Painting kitchen cabinets is a popular and affordable way to update the look of your kitchen without the high cost of installing new cabinets. However, some homeowners may wonder if painted cabinets will end up looking cheap compared to natural wood or more expensive cabinet materials. Here’s an in-depth look at whether painted cabinets look cheap and how to ensure your DIY or professionally painted kitchen cabinets look high-quality.

Can Painted Cabinets Look Cheap?

Painted cabinets certainly can look cheap if the paint job is done poorly or the wrong paints are used. Things like visible brush strokes, drips, thin paint coverage that shows the wood grain, and using low-quality paint can make painted cabinets appear cheaper. Additionally, certain painted finishes like a basic white can read as more budget-friendly than wood tones or glazes.

However, painted cabinets do not have to look cheap at all. When done properly using high-quality paint and application techniques, painted kitchen cabinets can look very clean, crisp, and elegant. The key factors are using paint formulations meant for cabinets, proper surface prep, applying enough coats for full coverage, and choosing sheens and colors that appear rich and luxurious.

Do’s and Don’ts for Making Painted Cabinets Look Expensive

Here are some top tips for ensuring your painted kitchen cabinets look their best and avoid seeming cheap:

Use Cabinet-Grade Paint

It may be tempting to just use leftover wall paint or an inexpensive paint from the hardware store. However, paint formulated specifically for kitchen cabinets is well worth the investment. The finishes are more durable and easier to clean. Paint that is kitchen cabinet-grade will also provide superior adhesion and a harder finish that holds up better to daily wear and tear.

Prep the Surface Properly

Proper prep is crucial for a smooth, professional looking finish. Make sure to thoroughly clean and sand cabinets first to remove grease and create an ideal surface for painting. Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler for the best results.

Apply Multiple Coats

It usually takes 2-3 coats of paint to fully cover the cabinet boxes and doors and create an even, opaque finish. Applying just one thin coat over the wood often looks uneven and cheap. Taking the time to apply several coats creates a richer look.

Use High-Quality Brushes and Rollers

Invest in good quality brushes made for fine finish work and mini-rollers where appropriate. Use high-density foam rollers for the cabinet boxes and angled sash brushes for the cabinet doors. Avoid cheap brushes that could leave obvious brush strokes.

Choose Sheens Like Eggshell or Satin

Flat paints can look dull on cabinets, whereas high gloss paints show more imperfections. A mid-range sheen like eggshell or satin tends to look the most luxurious. The subtle sheen provides depth without being too reflective.

Consider Color Choices Carefully

Stark whites and very light colors show imperfections more easily. Deep, darker, or warm-toned paint colors often look more elegant and expensive for cabinetry. Distressed paint techniques also avoid looking too pristine.

Add Accent Finishes

Consider using two paint colors for contrast on the upper and lower cabinets or painting inside the cabinets a different hue. You can also paint or apply new hardware like recessed pulls for an extra touch.

Hire a Professional If Unsure

If you are wary of achieving top-quality results painting the cabinets yourself, hire a professional. Experienced painters have the skills to properly prep, prime, paint, and finish your cabinets for a flawless look.

Signs of Poor Quality Painted Cabinets

Here are a few red flags that indicate a poor paint job on kitchen cabinets:

Visible brush strokes or roller marks
Drips, splatters, or paint smears
Thin coverage allowing wood grain to show through
Overspray on hinges, handles or countertops
Peeling, cracking, or chipping paint
Uneven sheen on different cabinets
Visible lap marks or poor cut-in lines
Dust or debris stuck in paint
Bubbles or cracks in the paint

Tips for Maintaining Your Painted Cabinets

Once your kitchen cabinet paint job is complete, be sure to care for it properly so it continues looking fresh and expensive. Here are some maintenance tips:

Allow a full 30 days for paint to fully cure before cleaning
Use mild soap and water rather than abrasive cleaners
Rinse cabinets thoroughly after cleaning
Immediately wipe up any water or spills
Re-apply protective topcoats annually
Avoid exposing to direct sunlight as much as possible

Key Takeaways

Painted kitchen cabinets offer an affordable way to refresh your space, but they can look cheap if not done properly. Invest in high-quality cabinet paints, prep well, apply multiple coats, choose luxurious sheens and colors, and add accent details. Maintain the finish to ensure your DIY or professionally painted cabinets retain their sophisticated, expensive look for years to come. With attention to detail, painted cabinets can look just as stunning as more expensive options.

Conclusion

With the right approach, painted cabinets can look just as elegant and high-end as more expensive cabinet materials like solid wood or granite. Focus on using premium paints, proper preparation, adequate coatings, and refined color and finish choices. Hire a professional if you want guaranteed stellar results. Follow best practices for painted cabinet maintenance. With careful execution, your painted kitchen cabinets can take on a luxurious, expensive look perfect for upgrading your space on a budget.

Do Painted Cabinets Look Cheap?