If you're considering painting your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, chances are you're staring at them right now thinking, “I want these to look better, but I have no clue what to expect or ask.” Maybe you've had quotes in the past that seemed too cheap to be good, or others that left you wondering what was really included. Most homeowners don’t paint their cabinets often, so when it’s time to get a quote, it can feel like you’re trying to speak a different language. And because it’s not a cheap project, it’s nerve-wracking to feel like you might miss something important.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been painting cabinets in Omaha homes since 1996. We’re not writing this article to sell you something, we’re writing it because we’ve seen too many homeowners get stuck with confusing quotes, poor quality finishes, or projects that drag on much longer than expected. We know what questions are worth asking before you sign anything. And even if you don’t hire us, we want you to feel confident and educated when it’s time to talk with any painter about your cabinet project.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most important questions to ask a painter when getting a quote for cabinet painting. You’ll learn how to understand what’s included, how to spot red flags, and how to compare quotes fairly. By the end, you’ll have a list of smart questions and be able to make a well-informed decision about who paints the cabinets in your home.
1. What product will you use on the cabinets?
Cabinets get touched, bumped, and wiped down often, so they need a finish that can hold up. Not all paints are made for cabinets, and not all painters use products that are meant to last in a high-use space like a kitchen or bathroom.
Ask your painter what exact product they plan to use and whether it’s made for cabinets. For example, at Brush & Roll Painting, we use a 2K polyurethane called Milesi, which cures hard and is resistant to moisture, fading, abrasion, and everyday wear. Some painters may use regular cabinet or woodwork paint from the hardware store on cabinets, which won’t last nearly as long and can chip more easily.
Also ask:
- What types of finishes can you do with it? (paint, stain, tone, or glaze)
- Is it KCMA or AWI tested and approved?
- How many coats will you apply?
- How long have you used this product?
- Why do you use this product?
2. What’s included in the prep process?
Prep work is the difference between a cabinet job that lasts five years and one that starts peeling in six months. But it’s also the part many companies skip or rush through.
You want to hear that your painter will:
- Remove the cabinet doors and hardware
- Cover and protect countertops and floors
- Clean all surfaces to remove grease and residue
- Sand the surfaces to create a bond, and sand between each layer
- Use a stain-blocking primer
- Fill in holes or imperfections if requested
Prep should not mean just “lightly wiping and spraying.” Ask how much time is dedicated to this part and whether it’s done on-site or off-site.
3. How will the cabinet boxes be painted?
Cabinet doors and drawers are often removed and painted in a spray booth or workshop. But what about the cabinet frames attached to your walls? These are usually painted in place, which means your painter needs to take steps to protect your home.
Ask:
- Will the boxes be sprayed or brush and rolled?
- How will you protect my floors, counters, and appliances?
- Will you mask off the rest of the kitchen?
- How will you handle ventilation and fumes?
If a painter doesn’t bring up containment or protection methods, that’s a red flag.
4. How will the doors and drawers be finished?
Even if the painter does a great job on the boxes, poor results on the doors and drawers will ruin the whole look. You’ll want to know where and how these parts will be painted.
Ask:
- Will they be sprayed for a smooth, factory-like finish?
- Where will the spraying happen?
- How will you label the doors to keep everything organized?
Also, ask how long they’ll need to keep the doors and drawers. Some companies remove them for 2-3 weeks, while others return them the next day.
5. What kind of warranty do you offer for cabinet painting?
A good warranty says more about a company than you might think. It means they trust their process and are willing to stand behind it.
Ask:
- Do you offer a written warranty?
- How long does it last?
- What is covered — peeling, chipping, yellowing?
- What is not covered?
If the warranty is only a few months or isn’t written down, it might not mean much.
6. Will you use employees or subcontractors for cabinets?
It helps to know who will actually be working in your home. Some companies use employees they’ve trained themselves. Others hire subcontractors who may do things differently than expected.
Ask:
- Are the painters your employees or subcontractors?
- How much experience do they have with cabinets?
- Will the same team be on the job each day?
- Who is my point of contact?
- Do you have insurance and workers' comp?
This gives you a better idea of who will be in your home and how consistent the work will be.
7. How long will the entire cabinet painting project take?
Living without cabinet doors or kitchen access for too long is frustrating. You’ll want to know how long each phase of the project takes.
Ask:
- How long will prep and painting take?
- Will I be able to use my kitchen or bathroom during that time?
- When will the doors and drawers be returned?
- When can I use the cabinets again after they’re painted?
Drying and curing times can vary depending on the products used. Make sure you understand the timeline and how long it’ll be before you’re fully back to normal.
8. What is the cost of cabinet painting?
Quotes should be clear and include everything from materials to prep to final coats. But things sometimes come up that could add cost, and you deserve to know what those might be.
Ask:
- Is this an exact quote or an estimate?
- What factors could change the price?
- How do you handle the cost of new hardware?
- Are taxes and materials included?
Also, ask if there are options for upgrades, like soft-close hinges or custom finishes, and what those cost.
9. Can I see examples of past cabinet painting projects?
This might be the most important question to ask. Seeing real projects gives you a feel for the painter’s style and quality. Ask for before-and-after photos or videos, or better yet, ask if you can speak to a past client.
Ask:
- Do you have pictures of past cabinet projects?
- Can you show me physical examples of different cabinet finishes and colors?
- Do you have any recent customers I can talk to?
A company that’s proud of its work will be happy to show it off. And if they hesitate or dodge the question, that may tell you something, too.
Cabinet Painting in Omaha, NE
Getting your cabinets painted is one of the best ways to refresh your home without a full remodel. But knowing what to ask before you sign a quote can save you from a lot of headaches. In this article, we’ve covered the key questions that will help you understand what you’re really getting from products, prep, and warranties.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners navigate cabinet painting decisions since 1996. We’ve seen it all, and we’ve helped fix plenty of projects that didn’t start right. We’re here as a guide to help you feel confident in the decisions you make — no pressure, just experience.
Ready to take the next step? Click the button below to get a quote from a professional painter who will walk you through each step with clarity and honesty.
If you're curious what your cabinet painting project might cost, try out our easy-to-use cabinet pricing calculator. It gives you a ballpark estimate based on your cabinet layout, helping you plan ahead with confidence before reaching out for quotes. It’s a helpful way to start budgeting without any pressure.
