Can You Paint Cabinets During Winter in Omaha?

You may find yourself living with outdated kitchen cabinets that no longer suit your style or needs. The desire for change is strong, but the time of year may have you wondering if you should put it off until spring.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we've been serving Omaha homeowners for nearly 30 years, specializing in high-quality cabinet painting projects. Our experience spans all seasons. We have found a tried and true process for painting cabinets in the winter.

In this article, you'll find an answer to whether cabinet painting can be done in winter or not. By reading this article, you will understand the winter cabinet painting process and learn how to evaluate painting contractors for your project. 

Whether you're actively planning a cabinet painting project or just starting to consider one, this article will provide you with the knowledge you need to move forward confidently with your home improvement plans.

Can Cabinet Painting Be Done in Winter?

The short answer is yes, cabinet painting can indeed be done during winter months. However, the success of the project heavily depends on the methods and environment used by the cabinet painting contractor.

Benefits of Winter Cabinet Painting

1. Improved Lighting Conditions: Winter's natural light can be beneficial for painting. While there is less sunlight in the winter, the actual light inside homes is brighter. The low-angled sunlight typical of winter days helps painters identify and address imperfections more easily.
2. Increased Contractor Availability: Many painting companies experience lower demand during winter months. This often translates to greater flexibility in scheduling and potentially shorter wait times.
3. Climate-Controlled Environments: Professional painting companies typically use climate-controlled shops to paint cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This controlled setting is particularly beneficial during winter, ensuring optimal conditions for paint application and curing.

The Importance of a Controlled Cabinet Painting Shop

The paint-curing process is critical for long-lasting results. During curing, paint components merge to form a hard, durable finish. Environmental conditions directly impact this process.

Especially at Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, this is important. We use a 2k polyurethane, which requires a hardener to be mixed into the product. So we need the right conditions so that the product is mixed and applied correctly.

Paint applied under ideal conditions can last up to 10 years longer than paint applied in humid or freezing environments. For cabinet painting, this translates to a finish that maintains its quality and appearance for an extended period. 

Ideal conditions for cabinet painting include:

• Temperature range: 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C)
• Relative humidity: Around 50%

These conditions significantly impact paint performance:

1. Temperature Effects On Painted Cabinets:
   • Too cold: Paint may not adhere properly or dry evenly.
   • Too hot: Paint may dry too quickly, leading to brush marks or poor leveling.
2. Humidity Impacts For Painted Cabinets:
   • Too high: Extended drying times, the potential for water spotting.
   • Too low: Rapid drying, which can affect paint leveling and durability.

Professional cabinet painting companies use climate-controlled environments to maintain these ideal conditions, regardless of outdoor weather.

Hiring a Cabinet Painter in the Winter

There are many cabinet painters in Omaha, so as you can imagine, we all have different processes. Here are some different approaches to cabinet painting in Omaha:

1. On-Site Cabinet Painting: Some contractors may suggest painting cabinets in place. They may leave cabinet doors and drawers attached to the boxes. In this scenario, they just spray-paint everything and are out the door. This method can be problematic in winter due to inconsistent indoor temperatures and humidity levels. Nevertheless, cabinets are a primary feature in your kitchen that will be affected by daily wear and tear. So the product needs to be durable and the right prep work steps need to be taken.
2. Uncontrolled Spaces: Painters choosing to use your unheated garages or basements for painting are risky. These spaces are subject to temperature fluctuations and humidity issues that can compromise paint quality.
3. Climate-Controlled Facilities: Professional companies often use their own dedicated, climate-controlled shops and spray booths. This approach ensures consistent conditions for optimal paint application and curing.

Choosing the Right Painter for Your Project

When selecting a painting contractor for your winter cabinet project, consider the following:

1. Facility and Equipment: Inquire about their painting environment. A climate-controlled facility is ideal for winter projects.
2. Experience: Look for contractors with years and proof of experience in cabinet painting.
3. Materials: Ask about the types of products and materials they use. High-quality, cabinet-specific products are essential for durability.
4. Process: Understanding their painting process, primarily preparation, can give you insight into the quality of their work. You should look for protecting surfaces, cleaning, sanding, repairs, priming, and 1-2 layers of product.
5. References and Portfolio: Request examples of their cabinet painting projects and contact information for previous clients.

DIY vs. Professional Cabinet Painting in Winter

While DIY projects can be rewarding, winter cabinet painting presents unique challenges:

• Difficulty in maintaining consistent temperature and humidity in a home setting
• Lack of specialized equipment for proper paint application and curing
• Limited access to professional-grade cabinet paints and finishes
• Potential for prolonged disruption to your kitchen or bathroom space

Professional painters bring expertise, proper equipment, and efficient processes that often justify the investment, especially for projects requiring high-quality, long-lasting results.

Cabinet Painting in the Winter

Winter cabinet painting is not only possible but can be helpful when done correctly. The key to success lies in choosing a professional painting company that understands the importance of controlled environments and uses high-quality materials and techniques.

By choosing a reputable painting company, like Brush & Roll Painting, you can transform your outdated cabinets into a beautiful, durable new finish, regardless of the season. Our climate-controlled shop and over 28 years of experience ensure that your cabinet painting project will give you excellent results that stand the test of time.

If you're ready to transform your kitchen with freshly painted cabinets, even during winter, we invite you to take the next step. Click the "Get a Quote" button below to discuss your project with our team. Let us help you achieve the kitchen transformation you deserve, with results that will last many years to come.

A great winter cabinet painting project comes down to the painter doing the work. While searching for a painter in Omaha for your project, be prepared with a free guide to hiring a painter. Click the button below to learn how to research painters, compare quotes, and choose the best one for your project.