materials and preparation | Professional coatings and application |
Risk of mistakes | Higher | Lower |
Colour options | Good | Extensive |
Convenience | Lower | Higher |
Best for | Small projects and confident DIYers | Full kitchens and high-quality renovations |
Common DIY Cabinet Spraying Pitfalls
DIY cabinet spraying can produce a good result, but small mistakes can quickly affect the finish. These are some of the most common problems to avoid.
Not Degreasing the Cabinets Properly
Kitchen cabinets collect grease, oils, and residue over time. If these are not removed properly, the primer and paint may struggle to adhere.
Skipping or Rushing Sanding
Sanding helps create a surface the coating can bond to. Miss this step, and you increase the risk of peeling, chipping, or an uneven finish.
Using the Wrong Primer or Paint
Not every coating is suitable for kitchen cabinets. The right primer and paint will depend on whether you are spraying wood, MDF, laminate, or another surface.
Applying Too Much Paint
Heavy coats are more likely to run, sag, or dry unevenly. Several thin, controlled coats usually produce a much smoother result.
Spraying in the Wrong Environment
Dust, poor ventilation, low temperatures, and high humidity can all affect the finish. A clean, controlled spraying environment gives far more consistent results.
Reassembling the Kitchen Too Soon
Paint can feel dry before it has fully cured. Reattaching handles, hinges, or doors too early can mark or damage the new finish.
When Should You Call a Professional Kitchen Spraying Company?
DIY spraying is fine for small jobs. If you’ve only got a couple of cupboard doors or the kitchen door itself, the task can be handled by most competent DIYers.
That’s not the case if you’re handling expensive furniture or difficult surfaces. Consider a professional kitchen spraying company if:
- You are respraying an entire fitted kitchen.
- The existing finish is damaged or peeling.
- You have MDF, laminate, wood, or several different materials within the kitchen.
- Doors have detailed profiles or difficult mouldings.
- You want a high-end, factory-style finish.
- The kitchen is relatively valuable and mistakes could be expensive.
- You do not have a suitable ventilated space for spraying.
Read next: Questions to Ask Kitchen Cabinet Painting Contractors
Which Is Better for Your Kitchen: DIY or Professional Spraying?
DIY makes sense for experienced DIYers, small projects, or inexpensive furniture. If the finish doesn’t have to be perfect, it can work.
For anything else, hire a professional.
Request a quote from The Spraying Company to find out how much it would cost to professionally respray your kitchen cabinets and achieve a durable, factory-quality finish without replacing your existing kitchen.
You might be surprised how affordable it is, especially compared to a complete kitchen refit.