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DIY Cabinet Painting vs Hiring a Painter

May 10th, 2024 | 4 min read

By Kaylea Kuhlman

Kitchen with brown toned cabinets, golden floors, and stainless steel appliances.

The thought of spending hours on preparation, purchasing supplies, and hoping for satisfactory results for cabinet painting can be overwhelming. And the cost of hiring a professional to paint your cabinets may be out of your budget. So which one should you choose?

At Brush & Roll Painting, we understand the complexities of cabinet painting and the unique challenges it presents. With nearly three decades of experience serving homeowners in Omaha, NE, we have honed our craft and perfected our process to deliver exceptional results every time. Our team of skilled professionals is trained to handle all aspects of cabinet painting, from surface preparation to our 9-year warranty touch-up process, ensuring a flawless finish that transforms your kitchen into the heart of your home.

In this article, we'll compare the cost, quality, and time of DIY cabinet painting and hiring a professional, empowering you to make an informed decision that suits your budget, timeline, and desired outcome. Whether you choose to tackle the project yourself or enlist the expertise of a professional, our goal is to help you achieve a stunning transformation that enhances the beauty and functionality of your home.

Cost of DIY vs. Professional Cabinet Painting

Painting company spraying cabinet door white in shop.When considering painting your kitchen cabinets, one of the first factors that comes to your mind is likely the cost. DIY cabinet painting is often awarded as the more budget-friendly option, many people assume they can save money by purchasing their own paint and supplies. However, the true cost of DIY goes beyond the initial investment in materials.

With DIY painting, you'll need to factor in the cost of tools such as brushes, rollers, sandpaper, and masking tape, as well as primers and paints. Also, if you make any mistakes or encounter unforeseen issues during the process, you may end up spending more money on corrective measures or even having to hire a professional to fix the errors.

For DIY cabinet painting in Omaha, you can expect to pay about $350 to $500, depending on which products you choose to purchase.

On the other hand, hiring a professional cabinet painting company may seem like a larger upfront expense, but it can actually save you money in the long run. Many professional cabinet painters already have their tried and true necessary materials and equipment, eliminating the need for you to purchase anything yourself. 

If you hire an experienced cabinet painter, they can ensure efficient and precise work, minimizing the risk of costly mistakes or redoing the project. Cabinet painters should also include a warranty, eliminating any future touch-ups for you, for the life of your warranty.

To hire a professional cabinet painting company to paint cabinets in an average sized kitchen, you can expect to pay $6,000 to $9,000 in Omaha, NE.

Quality and Durability of DIY vs. Professional Cabinet Painting

Kitchen with off white cream painted cabinets.

Another crucial aspect to consider when deciding between DIY cabinet painting and hiring a professional is the quality and durability of the finished product. While you may have the skills and motivation to tackle the project yourself, achieving professional-quality results can be challenging without years of proper training and experience.

If your cabinets are already in good condition, DIY painting could devalue them.

DIY cabinet painting often results in uneven finishes, streaks, drips, and other imperfections that detract from the overall appearance of the cabinets. Without the appropriate preparation and application techniques, DIY paint jobs are more susceptible to chipping, peeling, and wear over time, requiring frequent touch-ups or complete repainting.

In contrast, many professional painters have had extensive training and follow thorough processes to ensure a flawless finish that stands the test of time. However, this will vary from painter to painter. Many contractors in Omaha will use cheap products and do minimal prep work. So it’s crucial that you are confident when you make the decision on which one is best for your project.

A quality painting company will utilize high-quality paints, primers, and sealants specifically designed for cabinets, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and durability of the final product. With their attention to detail and commitment to excellence, you can trust that your newly painted cabinets will look stunning and withstand daily use for years to come.

Time of DIY vs. Professional Cabinet Painting

Cabinet painter cleaning golden oak cabinet door before painting.

Time is a precious commodity, and the convenience of completing a home improvement project on time is a significant consideration for many homeowners. DIY cabinet painting may seem like a manageable task at first, but the reality is that it can quickly become a time-consuming and labor-intensive endeavor. For most projects, DIY cabinet painting can take 3-4 weeks to complete, depending on your schedule.

From removing cabinet doors and hardware to cleaning, sanding, priming, painting, and reinstalling everything, DIY painting requires a substantial investment of time and effort. Moreover, if you have limited experience or encounter unexpected challenges along the way, the project timeline can stretch indefinitely, causing frustration and delaying the enjoyment of your newly renovated kitchen.

Hiring a professional painting company streamlines the process and allows you to reclaim your time and sometimes- your sanity. Your painting company should handle every aspect of the project from start to finish, minimizing disruption to your daily routine and ensuring efficient completion within the agreed-upon timeframe. 

As a homeowner looking to improve your home, you deserve to be delivered outstanding results with minimal hassle, allowing you to sit back, relax, and admire your transformed kitchen without the stress and uncertainty of DIY if you are not comfortable doing it.

In terms of convenience and time-saving, the expertise and efficiency of professional painters offer a hassle-free solution that maximizes your enjoyment and satisfaction with the renovation process.

Should You Paint Your Cabinets or Hire a Cabinet Painter?

As you weigh the pros and cons of DIY cabinet painting versus hiring a professional, it's essential to consider your individual preferences, priorities, and resources. While DIY may seem appealing for its potential cost savings and sense of accomplishment, it requires a significant investment of time, effort, and skill, with no guarantee of satisfactory results.

On the other hand, hiring a professional painting company like Brush & Roll Painting offers numerous benefits, including decades of expertise, quality assurance, convenience, and time-saving. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term value and peace of mind provided by professional painters may outweigh the initial investment.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your budget, timeline, and desired outcome. If you're willing to invest in professional expertise and craftsmanship, you can trust that your kitchen cabinets will be transformed into a stunning focal point that enhances the beauty and functionality of your home for years to come.

Whether you decide to paint your cabinets yourself or hire a professional painter, it’s important that you are confident in each phase of the project, so that you get the results you will love. Download your cabinet project checklist to mark off each step of the project.

Get Your Cabinet Project Checklist

Kaylea Kuhlman

Kaylea is the Brush & Roll Painting Content Manager.